The Girl in The Butterfly Gown Of Jolly Rogers and the Kraken
Current Affairs What was school like in the 80s, compared to now? TheShiftingStatus andSilhouette ofwomen
How the 80s Changed Television Fashion of the 80s
The Life on Stage and TV in the 80s Fashion in the 80s
If CHS Existed in the 1980s
Popular Media in the 80s
Tech Differences
The Birth of the Internet: How the 80s Changed the World
The Discovery of the Ozone Hole: A New Wake Up Call for the Planet
80s Food Iconic 80s Playlist
The History of Pac-Man
Fun Facts About the Olden Ages
The Golden Age of Sports
A Tale that was Never Told On 80s Nostalgia Guest Articles Ferns Folly: Magical Marionette Maker Mackenzie’s Dollhouse: Whimsical Doll Maker
What was School Like in the 80s Compared to Now? Is AI Becoming a Problem in this Generation? The Shifting Status and Silhouette of Women
Have you had parents or grandparents ever mention what television was like ‘back then?’ Well, get ready to step back into the 1980s, a time when television was bold, exciting, and bringing people together like never before. This article will talk you through the shows everyone was putting on after dinner - from fun quiz programmes to must-watch entertainment, while also exploring how 24-hour news, live sports and children TV began to change. Hopefully by the end, you’ll see how the 80s didn’t just entertain audiences: it completely transformed television into what we know today!
In the 1980s, popular TV shows included a mix of quiz shows, informative programmes, and entertainment that appealed to wide audiences. Quiz shows like Blockbuster became very popular, especially with students, as contestants answered questions to win prizes. Informative shows such as Tomorrow's World also played an important role, teaching viewers about new inventions and future ideas in an interesting way.
Entertainment programmes were
How the 80s
Written by Uphaar Kaur-Khangura and Anya Coren
This meant millions of people would often watch the same shows at the same time, making them a big part of popular culture.
Also in this time, news developed quickly because of new technology
Research into media history shows that more households owned televisions during this decade, so TV news became more popular than
Changed Television
Illustrated by Alina Litvinova
Furthermore, with live events gaining huge popularity, the volume of sporting events broadcast in the
For viewers, it was still a new and thrilling experience to witness live sport via television. This helped to create a different (and slightly more tense) atmosphere to many sporting events. Still, there were complications to televising sport, such as the lack of a scoreboard on
Thelifeonstage The life on stage andTVinthe‘80s and TV in the ‘80s
The 80s were awesome years of innovation, technology, style, music and many more things.
But right now, I’m not talking about any of that, so how about we jump into what as on TVs and stages in the 80s!
A lot of quite famous tv shows started in the 80s but the best example would for sure be “The Simpsons” while still going at season 40, the first ever full-length episode of our beloved yellow family was released the seventeenth of December 1989.
WrittenbyMariaGilman
Written by Maria Gilman
But “The Simpsons” were released in the very late 80s, so how about we look into a famous show that was released in the mid 80s.
“Who’s the boss?” was released the twentieth of September 1984, ending April twenty-fifth, 1992. This show was enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
Now let's see what beautiful things were on the stage in the 80s.
A whole lot of different performances came to us in the 80s, but the ones I would like to talk about would be the two musicals that popped off the most, so let's go ahead and talk about the musical “Starlight Express” alongside
“Starlight Express” was first performed March 27th, 1984, telling a beautiful story about an oldfashioned train competing with newer models. A thing that most viewers remember about it is that the actors performed on roller skates!
“Cats” was first seen on the 11th of May 1981, showing the viewers a tribe of cats with their leader deciding who will ascend to the Heaviside layer and be reborn.
These were just some of the beautiful shows and performances that started in the 80’s. If I were to talk about all of them then the whole issue would probably be occupied by this, because the 80s were for sure a very big rise of
Written by Pandora French
There were a whole variety of different fashion trends in the 80s. The decade was synonymous with a bold, powerful and ‘big is better’ philosophy. Hair was big, colours were bright, accessories were chunky, patterns were vibrant andeyeshadowwasshimmeringandshiny.
Below are some of the main trends that were mainstreamduringthedecade.
What’s particularly interesting is how many of thesetrendshavealreadyhadacomebackor are reemerging and becoming popular again intoday’sfashion.
Shoulder Pads
The 80s was all about empowerment and power dressing – suits, jackets, dresses and even jumpers had shoulder pads built into them, giving the wearer a broad powerful top line, before cinching in around the waist. Inspiration came from the TV programmes of the time, such as Dynasty and Dallas, which were synonymous with strong female characters.
Puffball Skirts / Dresses
Skirtsanddresseswithpuffballswerebiginthe80s – the voluminous hemline created a puffball or bubble look on the wearer. After disappearing for some years, in the early 2000’s the puffball rose in popularityagain!
Neon Colours
Bright, in your face neon colours were used in every dayoutfitsinthe80s.
Leg Warmers & Athletic Clothes
Aerobics was ‘the’ exercise in the 80s and the clothing moved from in the dance studio into the mainstream. MovieslikeFameandFlashdanceopenedupthetrendfor leg warmers. Often neon coloured and styled with leggings, leotards and slouchy tops or oversized jumpers, leg warmers were commonplace. Spandex (or Lycra as weknowittoday),ofteninbrightcolourswaseverywhere! Not so different from today, where lots of people wear yogaandpilatesinspiredoutfitsoutsideofthegym
Leather Jackets
Forbothsexes,theleatherjacketwasastapleinthe 80s – it was worn with everything jeans, dresses, and even with suit trousers. Jackets came in many different styles; cropped, fitted, oversized and even deckedwithstuds!
Acid-wash jeans
Denimmovedfromthetraditionalbluetoamore bleached look. The distressed tie-dye effect jeanswereamuchmorecommonsightthanthe mainstreamblue.
Bodycon Dresses
Tight, form fitting bodycon dresses were popular – again reflecting the dramatic and powerfulattitudeofthetime.
Graphic Tees
A very common sight in the 80s, graphic tees take their inspiration from pop culture references,ofteninneoncolours.
So whilst its apparent that each decade has its own fashion trends, it seems like the trends of the 80s were widespread and became a nationwide phenomenon; whereas today, fashion tends to be more ‘pick and mix’. Instead of sticking to one trend, people tend to incorporate different styles and put them together with more of their own unique flair. Much of 80’s fashion was led by the popular TV programmes and movies of the decade; whereas today it’s more common to take fashion inspiration fromtrendsonTikTokorInstagram.
Whilsttodaysfashiontrendsmightbeamoremuted version of those of the 80s, what is very apparent is that the clothes that we are wearing today are in many ways a remix of those trends, which in turn wereamixofthetrendsfromthedecadesbefore.
If CHS existed in the 1980s…
Written by Dr Hudspith
I was watching Stranger Things when I found out that this edition of The Cambridge Collective was all about the 1980s. Seeing Hawkins High School on my TV, with its denim jackets and buzzing arcades really made me wonder: what would CHS have been like in that decade? I know what you are all thinking - it was a little before my time, but I could not resist doing a little bit of research and imagining.
If CHS had been online in the 1980s, our students would have been perched in front of clunky desktop computers, their modems screeching and whirring as they struggled to connect. Floppy disks would have been stacked unsteadily next to VHS recordings of lessons, while handwritten notes would have filled every available space on the desk. Bedroom walls would be plastered with posters of Madonna and Michael Jackson. Lunch times would have meant grabbing a Pop-Tart from the kitchen, all the while trying to rewind the VHS lesson before it inevitably skipped. On your already crowded desk would sit a beautiful, glowing lava-lamp, casually sitting next to your unfinished Rubik’s cube.
The World Wide Web would not exist until Tim Berners-Lee invented it in 1989, so while universities and businesses were starting to experiment with online networks, most ‘internet’ connections were slow and alien to school life. And to think I complain about my Wi-Fi now…
Illustrated by Alia Barry
Research was a very slow process, relying on textbooks and encyclopaedias rather than Google or Youtube. And let’s not forget about extra-curricular clubs! Students would be watching VHS copies of E.T. or Back to the Future for Film Club, submitting their reviews on a floppy disk. Think Big debaters would have relied on handwritten notes and trips to the local library for reference material. For our creative students, Art Club in the 1980s was all about getting your hands dirty. Sketchbooks, paints, pastels, clay and charcoal were the tools of the trade. No screens, no filters, just paper, paint and lots and lots of patience.
It was more than likely that your classes would have been conducted via pre-recorded tapes or phone calls, rather than live video. I can just imagine Mr Boylan firing up his overhead projector rather than sharing his screen, ready to teach about the wonders of Coca-Cola’s advertising or McDonald’s franchising operations. You can forget about breakout rooms, unless you happened to travel halfway around the world to share a single phone line with one of your classmates.
I can totally see Miss Luckhurst rocking a perm whilst teaching Macbeth, or Mr and Mrs Graham wearing matching neon headbands and leg warmers. Mr Gazard would be rocking out to Duran Duran’s Rio, drumming his fingers on his desk to the beat and I have no doubt that Ms Dove would be decked out in scrunchies, fingerless gloves and oversized shoulder pads.
PopularMediainthe s
WrittenandillustrartedbyAliaBarry
The Shaping of Music
You have probably heard your parent’ s or other people you know that were born before or during the 80s say that it was the golden age of music. Well, they aren’t completely wrong. During the 80s, multiple different genres of music's popularity skyrocketed!
Some of the most popular genres during that time were:
Synth-pop
Dance pop
Glam metal
Pop rock
During the 80s, a lot of new singers that soon became globally known stars also rose you might even know some of them! Some of the most popular singers at the time were Michael Jackson, Madonna, David Bowie, Prince, and many more. Their music was monumental to building the current vast genres of music.
The Adored Television
The 80s was a period when TV channels started growing and soaring into the vast sky of media. One reason why television was such an important part of media history would be because of the 80s unravelling cable channels such as CNN, MTV and ESPN being launched. However, it was not only cable channels that made television such an important part of the 80s, but it was also sitcoms and dramas like The Golden Girls and Miami vice! All these factors added together made the 80s a prime time for television, as cable channels and sitcoms changed how the world consumed entertainment for the better.
Things like VHS tapes and Blockbusters also helped with this development!
The Foundation of Gaming
Have you ever played Pac-Man? Or perhaps you have a Nintendo? Well, if you do, then know you’re playing something that is a huge shoutout to the 80s!
The 80s singlehandedly revolutionised gaming! If you don’t believe me, then let's check through the dates. Pac-Man was created in 1980 and became an international hit, portable Game Boys were released in 1989, making everyone who loved video games life easier, and the first Nintendo consol home consol was sent out to the world in 1983!
So, when you think about it, everything you see in gaming today somehow comes from the 80s in some way shape or form.
The Rise of Comics
Do you have a favourite superhero? Or perhaps you like Star Wars! In any case, if you like comics then you surely must know that the 80s were a key period in building up the comics you read and love today. If you don’t, then allow me to explain. During the 80s, some of the best and most celebrated comics of all time were published! Including, but not limited to, Frank Miller’ s ‘Batman: The Dark Knight Returns’ and The Amazing SpiderMan which featured Spiderman’s famous black suit in issue #252.
However, it was not only the well-known comics who made people begin to love comics, it was also the sudden rise of comic bookstores. Instead of scouting comics out and having a hard time finding them sometimes, comic bookstores started popping up increasingly so that people could go into one, get what they wanted, and leave. Comic bookstores were also widely loved
Written by Uphaar Kaur Khangura
Illustrated by Sofia Malmberg
Imagine a world with no Wi-Fi, no social media, no online games, no messaging, and no CHS! Sounds impossible today, right? But just a few decades ago, the internet didn’t exist the way we know it now. So how did something that started as small as an experiment grow into a huge global network, we rely on every day? The answer begins in the 1980s; this was a decade that quietly sparked a technological revolution.
To understand the internet's birth, we need to re-wind back to 1969. In this year a network called ARPANET connected a few computers at universities in the USA. It was funded by the U.S. Department of Defence and designed so researchers could share information and be able to communicate quickly. The very first message sent between two computers was supported to be the word ‘LOGIN.’ But instead, the system crashed after the first two letters and instead sent “LO.’ So, even the internet had a very rough start to begin! But the real turning point for the internet came in the 1980s.
On January 1st, 1983, something HUGE happened in the world of tech. ARPANET switched to a new communication system, called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol).
And yes, this does sound complicated, but there was a very simple idea: it allowed different computer networks to talk to each other using the same language.
So, think of it just like this - people from different countries learn the same universal language. Communication would 100% be easier. That’s exactly what TCP/IP did for the computers: it essentially created a ‘internetwork,’ which did then eventually become known as the internet!
And within such a small amount of time, universities and research centres across the world started connecting to these networks. More than 100 institutions were using the system within a year of the switch! And once computers could connect so easily, the network began expanding rapidly. In 1986, the NSFNET (National Science Foundation Network) was created to
Just think about that! How could something that started with only a few computers suddenly connect tens of thousands of networks?
And this answer is simple - people suddenly realised how powerful global communication could be!!
In the 1980s, the internet was mostly used by scientists, universities and engineers. Ordinary people had never heard of it. There were no websites and no streaming videos, although the foundations were already being built. The technology created during that decade especially TCP/IP and large academic networks made it possible for the internet to expand worldwide. Without these innovations, the modern digital work simply wouldn’t exist.
So, the next time you send a message, watch a video or search something online, remember that the quiet
The Discovery of the Ozone Hole: A The Discovery of the Ozone Hole: A The Discovery of the Ozone Hole: A New Wake Up Call for the Planet! New Wake Up Call for the
Written by Uphaar Kaur Khangura
Imagine stepping outside on a sunny day and realising that the sky is no longer protecting you. What is the invisible shield that protects Earth from harmful radiation suddenly began disappearing? Well, in the 1980s, scientists discovered that this frightening idea was becoming reality.
In 1985, a group of scientists working with the British Antarctic Survey made a shocking discovery while studying the atmosphere above Antarctica. They found that the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sum, had become dramatically thinner. This thinning became known as the Ozone Hole.
But what exactly is this ozone layer?
Higher above Earth’s surface, in the stratosphere there is a thin layer of gas called ozone. This layer works like a giant sunscreen for the planet, so it absorbs most of sun’s harmful radiation. Without it, humans could risk high changes of skin and eye damage, and it would be harmful for crops and ecosystems.
So why was this protective layer disappearing??
Well, scientists soon discovered that certain chemical calls CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) were largely responsible for this. These specific chemicals were used in fridges, air conditioners and sprays in the 29th century.
When released into the air, CFCs slowly rise into the upper atmosphere. Then, sunlight breaks them apart, which releases chlorine that destroy ozone molecules. Even a single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules before it stops reacting. This therefore meant that even small amount of these chemicals could cause serious damage to the atmosphere. The discovery shocked the world. Government, scientists and environmental groups realised
Illustrated by Alia Barry
Today, scientists have more encouraging news: the ozone layer is slowly recovering. Research suggests that if current protection remain in place, the ozone layer could return to near normal level by the middle of the 21st century.
The discovery of the ozone hole was a powerful reminder of how human activity can affect the planet so much. But when as a world we recognise a problem and work together, change is very possible.
Written by Kirsty Tyrrell
Illustrated by Natasha Tatham
Breakfast
There is no better way to start the day than with a delicious breakfast. In the 1980s, there was a boom in the popularity of cereals. Sugary and artificial cereals, with vibrant packaging that often featured cartoon characters became common in this decade. The most popular brands in the UK were: Crunchy Nut Cornflakes, Coco pops, Frosties Golden Nuggets, Sugar Puffs and Shredded Wheat. The winning combination was delicious taste with fun themes.
Lunch
Snacks
If you aren’t full with all that cereal, lunchtime is the perfect time to re-fuel on some 80s classics. Lunch in the UK featured iconic convenience foods such as pot noodle, beans on toast (popular even today), sausage rolls and cheese and pineapple hedgehogs. The 80s lunch menu was full of playful and original food – this decade deserves a prize for creativity. Alphabites (letter shaped potatoes) were launched in the mid 1980s and were loved by both children and adults. After a successful launch in the US in 1979, the McDonald’s happy meal came to the UK in 1986! It continues to be one of McDonald’s bestsellers. As for school lunches, lunch trays often featured sausage and mash, pasta (ravioli, lasagna), fish fingers, chicken nuggets, and chocolate cake with chocolate custard. You might be wondering where the “healthy school dinner” idea was.
In the UK, snacks in the 80s had very eye catching and colourful packaging. Wham Bars are a retro chewy sweet that were introduced in the 80s and are still available. The delicious Wispa chocolate bar was launched in 1981 and is still a much-loved treat. Marathon bars, a chocolate bar with peanut, caramel and nougat were rebranded to the famous Snickers in 1990. If you want something savoury, try something from the wide selection of crisps that were found everywhere in this era. Monster Munch, Nik Naks, Hula Hoops, Discos, and Space Raiders were some of the most soughtafter brands.
better than… more food! In the UK, the 80s saw a rise in dinner party trends like prawn cocktail and chicken Kiev. Comforting classics included shepherd’s pie, mince and mash, quiche, and toad in the hole. The dominant dinner takeaway was Fish and Chips, an English staple.
‘80S
Iconic ‘80s Playlist
Written by Xanthe Trim and Claire Enriquez Graphics by Bo Burnham
Billie Jean, by Michael Jackson Psycho Killer, by Talking Heads Don't You (Forget About Me), by Simple Minds Tainted Love, by Soft Cell Edge of Seventeen, by Stevie Nicks Fame, by Irene Cara Cruel Summer, by Bananarama Father Figure, by George Michael The Winner Takes It All, by ABBA Everywhere, by Fleetwood Mac Smalltown Boy, by Bronski Beat Running Up That Hill, by Kate Bush Forever Young, by Alphaville
All That She Wants, by Ace of Base Careless Whisper, by George Michael Gypsy, by Fleetwood Mac I Was Made for Lovin' You, by KISS Just Can't Get Enough, by Depeche Mode Jessie's Girl, by Rick Springfield Highway to Hell, by AC/DC
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), by Eurythmics Everybody Wants to Rule the World, by Tears for Fears
https://shorturl.at/4qO4x
We Are Family, by Sister Sledge
Walking on Sunshine, by Katrina & The Waves
Maniac (from Flashdance), by Michael Sembello
I Wanna Dance with Somebody, by Whitney Houston
Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight), by ABBA
Girls Just Want to Have Fun, by Cyndi Lauper
Staying Alive, by The Bee Gees
Walk Like an Egyptian, by The Bangles
Brother Louie, by Modern Talking
Love Shack, by The B-52's Hot Stuff, by Donna Summer
Karma Chameleon, by Culture Club
Down Under, by Men At Work
Break My Stride, by Matthew Wilder
A tale that was never told
Written by Isabella Misra
Illustrated by Alina Litvinova
Modern Tap Dance….travels to the 1800s?
A riveting fusion of history and art, a celebration of the depths to which feminine empowerment has dared venture, a showcase of an authentic passion of talent, cultivated and flourishing in the tap community at Rachel Reynolds School of Dance.
The birth of an idea
To be performed at the annual Rachel Reynolds Summer Showcase 2026, the theme and foundational idea of the number was first revealed within the icy tendrils of January, our first class back from the Christmas break.
Following a vigorous, dynamic warm up, we gathered in a lively clump on
It is a tale of what could have been: If queens had possessed the assertiveness to stand up for the feminine voice; if kings had had the morale to tame their boisterous greed.
This number succeeds in capturing and showcasing a justice that parts of the world still struggle to seek now. That the right response to sexist disrespect is education, not submission. That the right response to masculine dominance is dispute, not acceptance.
It is a tale of what should be and a reminder of what was. Whilst the number is an inspiring fabrication of what if, a euchronia portrayed through percussive art, it serves as a reminder of our existent history. The functions used to be transposed, and with that knowledge comes power. History has so clearly displayed to us the errors the human race has made when interacting with the heterozygous sex, a reversed paradox Melissa has so adroitly delineated. Subsequently, as a race we can evolve from our injustices, transforming our world into a haven for all, regardless of your sex.
This familial movement is demonstrated in this number. It is a collaboration of people of different races, genders, backgrounds, dancing together to convey a truth so authentic and pure.
This is the embodiment, the pure ardent encompassment of art; a captivating fusion of talent and passion, entertainment and education.
This is the tale of women's history that was never told.
On 80s Nostalgia
Written by Nathan Fischman
The 1980s hold a strange place in many people’s minds. Most of us won't have experienced the time firsthand, yet many feel a strong sense of nostalgia for the decade. This paradox is known as anemoia, or “nostalgia for a time or place one has never experienced.” When considering this phenomenon questions begin to arise: why the 80s? What makes the decade so captivating? What does this nostalgia imply about our society? These are the questions I have attempted to explore.
In recent years, the cultural zeitgeist has drifted towards “retro,” or rather, “non-digital” technology. In 2006, the Recording Industry Association of America reported vinyl record sales to be at less than one million, whereas 2025 saw nearly 50 million sold in America alone, making up around 10% of the industry’s total revenue. Music itself has begun to look backwards. Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” reached No. 1 on the UK’s singles chart in 2022, an astounding 37 years after the song’s release. Additionally, pop music made in recent years has begun to take increasing amounts of inspiration from sounds specific to the 80s (see Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, etc.). Outside of the music industry, TV shows like “Stranger Things” are also representative of this nostalgia; clothing trends too, with vintage items being some of the most sought after. All this is to say that culture has, in recent years, been drifting towards more “retro,” and therefore, 80s aesthetics.
I do not, however, mean to say that all of modern culture has been taken from the 80s, but I do believe it can be established that a significant portion of our culture has been influenced by the decade, and I think the implications of this movement should be closely examined.
Recent generations have grown up in environments heavily saturated by digital technology. Clunky desktop computers gave way to laptops; landlines became cell phones which themselves became smartphones; TVs started to be reliant on the internet and streaming movies became commonplace. All this occurred over the course of just twenty years. Now, digitalization has permeated almost every aspect of our lives, yet, popular culture continues to look towards the technologies and aesthetics of the past. This analogue nostalgia may represent that many have become increasingly overstimulated by digitalization, leading to a rejection of the automation and depersonalization it brings. This rejection is almost definitely never all encompassing (as it is likely fact that most who listen to vinyl still use streaming services daily) but the dissatisfaction it represents has interesting implications for our society.
We, undoubtedly, live in extraordinary times; technological and by extension cultural change now occur at an unprecedented pace. Things said to be nearimpossible five years ago are now commonplace (mRNA vaccines, AI, etc.) and yet, discontent continues to grow. Evidently, a culture which looks towards the past is representative of a present that struggles to imagine its future; although uncertainty may not inherently be a negative thing, it still can be said that our future is unpredictable. A society unsure of its future inevitably leads to widespread anxieties. The phenomenon of 80s anemoia can then be directly linked to this “exponential age” and said anxieties, as it makes sense for a culture lacking cohesion and predictability to look towards a time with an easily identifiable aesthetic. Of course, the 80s themselves lacked cultural cohesion (though not to the modern degree); it must be remembered that the nostalgia for the decade builds an idealized image of the time.
Now, it’s time we return to a question I’ve yet to answer: why the 80s? Digitalization certainly plays a role in making the decade appealing, as it is the last before technological and cultural developments began to extremely accelerate. Combined with the fact that music and art had gone through significant, well received, change, it makes sense that the 80s would remain at the forefront of people’s minds. An article published on August 11th, 1994, in the Washington Post already began commenting on certain aspects of 80s nostalgia, showing just how
discomfort with the speed and depersonalization of modern life. Whether this nostalgia is healthy or escapist, it undeniably reflects a society searching for stability.
‘80S
Interview by Bo Burnham
I had the incredible privilege of interviewing an artist that I have admired for a while. She creates the most whimsical Marionettes I have ever seen. They look like beautiful pieces of jewellery.
Interview
Firstly, thank you so so much for taking the time to respond to me and be willing to let me interview you!
What is your name?
My name is Fern!
What is your business name?
My business name is ferns.folly, which is an evolution of an old doll Instagram page I had.
What is your age?
Where do you live now?
Still at home, in the bay! I am lucky enough to stay with my family, since the cost of living is so high around here.
I’m 26 as of a couple weeks ago!
Where are you from (Background)?
I was born in Los Angeles, California but have lived my entire life in the Bay Area.
Where did you study?
I went to college in Oregon and got my bachelor's degree in photojournalism. It was a lot of fun! I’ll be going back to school to get my master's in clinical psychology in the
When did you start your journey as an artist?
When I was 13 years old, I stumbled across a YouTube video of a polymer clay artist showing off her charm collection. I was immediately obsessed and watched probably every single polymer clay charm collection video that existed and then begged my mom to get me clay from the store.
Did you always want to be an artist, if not, what changed? Actually, I never wanted to sell my art online, nor did I ever really think my art would get attention. I think I was nervous, and I didn’t want to face the possible rejection of posting my art to sell and having it fail. When I made and posted my first puppet, the video went viral and people were begging me in the comments to sell them. I really had to think about it, and I was still very scared!
What inspired you to become an artist?
As corny as it sounds, I really think that everyone can be an artist if they want to be. I didn’t really start calling myself an “artist” out loud until I started selling my art, which is not something I think is true. I’ve honestly always been an artist, probably.
What influenced your media/style?
Well specifically games like The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask and movies like Coraline show up huge in my work, I think. Lots of weird core media.
When did your puppets evolve to become their incredible whimsical selves?
Actually, not that long ago. My first puppet, Fig, was made in September 2025. I’ve been refining them since, and I’ve made probably 35 or so puppets in the last few months.
What do you hope for the future?
I hope that I can continue to push myself artistically!! Now that I get to create on a more regular basis, I hope that my art improves at a similar rate. I also dream of having my own art studio one day!
Who/what inspires you?
I’m inspired by every artist that chooses to continue to create in the face of AI.
Any other interesting facts about yourself/your art?
I’ve been working with clay for over 10 years now! I do all sorts of craft hobbies though, like sewing plushies, embroidery, glass blowing, pottery, linocut stamps, scrapbooking, upcycling, and pretty much anything else I find on Pinterest. But oven bake clay has been my favourite the whole time.
https://www.instagram.com/ferns.f olly?
igsh=MWdhajZhdHZyYW8zZw==
Interview by Bo Burnham
I had the incredible privilege of interviewing an artist that I have admired for a She creates the most wonderful dolls I have ever seen, filled with charm and
Firstly, thank you so so much for taking the time to respond to me and be willing to let me interview you!
What is your name?
Chloe Winney
What is your business name? Mackenzie's Dollhouse
What is your age? 24 years old
Where are you from (Background)? From Milwaukee Wisconsin
Where do you live now?
I currently live in London
Where did you study?
East 15 Acting School (University of Essex)
When did you start your journey as an artist?
I've done art since I was young and always took art classes though middle and high school but only started taking it seriously less than a year ago, around October of 2025.
Did you always want to be an artist, if not, what changed?
I didn't always want to be an artist; I actually went to university to study acting but started working on my art while auditions were quiet. I guess I've always wanted to do something creative and involving characters. Which is why I enjoy making dolls and building my own original characters! And why I also enjoy acting.
What inspired you to become an artist?
I was inspired to be an artist after getting into a bit of stop motion, I did lots of research into how the puppets were made, and then it kind of took off from there, I started making dolls while waiting for a few parts to come to make a stop motion puppet, and then my videos on social media started taking off. I kind of just went with making dolls and am continuing down that path.
What influenced your media/style?
A lot of stop motion films influenced my style, Coraline and the Little Prince. Specifically, I wanted to try making my dolls mostly out of paper like in the Little Prince film, and I find it a lot easier than working with fabric!
When did your dolls evolve to become their incredible whimsical selves?
I think my dolls always started from a whimsical place; I find it much more fun to design a character that has some kind of fantasy background rather than placed in real life scenarios- it just lets my imagination run wild and think of stories and backgrounds for my characters as well.
What do you hope for the future? Right now, I'm hoping to work on my dolls full time, to start a business and be able to live off it. It's definitely difficult but we are starting to get everything planned and sorted out!
Who/what inspires you?
I'm inspired a lot by some of my own writing. I've taken creative writing classes and some of my dolls are based on my short stories. I find a lot of inspiration though other artists on social media. It's always nice to feel like there is a bit of community
Any other interesting facts about yourself/your art?
I'm not sure if I have any interesting facts to be honest; my sister does end up naming a majority of my dolls that aren't based on already existing characters. I'll send her photos of my dolls and let her come up with all their names, she is very good at finding names that fit the right vibehaha!
https://www.instagram.com/macke nzies.dollhouse/
LAMDA Club: : Finding Our ur
students gathers online for an hour of creativity, confidence-building
students with the opportunity to develop their speaking and performance
One particularly popular activity involved students transforming everyday objects into something entirely different and then convincing the rest of the group of their new purpose. This encouraged quick thinking, imagination and persuasive speaking skills. We have also enjoyed creating characters from unusual prompts and developing short scenes based on unexpected situations.
Students have explored extracts from plays, novels and speeches, experimenting with different ways of delivering the same lines to create contrasting moods and meanings. More recently, we have looked at how professional writers create memorable dialogue and have used this as inspiration for our own performances.
A highlight of the club has been our work on devising original scenes. Students have collaborated to create characters, develop relationships and build dramatic tension before performing their work to the group. These sessions have encouraged creativity, teamwork and confidence in presenting ideas.
LAMDA Club is about much more than performance. Students learn how to communicate clearly, listen carefully to others, think on their feet and express themselves with confidence. Whether they are aspiring actors or simply looking to develop valuable life skills, every member of the club is encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and discover what they can achieve.
The hour always seems to pass remarkably quickly, and it is wonderful to see students growing in confidence week by week. We look forward to welcoming new members and continuing our creative adventures next year.
ModelUnited ModelUnited NationsClub NationsClub
What is MUN?
WrittenbyXantheTrim
WrittenbyXantheTrim
Model UN is a club for anyone looking to expand their debating skills, practise political argument, research, and engage in public speaking. MUN takes those skills and makes them accessible, whilst simulating the exciting situation of being in a UN conference.
What would be your advice for students who want to join MUN?
You don't need to come prepared. Even if you enter with zero speaking skills and little knowledge of research, MUN cultivates these skills in a friendly environment with other students doing the same. We are all learning from each other, so don't be afraid to make mistakes!
Are there any ways to engage with MUN outside of the meetings?
Yes, there are! In Model UN, we have positions of responsibility such as President, Vice President and so on, and you are also encouraged to carry out your own research (be that reading the news, finding articles, etc), and suggest debate topics to start discussions with your peers.
I was born in Worcester, UK and I now live in Bordeaux, France.
Where is your favourite place and why?
My favourite place is anywhere near nature or water. I love forests and coastal areas.
What was your first job?
My first job was as a lifeguard at my local swimming pool.
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I love working with children. I love sharing knowledge and seeing my students do the best they can. I learn just as much from those who I teach as they do from me. It’s a two-way process. No day is the same!
GET TO KNOW
What is an expression/saying you probably use too often?
I probably say, “I’m hungry” or “I’m tired” too often!
If you could be a bird for a day, what bird would you be?
If I could be a bird for a day, I’d be a heron.
What is your hobby/hidden talent?
My hobbies are reading and swimming.
What is one thing that nobody at CHS knows about you?
One thing nobody at CHS knows about me is that I love to sing about mundane things, and I am always making silly songs to sing to my son.
Meet Mrs Pye
Meet Ms Teale
Illustrated by Alina Litvinova
Tea, coffee or ……………….?
First drink of the day is tea and then a coffee – flat white style.
Where were you born and where do you live now?
Born in Cambridge and now I live in Bedford after stints living in London, Mexico City, and Singapore.
Where is your favourite place and why?
Runswick Bay in N. Yorkshire. It’s not too difficult to get to and it’s a beautiful bay - you can find Whitby jet, and there are rock pools! (Remember I’m a biologist)
What was your first job?
I worked in a ladies' clothes shop in my hometown when I was 16 and the owner insisted we hovered around the customers – I hated it!
Why did you become a teacher?
I like young people very much and I love Biology, so it was the perfect combination. I enjoy the creativity in trying to make lessons interesting, relevant and helping students learn.
What subject(s) do you teach?
Biology (I have also taught Chemistry at GCSE)
What is your favourite subject to teach?
My favourite topic in Biology –genetics but I love ecology too.
What is your favourite book?
This is difficult – Written on the body by Jeanette Winterson is essentially a story about love and is beautiful to read.
Do you have pets and if yes, what are their names?
We have some fish. My daughter continually renames them so I couldn’t tell you their names!
What is your pet peeve?
People who are condescending or rude– drives me MAD!
What is an expression/saying you probably use too often?
“it is what it is”
If you could be a bird for a day, what bird would you be?
Albatross
What is your hobby/hidden talent?
Hobby – I have an allotment and I try and grow stuff. I love growing flowers, especially dahlias. My Dad grew dahlias and I always think of him when I look at them. In fact, I still grow dahlias from the tubers he gave me a few years ago, so although he is no longer with us, his gardening legacy is very much alive.
What is one thing that nobody at CHS knows about you?
People at CHS probably don’t know very much at all, but one thing I can share is that I once climbed a snow covered volcano in Chile; it took about six hours to get to the top and then we put on waterproofs and slid on our bums all the way down using an ice axe to steer – 90 minutes of pure exhilaration and fun!
GET TO KNOW
CHS Pre-Prep Updates
Written by Mrs Brusse
The Pre-Prep has been buzzing in Term 2! With 7 children in Year 1 and Year 2 classes respectively, we explore Science, Geography, History, Art together, yet we are in separate classes for English (including Phonics) and Maths. There are also small reading groups and some 1-1 support or stretch sessions enabling us to personalise learning further.
There is a Pre-Prep ECA on offer daily and also extended opportunities to join the Prep School for ECA’s.
With wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, there is a morning check in welcome and a community of kind parents and helpers which has gradually developed. Parents are in class in all lessons and teach alongside us.
Spring is certainly here, and the children have been sharing photos from their home environments and updates on how their seeds we planted are growing.
Highlights of this term have been celebrated through our topics ‘Little Chefs’ and ‘Explorers’.
With our daily Phonics sessions, the children have progressed to gain confidence in Set 2, 3, 4 sounds and reflect on them in their weekly spelling checks.
Using high quality UK texts to inspire reading, writing and enquiry, the children have had opportunities to create zig zag booklets, write recounts, design posters, write their own rhyming poems, diaries and letters. The children have progressed to editing their own work.
In Maths, we have revisited counting, place value, addition and subtraction. Our main focus this term has been counting in groups as multiples and dividing equally including fractions.
With a focus on healthy eating and food group recognition, we have planned meals and cooked together. The children have planned, designed and built models showing creativity and imagination.
Science was a sizzler as the children had opportunities to predict and experiment together exploring density, colour, floating, sinking and little explosions.
Reflecting on the past, the children travelled back in time with the BBC’s ‘Magic Grandad’ and learnt about life was when their grandparents were born.
As well as learning how to read and draw a sketch map in Geography, we have learnt about parts of the UK and what physical and human features there are on our planet. The race to the south pole was uncovered, and we thought about Scott and his men navigating all those many years ago.
In addition, we have a Pre-Prep Assembly celebrating ‘Stars from the Week’ and a few dress up days including ‘World Book Day’.
Year 2 has been focusing on extending their learning in the last couple weeks to support their transition into the Prep School. In additional to independence, we are building organisational online skills. Academically, the children are being stretched that bit more to enable them to make the leap into Level 1 effortlessly.
A Wonderful Year in Prep School. As we reach the end of another successful year in Prep School, it is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the many exciting experiences, achievements, and memorable moments we have shared together.
This year has been filled with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and plenty of fun and laughter. Our
was our celebration of World Book Day. Pupils and staff enjoyed dressing up as their favourite literary characters, sharing stories, and exploring the magical world of books. The day inspired a love of reading and sparked many wonderful discussions about our favourite authors and characters.
Our exciting Mars Day transported pupils beyond Earth as they explored the wonders of space and learned about the Red Planet through engaging activities and cross-curricular projects. The enthusiasm and imagination demonstrated throughout the day were truly impressive.
Prep Schoo
Written by M
ol Updates
Mrs Roberts
We were fortunate to welcome a number of inspiring guest speakers throughout the year. In April, pupils were captivated by an assembly on Antarctic Adventures, where they learned about life in one of the world's most remote and challenging environments. The fascinating stories and photographs encouraged pupils to think about exploration, resilience, and environmental responsibility.
Later in the year, we welcomed a guest speaker who introduced pupils to the exciting world of robotics. This engaging assembly sparked curiosity about technology, engineering, and future careers, inspiring many pupils to ask thoughtful questions and consider how innovation shapes our world
April also brought our much-loved Family Picnic, which provided a wonderful opportunity for families, staff, and pupils to come together and enjoy an afternoon of community spirit, friendship, and fun. It was a joy to see so many families sharing time together and celebrating all that makes our school special..
Beyond these special events, our pupils have benefited from a wide range of clubs and enrichment activities. From the creative challenges of Bake a Story to the exciting world of coding and problem-solving in our Microbit Club, pupils have had countless opportunities to develop new skills, discover new interests, and pursue their passions.
Across the school, project-based learning has encouraged pupils to work collaboratively, think critically, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. Whether conducting research, presenting ideas, creating models, or solving problems together, pupils have demonstrated excellent teamwork and determination.
Most importantly, our classrooms have been filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, kindness, and laughter Every day has brought opportunities for discovery, friendship, and personal growth. We are incredibly proud of all that our pupils have achieved and grateful to our dedicated staff and supportive families who help make our Prep School such a vibrant and nurturing place to learn.
As we look ahead to another exciting year, we celebrate the memories we have made and the many successes we have shared. We wish all our families a wonderful summer and look forward to creating even more special moments together in the year ahead.
It has been another wonderful term for the senior school with lots of exciting things going on! I am delighted give you an insight into what we have been up to.
Opportunities for Housepoints
Pupils took part in the CHS Big Bird Watch where they shared pictures of the birds they found in their garden, the local park, or near their home. Next, there was an opportunity for pupils to share their ‘favourite spot’ as part of Children’s Mental Health Week; the place they feel safe, comfortable and relaxed. Following a truly inspiring assembly from Uphaar, Ms Teale launched a house competition for International Women’s Day. Pupils were asked to ‘strike a pose’ to show their solidarity by cupping their hands in front of them, indicating truth, honesty and openness. I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s pictures and awarding house points to all our contributors.
Extra-Curricular Activities
We have seen an increase in both the number and variety of EC clubs now on offer to our senior school pupils. It is fantastic to see not only staff providing such exciting and beneficial opportunities, but pupils also taking the initiative to lead and contribute to wider school life.
As part of Think Big we had two external speakers deliver thoughtprovoking and passionate talks:
Written by D
Anya (L3): I found Rohana Khattak’s talk on the activism she had participated in so informative and intriguing. The fact that she was only a few years older than me was so inspiring and really got me thinking about ways I could make the most of my time. She had worked very hard to achieve the position she was speaking from. The amount of work that she had put into everything she was telling us about was unbelievable, and it was exactly like listening to a motivational speaker. I really enjoyed it, and I wish her all the best for the future!
Secondly, we welcomed Maddie Thompson, a Sustainability and Climate Change Specialist at MSCI. I enjoyed learning about her travels across Southeast Asia and Australia, as well as her work in the UK Parliament and her research on microplastics.
I have also asked some of our teachers and pupils to share a snippet about the clubs that they have been involved in this term. Mrs Brusse: ‘Grow Your Money’ is an opportunity for students to explore the importance of financial literacy. In a fun, informative way, we give budgeting advice and skills for students to develop a savings mindset.
Teens are brilliantly positioned to save, living at home. It can also be an industrious and creative time to explore different ways of earning money (with parents’ consent of course) inspired by Mark Tilbury (UK self-made millionaire, entrepreneur and educator). Some students opted to design a business plan with the use of AI! Some explored their local communities for opportunities. We look at good financial decisions in different scenarios. Looking at success stories of financial role models, we talk about the stock exchange and how the economy works and is globally connected. Students realised banks are not the most lucrative place to save money in; rather, index funds and medium risk options in shares were explored. We reflected on cryptocurrency and what it is and what it may evolve to be! Lastly, thus far we are debating insurance and whether it is worth paying for it monthly and what to insure!
Crystal (L2): Mrs Brusse's Grow Your Own Money Club is essentially what it is, a club that teaches you ways to grow your money by tracking stocks, risk-taking, money saving, banking. We usually talk about money saving techniques, and every week, we progress to a new level in learning how to manage your money and stay true to your type of lane. It's basically a guide to saving money and how to do it as a teen!
Mrs Hodgskin: The Game Dev Club is up and running — and there’s never been a better time to jump in. The club takes members on a journey through the full world of game development, starting with Scratch, where the basics of game logic click into place without needing any prior experience. From there, the path leads to text-based games in Python, then 2D games with Pygame, and eventually full game engines — the kind used by developers making the games you already love to play. Coding is only part of the story, though. Members also explore storytelling and narrative design, get creative with 2D and 3D modelling, and dig into real discussions about the games industry — how it works, where it’s heading, and what it takes to break into it. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never written a line of code or if you’ve been building games in your bedroom for years. The club is built to grow with you, and new members can jump in at any point.
I want to reiterate what I said in the last edition:
“Make sure to look out for the EC Club weekly timetables next half term. Clubs are a brilliant way to meet pupils from different year groups, try something new, develop skills and, most importantly, have fun!"
Internal Assessments
I wanted to offer a huge congratulations to our senior school pupils for completing their internal assessments in March. This represents weeks of dedication and preparation; I am incredibly proud of the focus and resilience shown by our pupils.
I would also like to recognise our Level 4 and Level 6 pupils, as well as other pupils across the school whose external examinations are fast approaching. It is a busy and highly demanding time to say the least. I wish you the very best of luck in your upcoming exams!
Dr Hudspith
The CHS Meet Up! The CHS Meet Up!
Written by Bo Burnham
During the Easter break CHS held a school meet-up with its students and teachers.
Filled with anticipation to finally meet teachers and classmates I had known for years, I was buzzing with excitement! Held in the heart of Cambridge, it was the perfect location to hold this event; As I walked towards the park, it looked like a gathering of picnics with an array of activities being played, I didn't know where to look first! Luckily my friends bounced over and saved me from flapping about in confusion, haha!
I had organised several little treat bags for everyone and it really helped me to break the ice. I loved chatting with everyone and being able to see them in person. People really do look different outside the screen, even when you've known them for 5 years!
Illustrated by Alina Litvinova
There was a drone hovering around the entire time capturing the day; you could hear its hum whenever it was near, it became a game of mine to try and find where it was coming from. However, it did take some really fun photos of the day which I will include here!
The next CHS meet-up will be held in Hyde Park in London on the 3rd of July.
Hope to see you all there! Please come and say hi!!!!!
What was school like in the 80s, compared to now?
Written and illustrated by Jasmine Ghaly
Introduction
Imagine a classroom with no laptops, no Google, and no smartboards. Instead, there was an intimidating yet nostalgic chalkboard that was the first thing you would see. Every student took notes by hand, from a book. This was school in the 1980s, and it feels drastically different to schools we know now. It was different in all aspects: technology, discipline, student life, and more.
Technology in schools
Today, learning is more tech based, involving laptops and smartboards. Most homework/assignments are done online on platforms like Teams and Google classroom, and notes are taken digitally. However, in the 80s, it was the complete opposite: notes were taken by hand, and there was no
In the 80s, schools, enforced, stricter rules and detention were more frequently used. Punishments hit harder in the 80s because students needed to be orderly and well mannered.
Social life
Today we have social media, which plays a big role in our social lives because you can connect with people all over the world. However, it can be bad as teenagers can get heavily influenced by people, making them jealous and giving them insecurities and mental health issues. It can also distract students. In the 80s, all interactions were face-to-face, and there was no social media back then, which resulted in a simple school life with very few distractions. The key idea is that schools have more distractions because of social
Subjects and opportunities
Today, we have a diverse range of subjects that we can take whether it would be for iGCSE’s or A-levels, e.g. Latin, agriculture, food and nutrition, etc. There is also a lot of sports, activities, and clubs you can partake in, allowing students to explore new hobbies beyond the classroom.
In contrast, the 80s offered more traditional subjects and less extracurriculars. In my opinion, this was bad because students couldn’t explore their interests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the purpose of education has remained the same for decades, but the experience of going to school has changed dramatically since the 80s. Today, schools are more tech-based and focuses more on students’
Introduction
AI- Most of us think of it as a “helper” with schoolwork, daily tasks and many other things, e.g. generating images and videos. Most people use it too much or in the wrong way – so is it doing us more harm than good?
AdvantagesofAI
AI excels at handling monotonous tasks such as coding and putting in data which helps free our schedules to focus on more complex tasks.
AI reduces human error as it performs tasks with extreme accuracy. This helps give us reliable results for things like medical diagnoses, data analysis, and manufacturing.
AI powered drones or robots can aid in performing dangerous tasks in dangerous environments, e.g. deep-sea exploration and bomb disposal.
DisadvantagesofAI
Most AI’s lack emotional intelligence (although you can personalise ChatGPT). This includes characteristics like empathy and creativity, making it somewhat difficult for it to perform creative tasks, such as generating videos because it was designed to be consistent and accurate.
AI is good at performing routine, repetitive, and/or mundane tasks, which is slowly making human roles vanish. This can eventually lead to unemployment due to the lack of labour, eventually leading to economic disruption. An example of this includes chatbots and automated kiosks replacing cashiers in fast food restaurants
AI models require large amounts of data to function effectively, which raises significant privacy concernsamongst users. AI can also be exploited by bad actors to launch complex, potentially irreversible cyberattacks, and can also steal identity.
MyopiniononAI
In my opinion, AI is good only if used in the right way, e.g. help with schoolwork, generating appropriate images, and help with tedious tasks. If it’s used in the wrong way e.g. generating inappropriate images, using it to cheat on exams and assignments (not help), or using it in other bad ways, then it becomes a major concern amongst schools, parents, and governments.
If used frequently, people can become dependent on AI doing simple tasks for them. This is bad as illiterate elementary to high school children don’t want to read because the think “why read the AI can read for me?” (now that’s horrible!!)
Interestingfacts
1.AI has been around since the 1950s
2 AI is helping preserve endangered languages
3.Some AIs can create new art styles
4 AI can detect some diseases earlier than doctors
5 AI generated people are everywhere
Whatdoyouthinkaboutthis?
TheShiftingStatu TheShiftingStatusandSilhouette sandSilhouette of of Women Women Status
What we wear might seem trivial, but as the status of women teeters at a crossroad, the female silhouette becomes a telltale mirror reflecting the times.
If there was a carefree, fun, highhemmed flapper dress in the 1920s lady’s wardrobe, worn to celebrate the freedom and new voice brought by her hard-earnt right to vote, then our gals of the ‘80s strutted out the door each morning in a bold, colour-popping, shoulder-padded power suit and stilettos. More than independence, this was about projecting equality. It was the launchpad for girl power that our mums grew up with. Bolstered by important legal reforms including America’s Equal Pay Act (1963), Japan’s Equal Employment Opportunity Law and rulings from the European Court of Justice for equal treatment and opportunities for women, female participation in the 1980s workplace rocketed. (Glowing neon rockets, that is.) The global gender pay gap narrowed by 8%.
However, not all Equal Rights laws are ratified into reality, so while the gesture may be there, workplace equality for women can remain aspirational in practice. Women continue to be scantily represented at Board level, senior government and parliament. Few countries have nailed equal pay for work of equal value laws: the global pay gap has stalled, and women earn on average 80c: $1 earnt by a man. Moreover, women around the world benefit from fewer than 2/3 of the general ‘legal rights available to men, and the backlash against Diversity, Equity & Inclusion measures, led by an educated elite in certain countries, feels like a century of regression.
Some argue a knock-on effect evident from early primary level, where, compared to the attention given to female participation, male education received less funding, effort and encouragement. Between 1995 & 2018, women’s global representation at university tripled, albeit that we are still underrepresented in sciences, technology, engineering and academic leadership. A history of male-lent favour makes it hard to feel sympathy, but true feminism does mean equality.
Since the 1980s, shoulders have shrunk, but the ‘trousers’ are still there. Women now make up a substantial 40% of the world’s workforce, and there are comparatively more ladies in leadership roles. 100 countries have introduced women-friendly legal reforms this decade, including quotas for political participation and laws to counter domestic violence.
Today’s woman mindfully selects a more comfortable, looser silhouette: something we can work, work out or play in. Something we feel ourselves in. We don’t want to look like the men anymore. Right now, in the face of so much global uncertainty, there’s a need for caution and privacy, coziness, and immediate sensory wellbeing, sustainability. Our clothes reflect this.
Graduation capes and hats are definitely part of today’s wardrobe. Women have now overtaken men in world-wide university enrolmentexceeding male numbers in 74% of countries.
While shoulder pads have been replaced by dark jeans, a comfy silk shirt and sneakers, women are still making significant inroads into the workplace. Female presence has spread far beyond the care-oriented sectors like nursing and teaching into traditionally male fields such as banking, consulting, law and medicine. Remote work has enabled women with home and care responsibilities or lack of geographical access to join in wearing flip-flops. Yet with persistent underrepresentation in technology, AI advancement might still disproportionately disenfranchise women in tomorrow’s job market. Likewise, the reality of climate change, and its hugely disruptive effect on agriculture – a sector heavily represented by women in lowincome countries – could also be devasting.
Socially, digital connectivity via social media has enabled women today, from global north to south, across all sectors, to wear the same teal ribbon or white rose. Global solidarity for and amongst women secured by the ‘Me Too’ movement resulted in new awareness and momentum, improved accountability and some legal reform. How to manage the workplace backlash involving fear and reluctance to employ women, viewing us as potential ‘trouble’ where sexual misconduct is entrenched in work culture, is still playing out and revealing disturbing cultural undercurrents. At the same time, connectivity has opened-up space for online harassment, shaming and deep-faking of women’s bodies for manipulative or profit-making purposes. This contrast of empowerment and exploitation leaves the status of females in flux.
Constrictions are never voluntarily worn. Rather than investing in flexible, enticing new lifestyles for women to try on, tackling the very real politics and economics of falling birth rates, some countries believe that using the force of lawrestricting and removing choice over reproductive rights, enforcing complete body coverage, or restricting access to books and independent curricula - makes for a good look. The insidious rise in ‘Manosphere’ communities and extreme conservatism in politics across continents is darkening every woman’s silhouette. Safety, choice and peace of mind feel threatened. Frighteningly, only 46% of countries offer meaningful consent-based definitions of rape in law at present. It is hard to celebrate the considerable status and equality gains of women knowing so many females still live in fear.
And is there worse to come for women’s status beyond the crossroads? A wardrobe full of red capes? Let’s hope that particular ‘80s silhouette stays firmly on the shelf as fiction.
Interview with Seiji Rathanaworrakan
My name is Seiji Rathanaworrakan and I am 9 years old, my birthday is on June 23rd. I am in Prep 5 and my current teacher is Mrs Barker. I take maths, science, topic and English as well as attending Dino club since I am in charge of running it.
When did you start fencing? I started doing fencing in August 2024.
What made you interested in fencing?
I like fencing because it takes energy, patience and speed. I love to use speed and brute force in my activities too, so fencing is perfect for me
Did you have to make any sacrifices to be able to pursue your sport?
Yes, I did.
Unfortunately, I had to give up my own birthday to go train, which was a very hard step for me.
How much time do you spend training per week or per day?
I do four days of training a week and 1h and 30 mins per session.
What was your latest event and how did it go?
I did do a competition recently, where I had to fight against older kids, like fourteen-year-olds. Overall, it went fine. Some contestants were easier to fight than others.
Do you pursue other hobbies or sports as well?
For my secondary sport, I do football. I also do swimming sometimes too.
For how long have you been at CHS?
I have been in CHS for about 2 years as I joined in Prep 3.
Do you view being part of an online school as an advantage to be able to pursue your sport?
Yes, I definitely find being in an online school beneficial because the flexibility allows me to attend class anywhere I like, so I can travel for fencing competitions, etc.
What are your goals for your future?
My goals are to become a successful fencer and maybe be a palaeontologist one day if I find the time.
School School cake cake
Written and illustrated by Bo Burnham
Serves 12-15
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 45 mins
Here is a classic 80s bake that will get your parents nostalgic about their time at school.
Ingredients
200g Butter softened, plus extra for the tin
200g Caster sugar
4 Large eggs
200g Self-raising flour
50ml Milk
2 tsp Vanilla extract
200g Icing sugar
Sprinkles
1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C.
2. Butter cake tin and line with baking paper.
3. Whisk the butter and sugar in a large bowl until they are pale and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, flour, milk and vanilla mix until smooth.
5. Add mix to your pre lined tin and smooth
6. Bake for 40-45 mins
7. Cool before decorating
8. Mix the icing sugar and water into thick
9. Spread the icing over the cake
10. Now go mad with those sprinkles, as many as you like!
11. Rest for 1 hr for the icing to set.
12. Cut into squares
experienceserve withhotcustard
Tip
Use a skewer to check if you cake is baked. Insert into the centre of the cake. If the skewer comes out clean your cake is baked. If not keep baking, checking every 5 minutes until the skewer comes out clean.
Revision Methods Revision Methods
Written by Maisie Graves
Illustrated By Natasha Tatham
Flashcards can be used effectively when attempting to memorise definitions, dates, quotes and statistics. To optimise your productiveness, ensure you are only writing small snippets of information on each card. Lengthy information is often difficult to memorise and process on a single flashcard as this is likely to be overwhelming. Instead, use short bursts of your time to actively engage with the content recorded on the flashcards. When doing so, you may find it beneficial to write down your answer to the question. Therefore, once the answer is revealed, you will be able to identify the gaps in your knowledge far more easily.
TOP
TIP!
To achieve a successful outcome, it is recommended to use multiple methods of revision, alternating these to avoid fatigue.
While online flashcards can be accessed here, Quizlet provides other useful revision tools too. Quizlet offers its users the opportunity to use practise tests. These can combine multiple choice questions with questions that require longer, written responses to investigate the depth of your knowledge. Practice tests can highlight areas you are less familiar with, prompting you to revise the topics where your memory is weaker. Numerous interactive, revision focused games can also be found on the site, these include ‘blocks’ and ‘match’.
Mind maps are visual diagrams, used to consolidate large chapters into a summary sheet. At the centre of the page, you can write the title of the specific area you would like to focus on. Then, draw branches off this that include vital information you are expected to memorise (without using your notes). After this is completed, write down the material you have missed out in a different colour. Have a break and repeat the task. Your aim is to complete the map with as little absent information as possible. I find this to be a constructive task as I can observe the limitations of my knowledge Summarising is also a highly valuable skill which can be timesaving as you are selecting the most crucial information needed
Illustrated by Sofia Malmberg
In Clothe
Written and Illustrated by Bo Burnham
I must be wearing someone’s clothe A clothe I don’t own It’s not mine I want it to be
Maybe I’m just being silly
But in this herd - or pack I feel like they know I’m different I don’t belong here but if not here then where I’ve earned my place here
I’m a helpful member
I contribute thoughts, I do tasks needed, I help out, I’m friendly But is that too much
That I’m trying to make up for something Do they hate me for it
Am I too loud
Do I not let others have a go
But I know they wouldn’t if I left the space I feel like the nervous stand-in on a show you can tell doesn’t belong
But I was here first Did they expect me to fade out after a while Am I not supposed to be here? ...
Maybe I’m overthinking
But it’s just constantly biting at me
That little thought.
We must all rot We must all rot We must all rot
Written and Illustrated by Bo Burnham Illustrated Burnham
Sprawled out on this bed made for two, it’s just me. This space I shouldn’t occupy. this for two, it’s just me. This space I shouldn’t occupy.
I look up to the ceiling making myself sad for no reason, hypotheticals, morbidity, death, I to the myself sad for no reason, hypotheticals, morbidity, death, I am 8 years old, maybe 9. I comprehended death much earlier yet I hyper fixate. Why? old, 9. I comprehended much earlier yet I hyper fixate. Why? There’s no use in it, it will happen anyway. I can’t prepare for that. There’s no use in it, it will happen anyway. I can’t prepare for that.
Maybe feeling it now means I’ll feel it less later, and in this space where I have the ability to
Maybe feeling it now means I’ll feel it less later, and in this space where I have the ability to feel, to let all of those feelings seep out, maybe I won’t feel like I’m suffocating when they those seep maybe I won’t feel like I’m suffocating when they come back to me next time. next
I have a happy life.
So why does it persist, this darkening. I So why does it persist, this darkening. I am no wine. am no wine.
I don’t want to ferment into I don’t want to ferment into this. this. I
Why should I let this continue on?
Why should I let this continue on?
Maybe I don’t want this don’t want this sadness to stop. I have stop. I a comfort in it. But a comfort in it. But that’s weird, isn’t that’s weird, isn’t it? This it? This should should stop.
I’m going to get I’m some food and go to and to sleep. sleep.
Bright neon lights and big teased hair, With flashy clothes we loved to wear. A Rubik's cube to twist and turn, And arcade games to watch and learn. We played cassettes on our boombox, And wore bright neon coloured socks. We spent our weekends at the mall, And hung new posters on the wall. The movie tapes were VHS, In simpler times of more or less. A decade filled with fun and style, That always makes us look and smile. We wore leg warmers on our feet, And danced to music in the street.
A Walkman clipped onto our hip, While drinking soda, sip by sip. We rewound tapes with yellow pens, And traded stickers with our friends. With denim jackets, acid-washed, And video bugs that never squashed. The video games were 8-bit art, That won a place inside our heart. From Pac-Man to the silver screen, The coolest years we'd ever seen. The roller rinks were packed and loud, With giant afros in the crowd. We laced our skates and hit the floor, Then lined right up to look for more. The neon sneakers laced up tight, We stayed outdoors till starry night. No cell phones rang to call us home, We had the freedom just to roam. We watched cartoons on Saturday, With sugary cereal on display.
The giant box TVs were slow, But lit the room with static glow. From shoulder pads to parachute pants, We took a lot of fashion chances.
An era full of bright romance, That kept us moving in a dance.
Written by Leo Brown Illustrated by Alina Litvinova
The star-gloomy night crept over the sea. Misty, dark, cut-up clouds passed overhead. The waters should have seemed fairly calm, but something was stirring below, like a dark worry in the deep. Only the wind’s eerie howling and the old ship’s creaking planks disturbed the quiet, along with the fractured ripples that licked the boat’s sides.
The blue-black sky, sprinkled with familiar and yet distant and mysterious stars loomed far above, mirrored strangely in the ever shifting depths of the ocean. Jim, the deckhand, was carrying a little cask across the deck. Captain Sweetcorn barely took account; he was considering where his next expedition would take him - and he was out of ideas.
Jim appeared behind him:
‘Ahoy captain, we’d better dock somewhere soon; we’re out of —’
Sweetcorn cut him off.
‘Jim, what shall we find next. Give me ideas,’ he stated bluntly.
‘Well, we could dock at the next port and pick up some —’
‘I don’t want to dock at ports! Give me something better. Give me one of your most interesting, terrifying ideas!’
Sweetcorn was running out of patience - quickly, as usual.
‘Well, we’re in the south-eastern Atlantic. Doesn’t the Kraken live in these waters?’
Jim breathed, almost as if he feared saying the word would summon the beast.
Sweetcorn sighed. Legends. Why these legends? He’d had more than his fair share of them after the time he and his crew had set off to discover the key to Atlantis.* This particular legend was probably why the Jolly Rogers had recently shunned their daily bath in gold and silver.**
‘No thank you, Jim,’ he grunted and then stomped off under deck to see what kind of concoction Pelle the cook had created.
The other pirates were already sitting at table and moaning at a volume which would have impressed a sea lion.
’Dry bread last week, rotten bananas yesterday, and now the most
‘That’s what I was trying to tell you, captain. We’re out of salt!’ Jim had come up behind him.
Sweetcorn sighed. No ideas and tasteless soup - this evening wasn’t going too well. Perhaps he could try the other buccaneers for a good thought.
‘Avast, me hearties! We’ve discovered how to swim in silver and gold**, found the treasure of the North***, and run many rigs,’ he announced.
‘Aye, like the time we discovered the key to Atlantis!’ Pete, the oldest among them, croaked.
Sweetcorn sighed. He had tried to avoid that topic.
‘Anyway, what will we do now?’ he asked.
‘We could find the Kraken!’ Blackchops suggested. The buccaneer scratched at his impressive moustache with a spoon.
‘Do you honestly expect me to think that a massive beast exists and then further that I can tame it with a creaky fiddling tune?’ Sweetcorn roared, ‘and anyway, why would you want to have that thing to command about?’
‘Well, it could take us to Atlantis!’ the table chorused.
Sweetcorn's eyes stabbed the air; his reddened cheeks inflated with angry breath?
Even Blackchops came to the conclusion that it would probably be better to end the discussion.
‘Atlantis was bilge, wasn’t it?’ he grunted to himself.
‘I wouldn’t say so, captain.’
The fright could have made Sweetcorn jump three feet into the air. Jim had slunk up behind him.
‘Jim! Why do you have to do that? Why?’ the captain battered down his comments, ‘why did you have to talk about that Kraken!’
‘You saw it?’ Jim’s face was a blend of excitement and nervousness. The creeping, thin darkness disguised some of the more subtle features of
Jim looked at the captain, terror in his face.
‘Och, it might have been a rock. Let’s hope it’s not punched through the side,’ Sweetcorn’s stuttering words didn’t sound too convincing. Rocks at high sea in these parts of the South-Eastern Atlantic Ocean? That was so unlikely that even Pete wouldn’t have suggested it.
‘Captain, something’s hit us!’ Blackchops stuck his head out of the hatch.
‘I know that!’ Sweetcorn bellowed back, ‘Although couldn’t it be that
- BANG -
A massive clap flashed across the deck and smoke squirted in grey bellows through the gloom. The
‘Help, the Kraken’s got me! Captain, help!’ Jim tried to free his leg, but was already getting tugged over the deck.
What a good crew he had. The thought was unexpected and surprising, but Sweetcorn decided it was time to accept it. Perhaps he did owe his crew a little more
That evening the ship was buzzing with movement. Sweetcorn marched down the stairs. He had quite swiftly retreated to his cabin for a few hours when a few of the Jolly Rogers had decided to take a swim again, upon the condition that Blackchops play his fiddle.
The captain smiled as he slumped down next to Blackchops on the battered bench. He gave a wide grin to the crew. Yes, he was glad indeed to have them with him.
He pulled the bowl of soup over and took a cautious sip. After all, Pelle’s soups did have the tendency to be over-cooked. Then the captain’s eyes lit up.
‘I thought you said we were out of salt?’ Sweetcorn turned to the cook who was dishing out a bowl to Jim. Pelle looked up.
‘Oh, I think we learned something with that Kraken, didn’t we?’
The pirates looked at him in confusion.
The cook shook his head with a grin. 'Sometimes the answer to a question is more straight-forward than it seems! We just have to think straight.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Well, Atlantis’ skies swarm with salt,’ he laughed.
Sweetcorn grinned. With an isolated nod, he chuckled and engulfed himself in the joyful flow of the conversation.
As he was standing on deck later on, the last dancing arms of the sunset stretching over the sea, he agreed that he had a good crew, indeed.
*see ‘Of Jolly Rogers and Atlantis’, CC issue 8
**see ‘Of Jolly Rogers and the Moon’, CC issue 9
***see ‘And they’re back! The Jolly Rogers of Captain Sweetcorn’s crew!’, CC issue 10
You see, but I do not. Or rather, I see you, but I never see myself. No glass must hold my reflection, I must stay away, though the price of vanity is great. I know, and I have spent many an hour mourning it too but today was no time for mourning. It was a day of merriment; of magic you could touch! I had even chosen the dress myself. I did not look at my reflection wearing it, I simply saw it and knew I had to wear that one; it was mine. I had Mary do my hair and face, trusting her abilities. Not that I could see her handiwork, but I trusted her.
Indeed, my trust was well-placed, and I felt beaming pride as I stepped down from my plush carriage and into the snow, heels gliding into the ballroom. The doormen removed my cloak, revealing beneath it my spectacular dress. As I was announced, the crowd emitted a series of gasps, and I let my rouged lips curve into a satisfied little smirk. An elegant collar shaped like butterfly wings dipped into a bodice of dark silk, which gracefully folded into an intricate skirt. The skirt held several pleats of dark fabric, studded by little iridescent stars which sparkled as I walked. The rest of the skirt was a deep blue, covered in black fractures reminiscent of a butterfly wing. I looked amazing, and I knew it.
Written by Xanthe Trim
The man wore a crisp grey suit, a red tie and, perched atop his head, the band nestled into his oiled black hair, was the mask. It was made of cracked pieces of mirror, their edges blurry and catching in the light, creating rainbows. It was of undeniable quality, but that was not what drew my attention. What drew my attention was… me. My face, my own dear face, echoed in the fragments of mirror on this man’s face. I screamed. The sound clashed discordantly with the waltz. Confused partygoers glanced my way. The chair toppled over, sending me sprawling onto the floor in a tumble of skirts. Buzzing filled my ears. I tore off my heels and clutched them
The Girl in the Bu
I descended the marble stairs into the gaping crowd, when a feeling crept up on me, catlike. I suddenly longed to view myself in a glass, to see what it was about me that caused the room such wonder. I wanted to see my face again.
I didn’t want to see my old face, the face of a child, I wanted to see myself now. A waltz captured the attention of the ballroom, and I was left standing in the middle woefully. My heels tapped at the floor dejectedly as I perched gloomily on a velvet chair by the buffet, my eyes dancing with tears.
Then, a young man approached me, and I blinked, my eyes gaining focus once more. ‘Would you like to dance?’ His voice swept huskily across the inside of his mask. His….his mask!
utterfly Gown
Illustrated by Alina Litvinova
I flung open a door and gasped in horror. No, not -
It was a hall of mirrors. My eyes snagged on edges, lights, floors, walls. It started to blur. I collapsed. Someone swept in behind me, and a concerning voice filled my head. It was the mirror-masked man. I could not bear it. I lunged, grabbing the man’s throat, and tore the mask off him. I hurled it across the polished floor, and it shattered prettily into several long, jagged points. As my fingers found a piece of glass, I saw myself in a mirror and paused. My face was tearstained, streaked. My ornate hairstyle had come loose, and strands encircled my
but I could not. It was like pressing against a wall of normal glass. My breathing hitched, as I saw someone approach the glass. They could get me out! But in my panic, I saw that the person on the other side of the glass was me. Me, but without
Ever wondered what your 80’s name is? Look no further than this page! It works by taking each latter of your first name and matching it to the word listed for that letter in the boxes, together, in order, to create your unique ‘80s name!’
A –Airhead
B- Bodacious
C- Chill pill
D- Duh
E- Epic
F- Fantabulous
G- Ghostbusters
H-Stellar
I - Cowbunga
J- Gnarly
K-Sucka
L- Fresh
M- Moonwalk
N- Neato
O- OMG
P- Psych
R- Rad
S- Shred
T- Terminator
U- Wicked
V- Vibes
W- Wannabe
X-Rugged
Your Month Your 80’s song
Created by Kirsty Tyrrell
Illustrated by Alia Barry
January: Take on me – a-ha
February: Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
March: Like a prayer - Madonna
April: Don’t stop believing - Journey
May: Another one bites the dust - Queen
June: La Isla Bonita - Madonna
July: Walking on sunshine - Katrina and the waves
August: Sweet child o’ mine – Guns N’ Roses
September: Livin’ on a prayer – Bon Jovi
October: Time after time – Cyndi Lauper
November: Africa - Toto
December: Do they know it’s Christmas? –band aid
Created by Maria Gilman
Illustrated by Sofia Malmberg
Down:
1. The song where MJ debuted the moowalk
2. The brand ad where while filming MJ's hair caught fire
3. The name of his family band with his five siblings
5. The best selling album of all time
7. The television special where he first preformed the moonwalk
9. The country where MJ was born
10. The black leather boots that he wore
Horizontal:
4. Music video featuring real gang members as extras
5. The movie where MJ acted as a scarecrow
6. The famous dance move MJ was known for
8. MJ's pet chimpanzee
11. The hat style MJ wore
13. ____ criminal
12. It's meant for two hands but he didn't care
‘80s Wordsearch Answers
Created by Natasha Tatham
MichaelJacksonCrossword Answers
Created by Maria Gilman
Illustrated by Sofia Malmberg
Down:
1. The song where MJ debuted the moowalk
2. The brand ad where while filming MJ's hair caught fire
3. The name of his family band with his five siblings
5. The best selling album of all time
7. The television special where he first preformed the moonwalk
9. The country where MJ was born
10. The black leather boots that he wore
Horizontal:
4. Music video featuring real gang members as extras
5. The movie where MJ acted as a scarecrow
6. The famous dance move MJ was known for
8. MJ's pet chimpanzee
11. The hat style MJ wore
13. ____ criminal
12. It's meant for two hands but he didn't care
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