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ere are no ning, and th u wish to know ar le is ng ys of teachi ays say if yo large, ask ne of the jo rs than pupils. I alw e world at he th ac in te r o l, o e man for better th ho f g on in a sc e father o in th o g ed is ll t ca ha w was once . The child good. the children ons, and all of them as re of several t a decade NTH, and wha articles we’ve TE e th is e Prep or so of Mind’s Ey on the 500 s been This edition I look back y author ha n er he ev W ! at en th be t teachers ed ’s an az it li il am ng br d ti wri mbled an and their hu ey th e spirit of am I th at d, th ur publishe : to hono teen, and 17 ir 20 th e f with o nc e si ag to eng e ery year under the ag what hool pupils the call ev sc us ed ep ll er pr te sw d ks an have s them, an simply as ve ch o hi m w at e, in th a subject this magaz rld, choose the real wo d. very. they’ve foun ge of disco such a voya ng ri sp y g ever l for makin me Thank you al just the sa itgeist with ds in ze m e r th ei e th ur elling in av riters capt tr w , rs 60 in so ur re o This year d everywhe eir predeces gusto as th bottom of the sea an insight and e th to space from outer n. me ee tw be pets! This ti the ? And more ts so pe al ut t bu ho spaniel, ep be wit er Pr e ck s Ey co it s e n d’ o th in M of ility to land beasts, What would sweetness le e the silky s athletic ab we celebrat f the cat and the cat’ f scaly over furry litt more o o ck ry ys o ba st jo hi us e y th ng lo ns pa learn about g companio feet. We also n why our freeloadin . y o ap as and the re needed ther h with muchthan enoug imals, out wild an ese pages ab all of them. They th in n er nc be as much co rns out to d Asiatic There is just ose in danger, which tu (twice), maned wolf an hrice). (t a th red pand especially y to sharks is SAVE THE… lot to ing so nast cry this year e are told to stop be g of Jaws fame have a w tigable d er fa lb an de cheetah, by the in ephen Spie ed St d az an am ey ly hl inging back te right Peter Benc ice about br writer is qui tw ne O ks in r. th fo answer another f birds, and n any level. migration o cause it won’t work o be dinosaurs, joys of n about the se/pitch/ ar le e W u. on the men of the cour urse, is also but the star of the girls’ game, Sport, of co ing, and formula one, se ri welcome ate the sh golf and fi ar is cricket. We celebr the park; we cautiously t the ye of e lamen track this cking it out field; and w which left the ht now kno ught to the a, o li br ra s st which is rig ha Au that tech matches in the fairness that curtailed most e rc fa English hes.

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Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

Art and Cult ur how well the e, as always, get an airing slave trade . has been port I never knew, for exampl idea until th is month how e, – sorry, wha rayed in painting, and I ha only a vague t – daft punk d no idea about Hi was. I also ha p Hop and th But now I kn e origins of ow d the panegyrics on . There’s also some fine work on scul double bass. the great Ag pt atha Christie ure and two .

It’s always go od to know ch Vaping and pr ocessed food ildren care about health swimming, da s get a kickin of both kind ncing, the ef s. g, and the virt fect of funn magnetism on ues of wild y noises on th injuries are e brain and of celebrated quite rightly .

This edition al so shines a br We lament th ight light on e facilities in sc deterioration of handwri the health of youth itself ting and the . hools, and w diminution of model, cynica e decry the exploitation art l of toddlers films that pr cosmetic profiteers who who esent girls with impossib target children, cartoo global game n le ideals of platforms, an beauty, addict that has not d the exploita ive yet had a ch ti on of ce le an social media brity talent ce to proces curfews mak e us run gaily s its childhood trauma.

We also go up But th ro ugh fields of in space. Shou wheat. life? Why was ld we fear al the first moo ie ns? Could Eu floor. Why do n landing so es the Maria cool? And do ropa support na Trench cr down? Why is ush things? W wn to the ocean hunting for treasure so hat lives that There’s scienc m uch fun, and far e: the period so profitabl ic table; the neurological e? il ba lusion of tim Vivienne Westw sis of criminality. Fash ion: second-h e; the ood. Politics and shops an : nuclear wea the clowns at d pons, levera Reform UK. W ging identity one travels, e travel to and a pacific isla find out why nd Tr Templar and Friday the Th oy is still on the map, wha to which no irteenth have (who knew?), t the Knights and how to w in common, w in at Monopol hat a conlan g is y.

Do we detect a through thes whiff of peak stuff and tech tirednes e pages? Whe n youth spea s wafting ks, there’s ho pe for us al l.

Anthony Lyon s Editor The King’s Sc hool Canterbury

Design by Co

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Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

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14 Daft Punk

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Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

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s c i t o x E Many cha specie meleon s are endan ge wild, red in the an are c d some lo extin se to ction .

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Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

ies an exotic

Solefield fanc Lawrence Jiang of companion.

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really wanted a pet, but my mum would not buy tongue shoots out. The sticky tip grips the insect, and me one. I begged her again and again. I promised the chameleon draws it back in. Much more engaging I would feed it and take full responsibility. I told than watching a cat snooze on your windowsill. her a pet could give emotional support and reduce stress. I even offered to spend my own money. Still, Moments when you watch an exotic pet are fascinating.

Mum said no. She thought I meant a dog. Or maybe a They make you realise how complex and fragile nature cat. Something furry that would shed hair can be. Many chameleon species are everywhere and make Dad sneeze. But By learning about endangered in the wild, and some are that was not what I had in mind. close to extinction. By learning about them and caring for responsibly them and caring for responsibly bred bred animals, I wanted something exotic. Before you say animals, people can develop a deeper people can no to something that sounds scary, think respect for wildlife. Wouldn’t that be develop a deeper again. Reptiles, such as lizards and snakes; better than watching a hamster spin on a respect for wildlife.

Wouldn’t amphibians, like frogs; and small pocket wheel? that be better pets, such as chinchillas or sugar gliders, than watching a can make fascinating companions.

By keeping my own exotic pet, a crusted hamster spin on a gecko, I have learned that, unlike many wheel?

A dog is often the go-to pet if you feel reptiles, it cannot regrow its tail once lonely. But dogs are expensive and need space and it is dropped. I discovered how important humidity time. Cats can be similar. For families with allergies or levels are and how stress affects behaviour. You learn smaller homes, they are not always practical. In those simply by observing them each day. Of course, unusual cases, something quieter and easier to care for might pets are not toys. They must be respected and cared be a better choice. What about a small reptile? for properly. Always make sure the animal is bred in captivity and not taken from the wild. Research the A small reptile or pocket pet needs a secure enclosure, species carefully and be certain you are ready for the warmth and the right food. They do not take up much role of carer. space, and they do not leave fur on the sofa. Some people even say that caring for these animals improves Mum is cautious for a good reason. Things can go their wellbeing. Instead of dealing with shedding fur wrong from time to time, and exotic pets are a serious and constant noise, you might find yourself watching responsibility. But with the right mindset, careful calm movements and smooth scales. Relaxing, right? research and sensible choices, there can be real rewards.

When I say I want a pet, I do not mean a barking dog or Having an unusual pet can help you learn a lot about a scratching kitten. I mean something a little different. biology and animal behaviour. It can also promote An exotic pet may not be right for everyone, but for the awareness of conservation and raise interest in right person it could be the perfect pet. That’s what I endangered species. Look at a chameleon, a treetell my mother, while I wait for her to buy me a snake. climbing, colour-changing lizard. It moves slowly along a branch. Its skin shifts from green to brown to match the bark. Its eyes move independently, scanning for prey. Suddenly, it locks onto a cricket. In a flash, its

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

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a d n Pa Peril R

is turning red Esther of Bede’s ed red. because red pandas

have turn

ed pandas are an amazing species that can be found in the Eastern Himalayas and Southwestern China. They look like a cross between a fox and a panda, and they are the size of domestic cats. Sadly, they are going extinct. I researched whether they would be extinct by 2125 because their numbers have declined by 50% over the past two decades and I wanted to raise awareness of that fact.

What do red pandas do for the ecosystem and is it actually worth saving them? The answer is yes: it is definitely worth saving red pandas. They are classified as an indicator and umbrella species.

This means that when scientists look at the health of their species, they get an indication of the whole ecosystem's health and, by looking after red pandas, the conservationists help all the animals living in that habitat.

Red pandas also regulate bamboo Most scientific growth and disperse seeds around research the forest. predicts that

First, I looked at what was causing red pandas will the decline of red pandas. Climate change, deforestation, free- go extinct in the However, there is still hope for next few years. roaming dogs, the bamboo life red pandas. People all over the cycle, poaching and the illegal pet world are contributing to the trade all harm red pandas. The results of these conservation efforts. Organisations, local threats end up with shifting vegetation zones communities and governments are helping and an ever-decreasing red panda population. red pandas in any way they can. There are While I researched this, I found out that red habitat restoration projects; wildlife corridors; pandas have been on the IUCN Red List since the maintenance of National Parks and 2008. protected areas; penalties for poachers and traffickers; donations to animal charities; and I also looked at the predicted outcome for red red panda adoptions. There have also been pandas. Most scientific research predicts that public awareness campaigns and educational red pandas will go extinct in the next few years. programs to help spread awareness.

The truth is that red pandas will almost certainly be extinct in the next few decades if humans don't increase current conservation efforts. I believe we have it in our power to save the red pandas and stop the threats facing them, but we need to raise public awareness and start doing more to help them. Red pandas are valuable to our environment, and we need to do everything in our power to save them.

I belie ve it in ou we have to sav r power e pandas the red and s the th reats top facing them

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Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

9

y d H a n to Know

Edward Adamson of Holm

says your pen Doesn’t lie .

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andwriting is something we all have in unique and different ways without much thought.

Even in this modern world with keyboards, laptops and touchscreens, there is something special in the way that the ink dances across a page. People who study handwriting (graphologists) often say handwriting is ‘body language on paper’. Once you’ve heard this, it will be hard not to view your handwriting the same way again.

That curiosity has grown because handwriting is slowly disappearing from our lives. In 2024, only 28.7% of children and teenagers said they enjoy writing; today a staggering 11.1% write something by hand daily. As handwriting disappears, the unique ways we write start to feel like a fading fingerprint, a personal mark that is vanishing before our eyes.

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Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

ewood House School

When people look for meaning in handwriting, with little to no slant, handwriting, the initial consideration usually indicates emotional balance, is size. Large letters are linked to suggesting someone who keeps their people who enjoy feelings steady. attention or naturally Wide spaces between take up space.

Pressure adds another words can suggest a Smaller writing, on need for independence layer of insight. Heavy or emotional space, the other hand, is pressure that leaves while tightly packed often associated deep marks on the page words may indicate a with attention to desire for closeness denotes intensity, stress, or connection. fine detail or an or a strong personality. introspective mind.

Lighter pressure, Albert Einstein’s tiny handwriting is a especially when combined with well-known example. Experts stress rounded letters, indicates gentleness, that handwriting can’t be linked to a sensitivity, or hesitation, sometimes single trait; it’s the combination that shaped by growing up around tells a story. more dominant personalities. Even the direction of your lines matters: Slant is another detail analysts consider. downward-sloping lines can signal Writing that leans to the right connects fatigue or discouragement, while to emotional openness and a desire to upward-pointing lines often signal connect with others. A leftward slant optimism and ambition. Astronaut may suggest caution, independence, Sally Ride’s upward-moving signature or even emotional distance. Upright is a classic example of that hopeful lift.

In a w fewer orld whe r by ha people wr e nd ea it ch ye e those a r, m arks paper on f e e l mean ingfu more l ever. than

Spacing and small details reveal even more. Wide spaces between words can suggest a need for independence or emotional space, while tightly privacy, or simply a mind that moves packed words may indicate a desire faster than the hand can keep up for closeness or connection. Even with. Graphologists often describe the something as small as the dot over an signature as the ‘public self’, while the ‘i’ can be telling: a neat dot rest of the handwriting The way you might reflect perfectionism, reflects the private self, cross your a round dot playfulness, and the contrast between ‘t’ can hint and a sharp dot impatience the two can be surprisingly at ambition, or irritation. The way you generosity, or a revealing. critical nature. cross your ‘t’ can hint at ambition, generosity, or a Psychologists don’t view critical nature, depending on its height graphology as a strict science, but and angle. they sometimes use handwriting as a projective tool, like dream analysis. It Your signature also carries meaning. can reveal emotional tone, habits, and A clear, readable signature often links patterns individuals may not consciously to openness and communication. An recognise. The goal isn’t to label illegible one may signal efficiency, someone but to better understand how they navigate the world.

If you’re curious, try writing a short paragraph and looking at it differently.

Don’t judge yourself; notice the small habits you’ve held for years, habits that quietly reflect your mood, energy, and tendencies.

ress ts st Exper ndwriting ha d to a that linke e the b ’t can it; it’s t a r t a e singl ination th comb s a story. tell

Handwriting may not uncover your entire personality, but it does offer a small glimpse into your inner life. In a world where fewer people write by hand each year, those marks on paper feel more meaningful than ever, a quiet trace of who you are, left behind in your own unmistakable style.

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

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suggests that there could be over 10 to the power of 500 vacuum states, or universes, creating a single universe.

In Good

Time Alasdair Ballerio of St. Faith’s explains how we experience time.

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Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

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ello. We’re talking time. Right as you read that sentence, time went by. But have you thought why time changed? Well, that is exactly what we’re talking about today. There are a few theories about time, and we’ll talk about the most popular ones.

The psychological arrow of time is the subjective, one-way experience of time moving from the past, into the present, and causing our ability to remember the past but not the future. It is closely related to the thermodynamic arrow. Humans experience time through the ability to recall the past – this is memory – and the feeling of influencing the future through action, which align with the causal, or thermodynamic arrow of time. It is saying that time is like an arrow going forward but never backward. But then how would time machines work?

Growing Block Theory suggests that the present and the past exist, but the future is non-existent and that the universe is a growing block and the future is the next part of the block. How I like remembering this is that we cannot know the block is loads of sheets Time is generally thought that our current of paper – you are in one to originate when the Big ‘now’ is the special, absolute now – and that the ones Bang happened. If you didn’t know, the Big Bang edge of the block, below you are the past and rather than a past every moment a new piece happened from a singularity moment. of paper is drawn – by a when all of the mass and universe kid, for example. matter was concentrated into one extremely dense, hot point and Critics claim that if the past is just as real then imploded, creating the universe, time as the present, we cannot know that our and space. Some people believe that the current ‘now’ is the special, absolute edge Big Bang was a rebound from a previous, of the block, rather than a past moment. I dying universe, implying time might have believe that this is a realistic theory rather existed before, but our current time began than the arrow of time or string theory. from this Big Bang.

Tachyons are particles that may or may not The idea of String Theory is that string can be real but would be able to travel faster be open or closed, with their reverberating than the speed of light, which according to patterns determining particle properties. special relativity makes them travel back It was made to mix Einstein’s Theory of in time. Tachyons can never slow down, Relativity with Quantum Physics, serving possessing infinite energy and only being as a ‘theory of everything’ that incorporates above the speed of light. Tachyons are electromagnetism, gravity, strong force described by special relativity as having an and weak force. The mathematics of this ‘unreal mass’, allowing them to avoid the theory necessitates 10, 11 or 12 extra infinite energy wall that prevents normal dimensions with the extra dimensions matter from reaching faster-than-light being compacted or curled up. String speed. Because they move in FTL they Theory has not been proven yet, making would arrive at the destination before the it a primarily mathematical concept. It also signal was sent.

Thrifty Finds

you tha can f nor t you ind st u m w wer ally ouldn ff f e ’t i n s d bra nd hoppin if you new g clo for the s.

gain boutique.

Annie Batty of MHV loves a nice bar

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ave you ever smelt the dusty musty The pros of thrifting include you can find stuff smell of a charity shop? Well, the that you wouldn't normally find if you were newest trend of 2026 is to thrift shopping for brand new clothes. It's proven that where you buy secondhand clothes from all thrifting is much better for the environment. kinds of brands – from the highIt's also cheaper than buying new. the younger end brands, like Tom Ford, to the You can support charities, reduce generation are lower-end brands. the demand for fashion and finally choosing it for you can receive good quality even affordability and environmental Why is thrifting so popular? Some though it is secondhand. consciousness, people say it's because loads since it’s moving of the younger generation are The cons of thrifting include it away from fastchoosing it for affordability and quite often takes time since you fashion waste. environmental consciousness, don't know whether they'll have since it's moving away from fast-fashion what you're looking for. Second, it’s inconsistent waste. Other people say it's because people stock so you don't know when they'll receive have realised how much better it is for the new products, and sizing can be tricky because environment and a cheaper way to shop. The they only have a certain number of products. most popular ways to thrift are Vinted, eBay, It’s most likely you will be buying something Facebook Marketplace, charity shops and car already worn, and most of the shops or online boot sales. These are the most popular ways to don't allow you to return purchases. thrift, but there are other ways as well.

There are clearly advantages and disadvantages Thrifting is generally considered better for to thrifting, but I really enjoy thrifting because the environment than buying new clothing, when I'm wearing something I can know not because it extends the life of existing many people will be wearing the same thing. I products and reduces the demand for new also enjoy it when I bought something for less manufacturing, which reduces the amount of money than it originally would've cost.  fast fashion we produce. In the UK we have over 3800 stores for thrifting and in the United States about one third of all clothing items purchased are secondhand. People who thrift in the United States saved an average of $2071 per year.

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Daft k n Pu Image: Sony Music Entertainment, additional editing by W.carter - File:Daft Punk in 2013 2.jpg, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=144852275

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wton Prep salute Hugh de Quetteville of Ne d millions o influence the pair of musicians wh lf. of people, including himse

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lectronic music in the 90s had taken a toll. Two of the four band members in the famous German robotic band, Kraftwerk, had deserted, and now the lead member was on the verge of doing so as well.

It was not looking great for the world of EDM.

persona and character. This majorly influenced their success. They became famous just because of these robot-like helmets that symbolised their robotic music.

So, their fame spread like wildfire song after song, album after album and their reputations spread far and wide. ‘Da Funk’, ‘Around the World’, ‘One More Time’, ‘Aerodynamic’, ‘Digital Love’, ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’, ‘Robot Rock’ and ‘Technologic’ are just a few of the famous songs created before 'Random Access Memories'.

Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de HomemChristo, friends in sixth form, watched this catastrophe unfold in front of their eyes. Since they were both little, they had both dreamed of playing in a real-life band. But never in a million years did they think it was going to be as big as their fame spread Daft Punk became. like wildfire song

'Random Access Memories' was possibly one of the most famous after song, album after album and Joining together with a classmate, Laruen albums released in the 2010s. It used their reputations Brancovitz, in 1991, they formed an Daft Punk’s amazing collaboration skills spread far and wide.

Indie Rock Band called Darlin’. However, to work with new and upcoming artists, it didn’t start well when the first song such as Pharrell Williams, The Weekend they created was heavily criticised by and Julian Casablancas. Daft Punk then famous music journalist David Jennings, who called it won their first Grammy, performing 'Get Lucky' with ‘daft punky thrash’. After Lauren Brancovitz decided to Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, but with a special leave, he explained to the band that he didn't believe guest, Stevie Wonder. this band could create songs better than their first song. Instead of breaking up the pair took this as a Overall, Daft Punk have won six Grammys, five in 2014 compliment and changed their name and style of with their entries 'Random Access Memories' as the music: Daft Punk started to produce electronic music. album and 'Get Lucky' as the song. Did you know that ‘Get Lucky’ is the first song that reached 100 million After making a couple of partially successful songs, Daft streams on Spotify?

Punk released their first major hit, ‘Around the World’, a song that rocketed as it showed the world how easy it This majestical duo unfortunately broke up in 2021, is to catch a listener's attention for so long, in fact, the but this increased their album sales by 2650%. What a beat lasts almost the whole seven minutes and nine pair! seconds! Immediately, it had a huge impact, hitting #5 on the UK Singles Chart and #1 on the US Dance Club Songs Chart.

Since creating the band, the pair have famously disguised their identities. This was because Daft Punk wanted fans to focus on their music and not their

Image: Minyoung Choi - https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrmin123/925377853/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12291170

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

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d e t c i fl n Co Alice Broadbridge of

MHV expolres the ayed throughout his to

vital role cats have pl

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purring ball of fluff – the cats we all know and love.

The other side of them – an evil being associated with witchcraft.

Nowadays there are over 370 million pet cats worldwide. Why do they have such a dark past? What is their history?

Research from a few years ago shows that cats were first domesticated 9500 years ago at the birth of agriculture in the Levant. A grave found in Cyprus contained a human and an eightmonth-old cat intentionally buried together. There would have been no cats on Cyprus because it is an island so humans must have brought them across. The cat was a Felis Silvestris.

However, in 2025 the BBC published an article which states that cats have only been with humans for 3500 years, much later than we originally thought.

The first domesticated cats did come from the Levant, but they were not directly related to the cats we have as pets today.

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Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

ry.

In Ancient China, humans lived of as the start of Church-supported alongside a cat called the Leopard Cat witch-hunts. The church did not like because of its distinctive markings. ‘witches’ because they were strong and The Leopard Cat was independent women. never domesticated The church was run The Romans kept but the Bengal is one by men who were pet cats and took of its descendants. afraid of women with them from Egypt to The Ancient Egyptians power. In those days England and many worshiped cats as people could pay the other places across the globe. deities so cats were church to take care sacred in Ancient Egypt. of them when they The Egyptians may have were sick but witches actively bred cats. When their owners would have been taking money away died, they were mummified and buried from the Church by healing sick people with them. The Romans kept pet cats with potions. and took them from Egypt to England and many other places across the In the 13th and 14th Centuries, folklore globe. However, the Celts believed that suggested that witches could change cats were humans forced to return to into cats. People also believed that the world after committing bad deeds. witches could turn into hedgehogs, dogs and frogs. This theory was In the 12th Century, Pope Gregory IX popularised by writers at the time. In wrote a decree stating that cats were 1346 the Black Death struck, and many incarnations of the devil and this started cats were killed, which was a bad idea a centuries-long uprising against cats. because cats were killing the rats that This decree is sometimes thought carried the disease.

lack he B and t 6 k, 34 In 1 h struc ere w t a s e a t D y ca ch was n a i m e h s cau ed, w kill idea be ing the d l i ba ere k l ied the w rr cats that ca e. s s a rat dise

In the 16th and 17th Centuries cats were viewed as ‘familiars’ or witches’ assistants. The witches knew that cats were clean animals that caught vermin.

Keeping a cat became evidence of being a witch. In the Salem witch trials of 1692, cats were used as evidence against witches. Witches were often burned at the stake, and many cats suffered the same fate.

In the early 19th Century, cats were used as vermin control. They were mostly half wild and not cared for as pets. Towards the late 19th Century, cats became more popular and eventually became favoured over dogs. There used to be a job in the 1800s called the Cat’s Meat

Man. The person would deliver meat to houses for pet cats. They also became a symbol of cleanliness instead of evil.

Queen Victoria helped their popularity by keeping several as pets. The most famous was a Persian called White Heather. Writers including Lewis Carrol portrayed them as charming and friendly creatures, unlike in the Middle Ages. In the 20th Century, cartoon characters like Tom, from Tom and Jerry, and Felix the Cat showed cats as funny creatures.

Nowadays, cat videos are one of the most popular things to watch on social media and cats are the second most popular pet in the UK after dogs.

Whether you love cats or not, I hope that the next time you see one you will remember their incredible history.

In th e Cent 13th and 14t sugg uries, fo ested lklo h re t h coul d cha at witche s nge in to cats.

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

17

Wicket Girls

on the rise, says Girls’ Cricket is ourne Park.

Ivy Coke of Northb

M

y name is Ivy Coke. I am thirteen The ECB has put in place plans for over 6,000 years old and I play cricket. I have girls' teams to be established by 2026, building played since I was seven years old, a strong foundation for the future of girls' and I am heavily involved with various teams cricket. Through the state school action plan, in and around my area. I live in South-East Kent the ECB plans on providing cricket to over and I play in clubs, school and regional cricket 500 state secondary schools across the UK, teams, and I love it. I was one of as well as 3.5 million primary the first girls in my club to play school children over the next six The 8% of girls who in the boys' 1st team and in my years. They’re also looking for made up cricket teams in 2021 have school I play in the boys' 1st team an increase in children playing now grown to 13% as well. cricket in an average week to 10%. in 2025 and it grows Furthermore, the ECB is planning every year.

Cricket in the UK starts from the its annual investment to be £16club, but when you are good 19 million for 2027/28, which enough you can graduate to District, Regional, would see cricket sit fourth in the rankings for and finally County. My local cricket club is the female sport with highest investment. small, but we have Girls’ Under 11, 13, and 15 teams and a successful women's team. This is Companies are adapting to female cricketers the same for 1,500 cricket clubs in Kent. too. Maiden is a new female-focused cricketwear company. It has come up with several Every season, we have fun playing matches innovations that make it much easier for against fellow teams in the area and more women to play cricket comfortably, such as people join the club every year. Data shows anatomically fitted leg pads, slim fit t-shirts and that the growth of girls’ cricket teams year-on- many others. year is 20%, a huge increase. The 8% of girls who made up cricket teams in 2021 have now If other cricket companies follow in Maiden’s grown to 13% in 2025 and it grows every year. footsteps, inclusivity and thoughtfulness will be added to the many words that mean cricket.

Why has the rise of female cricketers been so Girls will feel more comfortable and able on the steep? Compared to a lot of other sports, girls' field, and that is key to achieving the goal of school cricket has taken a step forward because ultimate professional play. only recently (2015-19) the top girls’ sport at school changed from rounders to cricket. This Cricket is a great sport. It is being funded and was a huge step forward in making sports encouraged more every year; it has taken huge equal and available to both sexes through steps in paving the way. I hope with all my heart mixed teams. that other sports follow in the footsteps of the UK cricketing world because so many people and young girls I know have found comfort, belief, and joy in sport.

ns for over 6,000 girls' The ECB has put in place pla 6, building a strong 202 by teams to be established girls' cricket. foundation for the future of

18

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

19

Elemental

r e d Won

scie ntis ts is out anothe think t h r t eigh here t elem ere e t o nt h st the c firs olumn art th e in t t met and he e b a ight l alka e h ro l w. i

se school c table. the and the future of the periodi

Ralph Mansfield of Holmewood hou explores

T

he Periodic Table is a chart that arranges all 118 chemical elements by their properties and atomic number (the element’s number of protons). Most people think that the person who created the Periodic Table was Dmitri Mendeleev, a Russian chemist, but even though he first published the table in 1869 there was an enormous contribution from other scientists, long before this, which helped to shape the creation of the final product.

Before Mendeleev even thought there was no periodic table there were other chemists who tried to organise the elements. To start with, Antoine Lavoisier in 1789 wrote the Traite Elementaire de Chemie, the first textbook of modern chemistry, in which he wrote down the substances (or, as now we know them, the elements) that he thought could not be broken down any further. This included oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and many others that he then put into two groups – metals and non-metals. This was the first real classification of elements, and it was very important for what was to follow.

After this, in 1810 an English philosopher, John Dalto, figured out a way to find the atomic weight of the substances given

by Lavoisier. In 1815 William Prout found out that all the elements were multiples of hydrogen. There were many other tries to make a pattern and order the elements, but none succeeded until a Russian chemist by the name of Dmitri Mendeleev finally resolved the problem and made a complete catalogue of the elements on 17 February 1869. It was formally published to the world in 1871 but in the early 20th Century his work was modified, making up the groups by their atomic number and correcting the inconsistencies.

By this time many more elements had been found and were added to the table.

Mendeleev accurately predicted the existence of several elements by identifying patterns in the periodic table; notable examples include gallium and germanium. The most recent elements found are oganesson and tennessine, but are there more?

Well, scientists think there is another element out there to start the eighth column and be the first metal alkali in the eighth row. Although everybody has failed to find it so far there is a research team in Riken, Japan, who are conducting experiments 24/7 to be the first to find the 119th element!

If they do find element 119, it would be called ununennium and even though it is theoretical, scientists are almost certain it exists and would start an entire new chapter of the periodic table. The number of elements, it is said, could be around 170.

The next few elements of the Periodic Table are said to exist for a very short amount of time. We already have elements like this, for example francium and astatine, with scientists not even being sure of the colour of astatine because it decays so quickly. The new elements are also said to be unstable and extremely radioactive, making scientists want to stop at element 120 due to nuclear instability and how dangerous the new elements could be because people could create even more powerful nuclear warheads.

The Periodic Table is a marvel which should be studied and appreciated by everyone even if they are not that interested in Chemistry. There is so much we can learn from it. 

e was no Before Mendeleev even thought ther ists who chem r othe e wer e ther e periodic tabl tried to organise the elements.

20

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n w o n k n U

Quantity

Henry Meston of Holmewood House School asks if we should be Scared of Aliens?

M

any people think there could be life somewhere else in the Universe as well as in our solar system, and companies like NASA and SpaceX are exploring other solar systems as well as our own to find signs of life. For example, the Dragonfly mission on Titan, Saturn's largest moon, is due to set off in 2028, which is a car-sized drone scanning the surface for signs of life.

No creatures have ever been found outside of Earth.

But should we be scared of aliens?

discovery since nothing like that has ever been found. This is the most significant discovery of life that is not on Earth.

Exoplanets are planets which are orbiting another star, not the sun. Many have been found by telescopes such as the Hubble telescope, James Webb space telescope, and the Kepler space telescope that is designed to find Earth-sized exoplanets. Kepler finds exoplanets but does not look for life on them. Some are quite Earthlike and might support life.

The threat of another unknown race that could destroy us seems overwhelming because it is unclear if anything like it The scariest thing for me personally The size of the would or could ever happen. Science is the fact that we do not really know universe could Fiction films such as E.T. almost how big the universe is: does it ever hold trillions of always have aliens landing on Earth. other species living end? Is there a wall at the end? Is it just somewhere else An invasion is the threat that most an endless realm of matter? The size that we have no people would think could happen to of the universe could hold trillions clue about. wipe out the human race. This may of other species living somewhere have lots of crazy gadgets which else that we have no clue about. The could massacre millions of people. This seems quite amount of unknown matter being found billions of scary, the sense of people having no clue how, when light years away is mind-blowing. Galaxy Jades gsand where this might happen. Invisible aliens may z14-0 was spotted by the James Webb telescope be living among us right this second and planning and is staggeringly more than 13.5 billion light to take over any second now. years away. For reference, a light year is 9.46 trillion kilometres.

A UFO stands for an Unknown Flying Object, theoretically an alien body. UFO sightings are We should not fear aliens landing on the Earth but happening all the time, but some may be birds, a should not rule out the possibility. If it happens, it scratch on the lens of a camera, a frisbee or a drone. could be devastating, even result in the end of the Light can trick your eyes very easily. But should we world. But the chances are incredibly low, and we think an apocalyptic invasion will happen because should not be putting bars on our windows, triple of this thing you saw in your backyard which looks locks on our doors or taking other precautions in like a flying saucer? It feels quite unlikely because case an alien invasion happens. But you can if you we haven’t seen a flying saucer or creatures on like. another planet. Without a significant sign of life, it feels impossible for such a thing to happen.

The Perseverance Rover landed on Mars in February 2021 to find signs of life on our neighbour’s surface.

In July 2025 Perseverance found signs of ancient micro-biotic life. This signified life somewhere else in the universe, not just on Earth. This is an incredible Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

21

E N O G g n i h F is Alfie Sissons of

Solefield explains why he loves to fish.

22

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

Fishing is not just about catching fish. It teaches patience. You cannot rush it. You have to wait, stay still and concentrate.

'F

ish on!’ Have you ever had that heart-racing, adrenaline-filled moment? I really hope you have, because once you experience it, I promise you will catch the fishing bug. Across the UK, more and more young anglers have discovered this excitement since Covid-19.

become closer to my dad and my fishing friends because of the time we spend together on the bank. We have also met people of all ages and backgrounds. Some have taught me new methods, such as lure fishing, while I have shared my own tips about feeder fishing and pole work. After nine years of fishing, I have picked up a lot.

Why is fishing becoming so popular? In a fast-moving world where everything feels non-stop, fishing gives young people the chance to slow down. Young people aged 15 to 24 spend an average of 5.5 hours a day on their phones. That can lead to anxiety and loneliness. In a fast-moving world where Fishing offers something everything different.

Fishing has also grown because of social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube make it look exciting and feels non-stop, accessible. Some videos show fishing gives quick challenges, such as trying Picture yourself by a calm lake young people the chance to to catch a carp in sixty seconds. with a friend. You sit in your slow down.

Others are more detailed and fishing chairs, casting out explain what bait to use or how and chatting about school to improve your technique. For beginners, while keeping an eye on your rod tip. Then these videos make it easier to get started. suddenly it pulls round. You strike, bring the fish in carefully and scoop it into your net.

Fishing is not just about catching fish. It You kneel down for a quick photo before teaches patience. You cannot rush it. You releasing it back into the water. What a have to wait, stay still and concentrate. Over monster! time, this improves your focus and selfcontrol. It is also good for your physical and Afterwards, you talk about what species mental health. You are outdoors in fresh air you caught and whether it was bigger than rather than inside staring at a screen. You your friend’s. It is friendly competition, learn practical skills such as tying knots and but it brings people closer together. In my setting up rigs. These may seem small, but opinion, fishing not only helps you keep they build confidence. Fishing helps you friends, but it helps you make new ones. relax and clear your mind.

Many young people say they feel lonely.

What many people do not understand Fishing creates real connections. I have is that fishing is about much more than landing a big catch. It is about being in nature, spending time with people you care about and creating memories that last. So, if you are looking for something new, something exciting and something that brings people together, why not give it a try? You might just hear those two words that change everything: ‘Fish on.’ It is about being in nature, spendi ng with people you care about and cr time eating memories that la st.

I have become closer to my dad and my fishing friends because of the time we spend together on the bank.

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

23

Be e r o M

p i H

Kennedy Hix of Newton Prep

H

ow have you handled conflict?

Can you describe a time you solved a problem? What have you done to display your culture? All of these questions can be answered through a powerful social movement I like to call Hip Hop. In the streets of the Bronx during the 1970s, something powerful and unforgettable was beginning. At local block parties, young people gathered around DJs who controlled turntables with skill and confidence.

As heavy beats echoed through the neighbourhood, dancers stepped into circles and performed bold, breathtaking moves. What started as small community gatherings soon exploded into a worldwide cultural force known as Hip Hop. 24

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

needs HIP HOP.

Hip Hop began in the Bronx, New they became symbols of resilience, York City, during a time of serious creativity, and unity. hardship. Many African American and Latino families were facing One of the most significant impacts poverty, discrimination, and limited of Hip Hop has been on the history of opportunities; their communities dance. Styles such as breakdancing, were often ignored and popping, and locking underfunded. Buildings transformed the dance Many African American were run-down, jobs world completely. and Latino were scarce and hope Breakdancing, also known families were sometimes felt distant. as ‘breaking’, includes facing poverty, Yet instead of allowing mesmerising spins, discrimination, and limited these struggles to define dramatic freezes, and opportunities. them, young people lightning-fast footwork. created something These movements were extraordinary. DJs such as DJ Kool Herc, raw, expressive, and fearless; they often called the ‘father of Hip Hop’, broke away from traditional, structured began looping the instrumental breaks forms of dance. Over time, Hip Hop of songs so dancers could perform for dance travelled far beyond the Bronx. longer. These energetic block parties It spread across America and then became more than entertainment: across continents, influencing music

Bad B u platf nny used h orm t o spe is out, o p e ning h ak accep is t by sa ance spee ying ‘I c CE ou h t’.

videos, global competitions, theatre performances, and even the Olympics.

Today, Hip Hop is taught in dance schools worldwide, which proves its lasting influence and unstoppable energy.

we're not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.' He was confronting the racial inequality in America. Many Hip Hop lyrics confront difficult issues, However, Hip Hop is not just about such as poverty, racism, inequality, and rhythm and movement; violence. Artists use sharp, it is also a powerful social honest words to tell stories Hip Hop is not just about movement. The genre has of struggle, survival, and rhythm and long been intertwined ambition. For many young movement; it is with political activism. also a powerful people, Hip Hop became For example, at the 2026 social movement. a lifeline, a way to express Grammys, Bad Bunny made frustration, pride, anger, history as the first artist to and hope all at once. The win Album of the Year for an all-Spanish four main elements of Hip Hop – DJing, album. Bad Bunny used his platform rapping, breakdancing, and graffiti art to speak out, opening his acceptance – gave a voice to communities that had speech by saying ‘ICE out’ and stating, often been silenced. Through music ‘We're not savages, we're not animals, and art, they demanded to be seen and heard.

sa gan a ape It be c it ive es creat rdship, yet g in a h h t e m fro into som a grew greater: e of g a far angu . l l a glob pression ex

In my opinion, Hip Hop is one of the most important cultural movements of the past fifty years. It began as a creative escape from hardship, yet it grew into something far greater: a global language of expression. It has reshaped dance, transformed music, and empowered millions of people around the world. From the streets of the Bronx to international stages filled with flashing lights and cheering crowds, Hip Hop continues to inspire courage, confidence, and change.

Its history proves a powerful truth: even in the face of struggle, creativity can rise, speak out, and change the world.

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

25

At t

e h t f o ac k

Vapers

26

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

Harvey Percy of MHV asks if

your health

pe?

is going up in a puff of va

E

ver been walking down the street and smelt a sickening smell of cherry or watermelon in the air? Well, it is not someone wearing a fancy perfume. It is most likely someone standing there with a vape. Over recent years, people have started vaping with the misconception of it being ‘healthy’ because smoking is the villain, the bad one. So, what causes this misconception?

Partly it is the flavouring of the vapes. The names ‘Mango Dream’ and ‘Cherry Freeze’ make it sound innocent and like a cocktail, making it seem harmless. Also, the bright colours take the attention away from the bad things. This is also why some people, especially minors, think it is cool. Why do they think that?

Obviously, the bright colours and the funky flavour names. But also some believe it is cool to fit in with a group and not be different or ‘uncool’. One more reason is the belief it is just flavoured vapour water, and you have to consider the influence of social media. An adult might vape to relieve stress or anxiety.

Are there any pros to vaping? Well, there is a couple of pros: if you are already a smoker with cigarettes then vaping is a step down and can help you quit; another pro is it releases stress, but it still causes harm to your lungs.

But how does it harm you? First, you need to know what is in a vape. In a vape there is E-liquid often referred to as ‘E-juice’: battery, heating element, and additives, each with different roles. E-liquid contains nicotine that is extracted from tobacco. Also, there is Propylene Glycol that generates vapour and is a carrier for nicotine and flavourings. Vegetable glycerine also produces denser vapour.

The battery produces heat to turn the E-liquid to vapour. The heating element converts the E-liquid to aerosol for inhalation. Some vapes contain additives that are other chemicals or flavourings.

So, is it actually better then smoking? Vaping is generally better then smoking, but it is still not safe. Cigarettes release thousands of chemicals including many that can lead to cancer. Vaping is not riskfree though. It is still harmful to the lungs and can still lead to cancer.

Some believe vaping is just as harmful, but no evidence supports this theory.

Vap fre ing is et sti l h not lun l har ough risk g . m lea s and ful tIt is o dt c o c an s the t an cer ill .

Why shouldn’t younger people vape? Minors shouldn’t vape because while their bodies are still in development it causes more harmful effects to their lungs and even brain.

So, after everything I have said, I hope you think carefully before vaping.

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

27

l a n i im

Cr

Minds

nations al expla ics or Biologic t how gene explore ture might make uc brain str more impulsive e n g o e som uggestin essive, s m from or aggr e minds st criminal structure. in a br

28

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

d House examines

Isla Fossey of Holmewoo criminal psychology.

C

riminal Psychology is the scientific study of the thoughts, intentions and behaviours of criminals, not specifically focusing on law, but on the ‘criminal mind’ to understand why people break the law and how their behaviour can be predicted and prevented. It is designed to encourage critical thinking about crime, the law, and human behaviour. I find Criminal Psychology interesting, and I would like to be a criminal psychologist when I’m older.

decision-making, often interacting with environment.

Personality Theory argues certain traits, such as psychoticism or neuroticism, can make someone more likely to commit crimes. Finally, Cognitive Theory focuses on how faulty thinking or low moral reasoning can lead someone to believe their criminal actions are acceptable.

These consequences can be social, emotional, financial, and legal. The impact of crime on offenders can include Early childhood experiences shape how a child learns loss of freedom when they are sentenced to prison, to trust others, and in the last century we have learnt disapproval from society and feelings of shame and the several truths. Neglect can make it guilt. Also, a criminal record can make Growing up in harder to form healthy relationships. it difficult to find a job or somewhere a home with Feeling unsafe at home can affect to live. The legal consequences involve violence, crime, or behaviour in public. Growing up in a home punishments given by the justice substance misuse with violence, crime, or substance misuse increases the risk system. Fines mean paying money of behavioural increases the risk of behavioural problems. as a punishment. Community service problems.

Psychologists say that strong bonds with means doing unpaid work to help the parents help children develop empathy. community. Prison means losing freedom Struggling at school can increase frustration and can for a length of time. A criminal record can affect shape bad beliefs and coping strategies. Obviously, future jobs, travel and education, as can young justice not all children with trauma become offenders. Trauma measures for young offenders, such as warnings or increases risk, but it does not guarantee criminal youth rehabilitation programmes. behaviour.

Phineas Gage is one of the most famous cases in Since 2023/2024, men made up 84% of arrests, while psychology. He was a railway worker in 1848, and women made up 14%. For males, convictions peak an explosion sent a metal rod through his skull. He between 21 and 25, and for females between 26 and 30. miraculously survived, but his personality changed In 2024, about 134% more crimes were recorded in the dramatically. Before the accident, he was kind and most deprived 10% of areas than in the least deprived. polite, but afterwards he was aggressive, rude, and Many people commit crime for a reason. Around 27% struggled to control his behaviour. This showed of crimes are linked to bad mental health issues, and psychologists that damage to the brain can affect 24% to alcohol and drug misuse. Additionally, poverty behaviour, decision-making and impulse control. and lack of academic success also push some people toward crime.

In the end, learning about criminal psychology has shown me that people don’t just become criminals Lots of young people imitate ‘role models’ early on, for no reason. Things like their childhood, the people which can be harmful if those figures display criminal around them, and even how their brain develops, can behaviour. This is explained by Social Learning Theory. all play a part. It made me realise that understanding Biological explanations explore how genetics or brain why someone behaves a certain way is important if we structure might make someone more impulsive or want to help them or stop crime from happening in aggressive, suggesting criminal minds stem from brain the first place. Overall, it’s way more complicated than I structure, neurochemistry, genetics, and personality thought, but interesting too. traits. These influence impulse control, empathy, and

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

29

a p o r u E

Image: Europa, as imaged by the Juno spacecraft, September 2022. NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Kevin M. Gill

n o i s s i M

Max Zeitlyn of Saint

possibility of life on

W

ill we finally find life on Jupiter’s cold, icy moon, Europa?

The Europa Clipper was launched in 2024 to help answer that very question. By 2030, it will reach Europa and conduct 49 close flybys of the moon. During each pass, it will gather data to determine whether Europa could support life.

But why Europa? For life to exist, there must be a source of energy, certain chemical compounds, and temperatures that allow for liquid water. Europa appears to meet these conditions. Scientists believe there may be a vast ocean beneath its icy surface, kept warm by tidal heating caused by Jupiter’s gravity.

Early clues about Europa came from spacecraft missions. When Pioneer 10 30

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

Ronan’s considers th e Europa.

and Pioneer 11 flew through the outer nearly 400 years. In the 18th Century, solar system, they captured images of William Herschel, who discovered planets and some of their moons. Later Uranus, suggested that the Sun missions provided clearer images of and other celestial bodies might be Europa’s surface. What inhabited. Later, in the scientists noticed was a late 19th and early 20th Something must surprising lack of large Centuries, Percival Lowell be erasing the impact craters.

This craters, possibly and others observed suggested that Europa’s icy volcanic flows strange markings on the or movement of surface is relatively young surface of Mars. They the ice crust. and is constantly being believed these were reshaped.

Something canals built by intelligent must be erasing the craters, possibly Martians to transport water from the icy volcanic flows or movement of the planet’s two icy poles. However, these ice crust. This leads us to believe that canals were later shown to be optical a large ocean may exist beneath the illusions. surface. The Europa Clipper mission will investigate this ocean and check Over time, scientists have also detected whether it could support life. unusual signals from space, although many were eventually explained as Humanity’s search for life beyond Earth natural phenomena or human-made has a long history, stretching back interference. Even today, researchers

Image: Artist's concept of NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft.

NASA/JPL-Caltech

will d , it 0 3 a an 0 By 2 Europ lose h n. c 9c rea duct 4 e moo h con s of t y flyb

continue to use radio telescopes and other instruments to search for possible signs of extraterrestrial life. One of the most famous events in this search was the Wow! signal. On 15 August 1977 a strong and unusual radio signal was detected in Ohio. It lasted 72 seconds before disappearing and has never been detected again. The signal was about 30 times stronger than background noise and was a narrow-band radio signal, which is often associated with artificial sources. However, scientists were never able to confirm that it came from an extraterrestrial civilization.

So, by 2030, we may learn more about whether life exists beyond Earth. After centuries of searching, missions like Europa Clipper could finally bring us closer to answering one of humanity’s biggest questions: ‘Are we alone?’

By 2030, we may learn more about whether life exists beyond Earth.

Image: Diagram of how Europa's atmosphere is created by bombardment from ionized particles. NASA/JPL-Caltech.

Image: Artist's concept of the cryobot and its deployed "hydrobot" submersible. NASA - Public Domain.

Technicians encapsulated NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft inside SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy payload fairing in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: SpaceX

ers arch dio rese o use ra er t h t e o u in d cont copes an search s tele ments to igns of u instr ossible s ial life. for p terrestr a extr

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

31

Go d l i W Aviel Ayodele of Solefield d celebrates the rise of wil swimming.

32

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

People might choose wild swimming instead of a pool because they dislike chlorine, or simply for the thrill and adventure.

I

magine that feeling of jumping into ice-cold water. Your body starts to feel extremely cold. Then comes the adrenaline, activating your fight-or-flight response. Eventually, your dopamine kicks in, helping you to relax. When you get out of the water, you feel overwhelmed with peace and serenity. You have just experienced the powerful feeling of wild swimming.

Even experienced swimmers can misjudge natural water.

An example of this happened in June 2025 in Snowdonia, where two women went for an evening swim and tragically lost their lives. Rescue services rushed to the scene.

The exact cause is unknown, but coldwater shock or sudden changes in depth may have been factors. Incidents like this remind us how unpredictable nature can be.

But what is wild swimming, you might wonder? Wild swimming is a high-risk activity that involves swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers and the Even experienced swimmers can misjudge sea, rather than in a man-made swimming natural water. You might dive in thinking it pool. People might choose wild swimming is deep enough, only to injure instead of a pool because they yourself. Quarries and lakes dislike chlorine, or simply for The mixture of adrenaline can suddenly drop or hide the thrill and adventure. It has and calm is rocks beneath the surface. In become particularly popular in what attracts comparison, swimming pools the last few years. many people, are tested regularly to ensure but the wild is powerful. the water is safe and clean.

There are many advantages In natural water, you cannot to wild swimming, such as always see what is beneath you. connecting with the beauty of nature, improving your physical and mental health If you do decide to go wild swimming, it and increasing resilience. Many swimmers is vital to take precautions. Find a safe and say it helps them clear their minds and feel well-known spot. Do not swim alone. Wear refreshed. appropriate swimming gear, especially in cold conditions. Get out before you feel However, there are dangers. For example, tired and, most importantly, know your you are at risk of hypothermia in cold water. limits. Do not push yourself too far, or you The water may be contaminated with may have to face serious consequences. harmful bacteria. Most importantly, there is Wild swimming can be exciting, but it the risk of drowning, especially in deep or demands respect. fast-moving water without supervision.

To sum up, wild swimming is an exciting activity that can take people to beautiful places and relieve stress. The mixture of adrenaline and calm is what attracts many people, but the wild is powerful. If you decide to try, stay safe, follow sensible precautions and respect nature. Wild swimming can be an incredible experience, but only if you approach it responsibly.

Find a safe and we swim alone. Wea ll-known spot. Do not r gear, especially in appropriate swimming cold conditions.

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

33

n w Do p e De IN THE

Isobel Hussey of Br

the Sea.

I

have always believed that underwater life is amazing, awesome, and astonishing. With its shipwrecks and ancient myths, the sea holds much mystery but, despite our many theories, we have explored less than 5% of the ocean floor, meaning there is still a vast amount left to discover.

There is a whole world beneath the sea, much of it man-made. The most famous example is the Titanic, which has been immortalised in film. It sits 3,800 metres (12,500 feet) below the surface, where it broke in two. Unfortunately, this beautiful ship is slowly being consumed by rust-eating bacteria.

While the Titanic hit an iceberg, other 34

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

oomwood dives Unde

r

ships have been sunk on purpose to Atlantis is often dismissed as a myth, encourage marine life and tourism, but I think otherwise. First described providing sites for scuba by the Greek philosopher diving and scientific Plato around 360 BC, There is a whole study. For instance, in Atlantis was depicted as world beneath Barbados, the ‘ghost an advanced naval power the sea, much of it man-made. ship’ SS Stavronikita was that sank into the Atlantic The most famous intentionally scuttled in Ocean in a single day as example is the 1978. a ‘divine punishment’.

Titanic.

Conversely, some believe Another legendary vessel this was a factual place is the San José, a Spanish Navy galleon inspired by real events, such as the launched in 1698. It sank during a battle volcanic eruption of Thera. off Barú Island in 1708 while laden with gold, silver, and emeralds worth an Likewise, the Bermuda Triangle, an area estimated £13 billion ($17 billion). After between Miami, Bermuda, and Puerto 300 years on the seabed, the San José Rico, is famous for the mysterious was finally located in 2015. disappearance of ships and aircraft.

Some claim over 8,000 lives have

le, iang r T uda een Bermea betw , and the a r an a Bermud famous i, s Miamo Rico, i erious t s r y m t ce of Pue the n for ppeara craft. a i s a i d d r s an ship

been lost there since 1800. However, in reality, environmental factors and volatile weather patterns likely explain most of these incidents.

Do we really want to watch the island of Tuvalu submerge? Located midway between Hawaii and Australia, Tuvalu is one of the world's smallest and least populated countries. Due to rising sea levels caused by melting polar ice caps, scientists predict that Tuvalu could go underwater by 2050, effectively becoming a ‘new Atlantis’. The nation is highly vulnerable to coastal flooding and saltwater intrusion. If the island is lost, we may only be able to see its remains at low tide. It would be a tragedy to lose such a beautiful place.

There are many benefits to shipwrecks; they act like ‘underwater cities’ for marine life. They become homes for fish and coral, offering protection and breeding grounds while creating vibrant ecosystems. However, there are downsides. Sinking ships can sometimes crush existing coral reefs. Furthermore, as metals like copper rust, they can leak into the sea, potentially poisoning marine life. Older ships may also leak oil and fuel, which contaminates the water and harms sea birds and fish.

So, while shipwrecks are incredibly cool and can enhance marine biodiversity, we must be careful about their environmental impact.

s nefit ny be y act a m e ar the There ipwrecks; r cities’ e h t s a o w t nder life. like ‘u r marine fo

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35

r e n n i W l l A s e Tak

you d tax on’t ha ve t you in jai o any are n l beca pay use whe ot l re, and st fro ill col but yo ing u my our lect r can ent pro per ties .

Rafferty Jones of Holmewood House

School teaches

us how to Win at Monopoly.

M

onopoly is my favourite game; it is a simple yet strategic and fun game especially when you are building an empire of properties and houses and you are watching your family become bankrupt.

Sadly, in reality this never used to happen to me; I would always lose to my brothers, mum and dad. So, I decided to take action and one day I looked online to get some tips and I have never looked back. I have some advice of my own to share with you.

The best property set is surprisingly orange (Bow Street, Marlborough Street, Vine Street). It is the most landed on set because it is so close to Jail. If you have bought the orange set, then you want to aim to buy the red set since it is the second most set landed on. This makes you invincible and you have secured those precious sites near Jail, where almost everyone lands!

Learning how

Try to buy three houses on each property. Three houses give you a good return on investment, meaning you will get your money back. Fewer houses than three doesn’t give you a lot of money.

Buying four houses or a hotel can cost too much and you might not get the money back.

The early game is pretty straightforward. Have to use these one objective in mind: buy every property you auctions effectively is land on. Why? If you buy everything you land key to winning on, this can make you lots of money in the the game. future. How? If you buy a random property, it will be likely that in the future someone else Jail can be an advantage or a curse in the game, will want it. Owning all the random properties gives you so you need to be strategic. In the early game if you land in leverage and prevents people from getting monopolies too jail immediately, you need to pay the fifty-Monopoly-dollar early in the game. fine to get you back in the game and you don’t want to miss out on the open properties in the early game. Don’t forget: As well as creating your empire of properties and sets, try you don’t have to pay tax in jail because you are not landing to block people from getting their own sets. This limits how anywhere, but you can still collect rent from your properties. much money they get. It stops them from building houses Jail can protect you whilst you collect more money. or hotels, and it means that there are more free spaces on the board for you to land on. A single property can stop a These are my strategies to always win, and I hope that you player from becoming rich and making them bankrupt. have found them as helpful as I have. If you adopt them, you too will never look back.  Another key factor of the game is the auction. If you are playing by the official rules for Monopoly you will have to auction off properties if people don’t want the property.

Learning how to use these auctions effectively is key to winning the game. Always bid early. This leads to two different things that will happen, which are both good: a) You bid early and bleed other people's cash by auctioning more until they must pay a higher price than face value OR b) You get the property for much less than the property’s face value. Either way, if you master auctions everything in the auction is good for you.

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Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

One Giant Leap William

Farbrace

of St. Faith’s considers the moon in all its glory.

H

ave you ever thought that there could be life beyond Earth? Well, NASA, an American space society, thinks that there must be life elsewhere. NASA put the first man on the moon. Neil Armstrong, thirty-eight at the time, was the first person ever to walk on the moon. He died after having heart surgery on the 7 August 2012. He died on 25 August. Lots of people mourned his death for years.

Buzz Aldrin is the only man still alive from the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Now 96, he was born Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr. on 20 January 1930. He legally changed his name to Buzz in 1988. He was the second man to walk on the moon and is the oldest living astronaut following the death of Jim He was left to orbit round Lovell in 2025.

the moon experiencing isolation on the far side.

Michael Collins, the third member of the Apollo 11 mission, did not step on the moon at all. He was left to orbit round the moon experiencing isolation on the far side. Michael Collins took a picture of the moon with the earth behind it, and he was one of the only people in the world not in that picture. He was one of the loneliest people ever, while orbiting the moon.

NASA is a space organization who got Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins on the moon. The result of this mission meant that we knew how to build better rockets. It has also taught us a lot about things like what the moon’s made of – rock and metal.

It also has layers, like the Earth.

Apollo 11 helped us discover better ways to build rocket engines and space suits. It also helped us know whether some rock has come from the moon by running tests from the rock we are certain is moon rock to rock we are not so certain about. This was not just a giant leap for man but it was a ginormous leap for mankind.

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37

n a C It!

Luna Hulme of St. Faith’s says we need to ditch processed food.

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Common ways to preserve food are adding while preservatives g in at co g, mixin cuum va or es ac rf su packing.

H

ave you ever wondered what effects processed food can have on your body? Many foods these days have gone through a process that fills them with salts, sugars and other fats that make them a lot less healthy.

You process food by adding salt, sugar or preservatives to make it last longer. Common ways to preserve food are adding preservatives Many side-effects can come from eating while mixing, coating surfaces or vacuum processed food, like weigh gain, cancer, packing. These preservatives often act by diabetes and heart disease because it is easy mixing with water to protect fats by stopping to overeat and lack nutrients. Processed food them going rancid. Sometimes is known to cause over 32 harmful Many side-effects they are used to save precious health effects, including early can come from time by being pre-sliced. death. eating processed food, like weight gain, cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

However, people have been eating processed food like bacon and tinned ham for many decades by smoking and salting food. We process food to help preserve it and, in some cases, just to make our lives easier, like making sachets of dog or cat food, sliced cheese or ham. With any age you want a balanced diet – ‘everything in moderation’ – but since processed food can be quite addictive people normally have more than they should.

Some people call it a ‘sugar rollercoaster’ because it sends you into a sugar high, like when they say ‘Red Bull gives you wings’; they mean it gives you lots of energy, which is not wrong. Drinks like that give you a rush of fake energy causing you to crash and feel even worse and you end up with even less energy than you had before. Processed food doesn’t just affect how you feel; it can affect how you look. All the sugar in processed food can even cause cavities and dental problems. pe ea ople fo tin ha tin od l g pr ve b ne ike oc e dh ba ess en de am f con ed ca or an de d s. man y

Are processed foods okay to eat?

Yes, if you have a small amount but not if you eat a lot of them.

Ultra-processed food (UPF) has been seen altering people’s behaviours by giving people cravings and interfering with brain functions. These foods are designed to be addictive, leading to emotional issues. They are just as bad for children, causing child obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Processed food can cause some behavioural effects in children such as Hyperactivity and Inattention (ADHD), where children have a lot of energy.

Lots of food contains hidden sugar so anything with lots of things ending in ‘-ose’ or called ‘syrup’ is usually very unhealthy and some things even have more scientific names so don’t be fooled: there is sugar everywhere. If the first three ingredients mention sugar, you know it is unhealthy.

After a lot of scientific research, I have to conclude that you can eat processed food but be careful how much you eat. It is addictive and not good for you.

energy you a rush of fake d you Drinks like that give an rse wo en and feel ev causing you to crash for be e. energy than you had end up with even less Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

39

E N MA

n o i t c a r t At

Hebe-Taylor-Smith of

JKS tells us why Ma ned s in the Tall Grass.

Wolves cast Shadow

A

maned wolf isn’t a wolf, a dog or even a fox. Related to wolves, a maned wolf shares the species title ‘canadine’ but is of its own genus called the Chrysostom.

The maned wolf is the Chrysostom brachyurus species; its closet living relative is the bush dog of America because they share a common ancestor that arrived in South America around 3.9 million years ago. Even though they do not share appearances, they are in some way relatives. Maned wolves inhabit South America, normally in savannas and wetlands or close to human settlements. But only 3% of the 2000 to 3600 maned wolves live inside a protected area in Brazil. They can get trapped in irrigation diches. These 40

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

are created by farmers, and they trap and kill maned wolves as the sides are slippery so they cannot climb out.

cars, which leads to many losing their lives: they are now roadkill. We need to do something to save them, and now.

Since some maned wolves live in dry Since they consume lots of fruit in their savanna, forest fires wipe out members regular diet, maned wolves disperse of this precious species seeds around their every year, whether territory, which Since they consume lots of fruit in their they are burnt in the eventually grow into regular diet, maned fire, exhausted by the fruit trees, and the wolves disperse smoke, or can’t find cycle starts again. This seeds around their prey as a result of the helps bats and insects, territory, which eventually grow into fire. These fires are who also eat the same fruit trees. sometimes caused by fruit, which is called farmers trying to clear the wolf apple, grow land for crops. By doing this, they kill and thrive. Maned wolves also scare more and more maned wolves every off coyotes, leaving room for foxes and year. While searching for prey, maned other small mammals that play a part in wolves commonly die by being hit by the maned wolves' and foxes’ diet.

read e, sp try to s a e Pl ss; ys you a rene awa n any w e lose i w p e l r e h s to f befo ecie can, her sp laws o t c ano ipping on. r g t c n i the exti

It will be hard to protect this species, but we could try demanding safe spaces for maned wolves to hunt and live without the constant threat of farmers. Some safe animal crossings have been made over main roads. We need these for maned wolves, too. People are already tracking and taking care of injured maned wolves or mothers with pups.

When the mothers leave to hunt, their cubs stay alone at home and, if a fire strikes, tragedy will soon follow. This is no way for any species to live. This is not the life they should be forced to live.

Around 17,000 mature individuals die each year. Most of the deaths are in Brazil, caused by disease from domestic dogs, and road collisions. There is also a large number of maned wolves in Brazil due to the wide-open savannas. They deserve safety just as much as we do. Please, spread awareness; try to help in any ways you can, before we lose another species to the gripping claws of extinction.

Go now: tell your parents, friends, siblings – anyone. Let's get saving them into gear before our ecosystem falls into more chaos. 

d to e har cies, b l il It w is spe ct th uld try e t o pr e co aces but w g safe sp to s in e d n lv dema aned wo e. for m nt and liv hu

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41

Cocyker z a Cr

Phillipa

Alex

ander of Faith’s is c St. razy about C ocker Spaniels.

42

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ls Cocker Spanie e m na r ei th got out from flushing oundwoodcock, a gr e m ga dwelling ick th in d un fo bird h. wt undergro

I

n December 2025, we had to say goodbye to our 14-year-old Cocker Spaniel, who was a very loved pet.

Cocker Spaniels are merry, smart and loving Amazingly, a Cocker Spaniel named Tangle hunting dogs with long, silky smooth ears was the first dog trained to find cancer, and tails always wagging. They can be either becoming 80% accurate. Cocker Spaniels American or English. Cocker Spaniels are have one of the most different coat colour quite the active dog breed, needing extra palettes of any dog breed. There are over 20 grooming and exercise, but they are prone officially recognised combinations, ranging to ear infections. They even inspired Lady from solid, jet black and glorious golden to from a Disney classic, ‘Lady complex ‘roan’ patterns and and the Tramp’. She was an ‘sable’, where each separate English Cocker Spaniels hold American Cocker Spaniel, and hair contains two different the record for the Tramp was a Schnauzer. colours. the most ‘Best in Show’ wins at Crufts, the world’s most popular dog show.

A Cocker Spaniel named Tangle was the first dog trained to find cancer, becoming 80% accurate.

Cocker Spaniels got their name from flushing out woodcock, a ground-dwelling game bird found in thick undergrowth. The Cocker Spaniel also produces one of the most varied number of pups in one litter among every dog breed. They’re also affectionate, playful and friendly, which are probably the best characteristics of a dog you could possibly have! They’re expected to live for about 12 to 15 years and they’re colours are blue roan, orange roan, liver roan, black and many more.

They are not problems for most people but can cause allergic reactions. They are medium-sized dogs but aren’t that heavy, though they get fluffy quite quickly.

English Cocker Spaniels hold the record for the most ‘Best in Show’ wins at Crufts, the world's most popular dog show. They have taken the top prize seven times, more than any other breed of dog. President Richard Nixon famously owned a Cocker Spaniel called Checkers, who became the topic of the ‘Checkers Speech’ that helped save his career as President. The Prince and Princess of Wales owned one as well (Lupo and later Orla).

Cocker Spaniels are descendants of the original ‘Spanyell’ group from Spain. These dogs are mentioned in writing as far back as the 1400s. According to historical record, a Cocker Spaniel (along with a Mastiff ) travelled to America on the Mayflower in 1620. While it wasn't officially a ‘Cocker’ Spaniel yet – since breeds weren't separated then – it is considered a direct ancestor of the modern breed.

Cocker Spaniels are quite the active dog breed, needing extra grooming and exercise.

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43

p e e DFear

r

e s wheth k s a ’s e ed son of B f sharks. p m o h T Xanthe ould be afraid o sh humans

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We re me and s mber dram ca a shark ry things l tic more attacks a l ike e they’r asily beca ot use e alwa ys news or in m on the ovies.

W

hen people think of sharks, they mostly think of the great white shark with its sheer size, speed, powerful bite, and highly effective predatory adaptations. This is due, in part, to the success of the film Jaws.

I realise there is a difference between rational and irrational fear of sharks. If you were to see a shark in the sea while swimming or in a small boat, it would When Jaws came out in 1975, it brought sharks into the be completely normal to feel extreme fear. But 38% of media limelight. The film is the story of a massive great Americans avoid the water due to irrational fear. It is white that terrorizes a seaside town, and this irrational fear of the species that has the image on the cover of the exposed got out of control, due to sensationalised Educating the jaws of a massive shark rising upward is film, TV and news coverage. public about the number of enough to send fear into the hearts of shark attacks in would-be swimmers.

It all comes down to how our brains relation to other work. We remember dramatic and scary types of unusual After Jaws did so well, they made more deaths would give things like shark attacks a lot more easily a more balanced films portraying sharks in an equally because they're always on the news or in perspective. violent manner, like when a massive great movies. Our brains trick us into thinking white attacked a fisherman, rising out of that, if we can remember something the water and almost capsizing the boat. After those easily, it must happen a lot. But that's not true at all. did well, more films started making sharks the villains, We end up worrying about the big, exciting dangers and the media found it easy to make very rare shark instead of everyday things, like our stairs or our food, attacks widely known and seem brutal. even though the everyday things are actually way more likely to hurt us. So, basically, we worry about the The media like to report on shark attacks and media wrong things. coverage is often reported globally. The popularity of smartphone cameras means that terrifying footage Whilst it would be ‘normal’ to fear a shark if you came of real shark attacks can often be circulated after the into close contact with one, in general many humans event. should address their irrational fear of sharks and shark attacks. In recognising the role the media plays in In 2024, there were only four fatal shark attacks sensationalising shark attacks, we can rationalise fear. worldwide. In 2023, one survey found 51% of Americans Educating the public about the number of shark attacks were scared of sharks, 38% avoiding the water entirely. in relation to other types of unusual deaths would give A 2024 survey found 34.6% of Americans are afraid of a more balanced perspective. Raising awareness of the sharks (Chapman University). A 2023 survey found 46% positive contribution sharks play in the ecology of our are terrified of sharks. oceans will enable us to develop the healthy respect for them that they deserve.

vey ne sur o , 3 2 0 In 2 51% of found s were n a Americ sharks, 38% f o d er scare ing the wat id o av ly. entire

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45

MR S A Martha Gritten of SJCS ex

plains why ASMR g the Covid pandemic.

grew in popularity durin

D

o you listen to ASMR? Is it good for you? ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. Many people watch ASMR videos online to help with relaxation or to stop anxiety, stress and insomnia.

ASMR can range from sensory sounds such as whispering, tapping and crinkling things like paper. For some insomniacs ASMR can really help by making them fall asleep quickly.

We all have our favourite sounds that calm and soothe us when we are stressed. No matter whether you’re angry or happy, you could listen to those sounds all day and not get tired of them. Deep inside you, you have a pleasurable tingling feeling cheering you up, lighting up your mood, making your day.

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Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

When you are exposed to ASMR, the Studies have shown that 98% of people tingling sensation usually starts on who use ASMR use it for relaxation, the scalp and works its way down and other studies have shown that through the neck 82% of the people use it to the spine. ASMR ASMR is subjective, for preventing stress and which means is subjective, which insomnia. In general, it is it is a deeply means it is a deeply personal, individual estimated that 10-20% and internal personal, individual and of people universally experience. Not internal experience. experience the ‘tingle’, everyone likes the Not everyone likes the but some may not feel sounds you like. sounds you like. For the ‘tingle’ at all and ASMR example, I hate the noise can cause irritation. But in of metal grinding, but I know people general it is still beneficial to listen to who love it. It is completely subjective. ASMR. It will lower your heart rate and We all have sounds that we hate and calm you down. love.

There is a major negative to listening ASMR is considered both psychological and watching ASMR, however. and physiological. Scientists have Although it can really help calm and discovered that ASMR reduces the soothe you, it is not good if you are heart rate for those who are stressed. trying to avoid emotional discomfort

T sen he tin star sation gling t and s on t usuall dow works he sca y nec n thro its wa lp k to y ug the h the spin e.

or distress. If you listen to or watch it, it numbs the emotions that you are experiencing rather than helping you to process the emotions and recover. You need to process these emotions rather than trying to hide from them by using avoidance tactics such as ASMR. During lockdown, the internet sensation of watching people and listening to people making and playing with slime increased rapidly due to loneliness. One particular study showed that there was a 22% spike in the UK viewing of ASMR videos during the Covid pandemic. It increased because it was a digital way of coping and unwinding from a stressful day. One of the most common benefits was that mindless ASMR video viewing took our minds off uncomfortable thoughts such as Covid, hospitalization and death.

the own, ockd tion of l g in Dur ensa e and net s inter ing peopl ple h e c t p o wa ing to ing listen and play ed s g a in e k r a c m lime in o with s idly due t . rap iness lonel

Mindless ASMR video viewing took our minds off uncomfortable thoughts.

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47

e Mor t Ar

Coco Lachl

the decline

48

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an of Bede’s

laments hools.

of art in sc

Art is also so l good for menta ople pe at th th al he for actually use it therapy.

M

y question is: should schools focus more on art and creativity?

I love (and always have) loved art and would love to do more at school.

However, a recent report has shown that there has been a decline in the quality and quantity of art education in primary schools.

Doing more art in schools would help children focus more on their other interests.

design etc. This would encourage children to be more creative, which would help them in later life or in other core subjects.

There are many different jobs that pupils So how does Art help? Art helps children could do that suit different people with a focus, analyse and keep a creative and wide range of salaries. Also, even if children imaginative mind, which seriously benefits do not want a creative career when they are schools. Art is also so good for mental health older, doing more art in schools would help that people actually use it for therapy. From children focus more on their my own experience, art is other interests, like Maths, super-mindful and makes me a recent report English, Science etc. more relaxed, which is ideal for has shown that schools because it helps pupils there has been Are there any downsides? become more tranquil and a decline in the quality and Yes, there are lots of focused towards core subjects. quantity of art downsides such as: Art education in is inaccessible, lots of art To add more art into the primary schools. supplies are expensive and timetable, schools could focus not many people are willing more on art and creativity by to become artists. This is because of the adding co-curricular art and craft lessons pay, the time and the effort. Becoming an and/or they could add more weekly creative artist has developed a bad reputation. lessons. But these activities wouldn’t have to be just art; they could be: DT, craft, graphic My conclusion is that schools should focus more on art and creativity because it is amazing for mental health, expressing emotions and is just really fun. Although art is expensive in general, which brings us back to the lack of funding, this could be solved if the government donated to this cause. Let’s all raise awareness of Art!

s of art supplies are Ar t is inaccessible, lot people are willing ny expensive and not ma s. ist to become art Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

49

c i s s a

r Ju Spark 50

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se ng back School wonders whether bringi the dinosaurs is a good idea.

Zachary Jackson of Holmewood Hou

D

inosaurs were the dominating species that roamed our planet 245 million years ago. They went through different stages of evolution and ruled the Earth for millions of years, ending with the Cretaceous Period around 66 million years ago. But why did these top reptiles go extinct? A colossal asteroid measuring more than 15km across hit the planet in the Yucatán Peninsula.

use is there in bringing back these ancient reptiles? Well, if we brought back these historic fossils there would be a huge advance in understanding of vaccines and medication.

However, there is also risk of new diseases coming to our planet that might disrupt life as we know it. Then I go back to this question: Where would they live? Zoos? If they were kept in zoos, scientists would have to find out what they eat and what they need to survive in their natural habitat, which would be very pricey.

Taking care of them could range from $250,000 to over $1 million per dinosaur per year.

The impact released energy equivalent to billions of atomic bombs and formed the Chicxulub crater, more than 150km wide.

The impact this had on the Earth and wildlife was extreme. Global earthquakes with Then I wanted to consider other people's enormous magnitudes of 9 to viewpoints on bringing Where would they 11 on the Richter Scale, massive dinosaurs back to life. For live? Zoos? If they tsunamis and high winds tore example: What benefits could were kept in zoos, habitats apart and ripped up scientists would have they bring? I asked some trees straight from the ground. to find out what they people and got some very eat and what they But this wasn’t all the collision interesting and positive ideas need to survive in caused: the immense force sent their natural habitat. with a wide variety, ranging up massive clouds of dust and from being people's pets for ash to fill the air and block out the sun's rays. security or leisure, to dino-mobiles that could Without the sun, there was a period of mass be used as a renewable way to help construct extinction, killing almost all life that couldn’t or destroy buildings. These were all good ideas. fly.

However, one of the main problems given was Bringing back these reptiles would be a that they were not suited to this environment. challenge in itself. It isn't as easy as in the film The ecosystem on our planet has changed since Jurassic Park. First, getting hold of the DNA the dinosaurs ruled the earth. Re-introducing would be a struggle. It takes around 6.8 million them to our environment might disrupt the years for every bond in the DNA to be destroyed, food chain and destroy the ecosystem that has meaning all DNA from the dinosaurs has by changed and adapted over the years to our now been destroyed. If scientists somehow environment, and they will either die out very managed to find the right DNA from living fast or take over the ecosystem. animals (fish or birds) they would still struggle to put it together and resurrect the dinosaurs. There are many pros and cons of bringing back these beasts from the past. But there are still Then, even if we managed to bring back lots of tests and experiments to be done and these dinosaurs, we have to ask ourselves answers to be found in order to achieve the some questions: Where would they live? What feat of resurrecting dinosaurs.

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51

E R ' E W DOOMED Aubrey Neville of JK

Bound to Doom Brita

in.

T

he new Reform UK Party, led by Nigel Farage, has been predicted to win several elections in the future by PLMR (Political Lobbying & Media Relations Ltd) and other polling groups. But there is a problem that the British public has ignored or not noticed. To understand the problem, we must look at how the Tory Party cleverly tricked many of the British public into voting to leave the European Union (EU). They did this with a series of halftruths and outright lies and convinced 52% of the public to vote to leave the EU. This should not have been legal because most other countries require a supermajority of generally about 66% in order for a referendum to be accepted by Parliament. But instead, 52

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S says Reform is

the Conservative Party let it slide. Brexit Jake Berry, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, has been proved to have lowered the Marco Longhi, Ross Thomson, and quality of life in Britain.

David Jones. I could go My point here is that now, on for a while, but I don’t Nigel Farage, who was Britain’s after ten years, the British think anybody wants to MEP while we public have realised that hear about these corrupt, were still Brexit is to blame for dishonest and deceitful part of the EU, the cost-of-living crisis people. rarely attended European and other negatives. The Parliament public has now turned Moreover, Nigel Farage, meetings then against the Conservative claimed Britain did who was Britain’s MEP Party. But the same not have a voice in while we were still part Europe.

Tories that helped cause of the EU, rarely attended Brexit, and are part of the European Parliament blamed party, have migrated to Reform. meetings then claimed that Britain Examples are Sarah Pochin, Nadine did not have a voice in Europe. Is Dorries, Jonathan Gullis, Lia Nici, Chris this not hypocritical? He then, after Green, Lee Anderson, Danny Kruger, the referendum vote, made a rare Maria Caulfield, Adam Holloway, Sir appearance in one of the meetings and

We ha ente ve alrea d r loop ed a ‘doo y cycle ’, which is m o a decl f econo mic ine a n d high taxat ion.

made a victory speech and famously said: ‘You’re not laughing now.’ This refers to when MEPs laughed at the pay for them, meaning they have less ridiculousness of Britain leaving the money to spend on products like clothes, EU. This comment did not help in the meaning businesses have less money, complex negotiations and difficult and taxes then have to be extrication of Britain from raised to accommodate the EU. So, clearly Nigel after ten years, Farage is a snake hungry the British public the holes in the economy. for power. have realised that Reform have claimed that Brexit is to blame their policies are the only for the cost-ofway to break the ‘doom We have already entered living crisis and loop’ but this has sparked a ‘doom loop’, which is a other negatives. intense political debates cycle of economic decline and, with the backdrop of Sir and high taxation. This Keir Starmer’s mutinous cabinet plotting vicious cycle happens when the to overthrow him, this could prove the government raises taxes because they perfect climate for Reform to thrive. This have too much debt. Then people must may evolve into an even bleaker financial picture and be the next chapter in Britain’s historic self-inflicted isolation.

p dro r’s k c e ba arm t he t h t eir S abine row t i w ir K s c rth e u e v S of utino to ov d pro for m ing l e u t tt s co lima e. plo , thi ect c thriv him erf to p rm the Refo

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53

g n i t n u H Fo r

Gold

ure eas the r t y : ve Man rs lo thrill e l t s a n hu lectu storie l hi n inte dying s, the he u st d map t on t an g ou din ion. hea miss

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plores the patient of the treasure hunters.

Oscar Thomson of SJCS ex craft

I

magine the thrill of searching the depths of a deep coral reef and squinting your eyes, hunting… hunting. And then you see it! Chests of barnacle-coated wood, splitting at the seams, and trails of golden coins pouring out, like rivers from your wildest dreams.

bars. Following the discovery, Fisher faced a huge legal battle with the State of Florida and the US government over ownership rights. In 1982, the US Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favour of Fisher's company, Treasure Salvors Inc., granting them the rights to the find.

This is exactly what individuals such as Brent Brisban and Mel Fisher do for a living. These men have discovered some of the most significant shipwrecks in history.

The most profitable may have been when Brisban found the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet off the coast of Florida. This discovery earned him a cool US$4.5 million.

Treasure hunting also takes place on land, of course, rather than in the deep seas.

Experts use high-end metal detectors and penetration radar to find hoards of gold and coins. Others may use specialist metal detectors in rivers and lakes. Treasure hunting is infectious and Youtube now hosts thousands of so-called ‘treasure finds’ where amateur hunters post stories of objects hidden at the bottom of lakes and rivers. Most of these stories and videos, however, are pure fabrication.

Mel Fisher discovered the wreck of Nuestra Señora de Atocha, valued at an incredible US$450 million, after a search lasting sixteen years, which shows that treasure hunting is also about grind, resilience and constant disappointment. But if you make that big payday, then everything becomes worth it!

Mel Fisher was born in Hobart, Indiana, in 1922. He spent his childhood fantasizing about treasure and pirates after reading the novel Treasure Island at a young age.

Aged 11, he made his first ever functioning diving helmet out of a plastic bucket. He grew up on a chicken farm and studied mechanical engineering at university.

Afterwards, he transferred to treasure hunting and diving, ultimately starting his legacy. In 1975 while searching for the Lady of Atocha he lost his wife, Angel; his oldest son, Dirk; and his diver, Rick Gage, during a storm at sea. The recovery of The Lady of Atocha included over 40 tons of gold and silver, including 114,000 silver Pieces of Eight, and around 1,000 silver

Professional treasure hunters seek treasure as a job. There is no salary but the potential rewards can be massive. They study 18th and 17th Century maps to pinpoint wreck locations and they use gadgets, such as side-scan sonar, remotely operated vehicles and satellite data.

But why does treasure hunting excite so many? It is probably because it taps into the innate human desire for exploration, discovery and, above all, riches! Who doesn’t dream of becoming fabulously wealthy and famous? Many treasure hunters love the intellectual thrill: studying histories and maps, then heading out on the mission. There is also the psychological thrill – the buzz – of discovering ancient artefacts that have lain untouched for hundreds, even thousands of years, and making a connection to the mystical past.

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Christopher Rance-Gething of Chandlings celebrates the birth of the double bass.

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n the 1500s a man called Matteo Godfriller invented a great musical instrument. The double bass is the lowest instrument in the strings section and is the heartbeat of the orchestra. It originated from Italy in the Brescia and Cremona regions. This bulky instrument was invented to double the bass line of ensembles like a string quartet or an orchestra, which is where it gets its name from. It is also known as the bull fiddle, bass fiddle, contrabass, bass viol, bass or string bass.

The double bass was first used in a French orchestra by Marin Marais, and it was first used in jazz bands in the 1920s.The double bass has four metal strings and a bow.

It takes about four months to make one, although the materials are very basic, using This bulky just wood, metal, and horsehair instrument (for the bow). It is quite easy to was invented play, and you will be playing in to double the an orchestra in no time! bass line of ensembles like a string quartet or an orchestra.

Two of the most famous double bassists are Ron Carter and Paul Chambers. The double bass has evolved significantly over time from the 16th Century right up to now. Here are some of the big changes. In the Baroque era, the shape of the instrument changed with it having rounded shoulders and the bridge being adjusted. In the Classical era the shape was standardised with it having f holes like a violin. In the Romantic era it had a more important role in orchestras, with famous composers like Richard Wagner using it. In the 20th Century they modernised the double bass, giving it things like steel strings instead of gut strings. In the 1920s the modernised double bass was used in jazz bands.

Today the double bass is used all around the world and in many different genres of music.

Now you know some facts and the basic history of the double bass, why don’t you try playing one at some point?

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g n i v Li

Dolls

Nancy Way of Broomwood warns us danger to toddler models.

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ave you ever wondered about the reality of life behind the camera? Buckle up, because this article explores the world of toddler models and child pageant contestants. It is important to remember that what you see is not always what you get.

While ‘perfect’ pageants and talented toddlers might seem like a dream, for the children involved it is often anything but. Behind the stage makeup is young skin that can be easily damaged. It is arguably dangerous to wear heavy cosmetics at such a tender age. Pageant children are often layered in thick makeup, yet many experts suggest that such products should only be used by those aged 12 and over. A three-year-old’s skin is incredibly delicate; according to studies, the constant application of cosmetics can lead to dryness, itchiness, redness, and severe irritation.

Imagine being forced into something that isn't your choice and placed in front of a camera by your parents without your true consent. How would that make you feel? Scared?

Confused? Uncomfortable? Now, imagine you are only three years old. It is absolutely terrifying. Toddlers in the spotlight rarely have a say in their participation; it is the parents who sign the consent forms and seek the limelight.

At such a young age, you cannot understand how these decisions might affect your future or whether you will grow up to regret them.

of the

ung a yo ot h c u At s you cann w o age, rstand h ns unde e decisio our thes affect y t migh future.

and photoshoots, you cannot simply ‘press pause’ on your education. It is frustrating to know you have the intelligence to succeed, but you miss out on essential lessons because you were in Hawaii while your peers were learning their timetables. You might end up knowing more about makeup than your two-times table!

Rejection is difficult to accept at any age, but it is devastating for a three-year-old. To be a model, you must have thick skin, but facing constant scrutiny as a toddler is a heavy burden. It can lead a child to believe they are ‘not good enough’ or ‘not pretty enough’, potentially resulting in depression or a total change in personality. Ten years down the line, a teenager might struggle with extreme shyness or identity issues, all stemming from being a model at the age of three. They may eventually ask themselves, ‘Why was I put in that position?’

We have explored makeup being unsuitable for young skin, lack of informed consent, the negative impact on education, and the psychological toll of early rejection. Based on these points, it is fair to argue that high-pressure pageants and professional photoshoots are entirely unsuitable for toddlers.

Remember that not all you see is what you get.

It is incredibly difficult to keep up with school when you have missed days of vital learning. You are forced to nod and pretend you understand, whereas it would have been much easier to be there when the rest of the class was taught.

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e h t e v a S

spot

idari

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s ndling a h C f o

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h iatic Cheeta

the As us to save

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wants

re sa tah t do e e Ch s bu tic e ght Asiarnivor at ni en’t t r ca hun ey a not use th nal. a ur bec noct

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he Asiatic Cheetah is a critically endangered species currently surviving in Iran. In the past, they used to inhabit many other places in Asia, such as the Arabian peninsula, the Near East, the Caspian Region, Trans Caucasus, and South Asia, but sadly they became extinct in most of these regions in the 20th Century.

Many years of studying Mitochondrial DNA samples collected from the extinct species from nine different locations in Asia shows the Asiatic Cheetah separated from the African Cheetahs between 32,000 and 67,000 years ago.

Asiactic Cheetahs are different from African Cheetahs, being paler, fawn-to-white in colour, with a thicker coat and smaller size, and a larger mane on its neck. It is also more adapted to a colder climate. Its spots are particularly smaller, sparser and more aligned on the neck and head.

Suitable environments for Asiatic Cheetahs to thrive are small plains, slightly deserted areas, open lands and other habitats where a source of food is available. Currently, the Asiatic Cheetah inhabits the deserts around these areas: Dasht-e-Kavir in the Eastern half of Iran, including parts of Kerman, Khorasan, Semnan, Yazd, Tehran and Markazi province.

The Asiatic Cheetah uses a wide range of habitat but prefers the areas where they have access to water sources.

Asiatic Cheetahs are carnivores but do not hunt at night because they aren’t nocturnal. Their preferred prey are medium to small herbivores such as chinkara, goitered gazelle, wild sheep, wild goat and cape hare.

Sadly, the Asiatic Cheetah has been listed as a Critically Endangered Species in the IUCN Red List since 1996.

The main threats to their numbers the Asiatic Cheetah are a reduced number of gazelles, has been listed as a persecution, change of land use, Critically Endangered Species in the IUCN habitat degradation, desertification, Red List since 1996. mining development, road constructions and conflict with livestock herders.

But the good news is that in 2001 the conservation of the Asiatic Cheetah and its Associated Biota project was launched by the Iranian Department of Environment in cooperation with the UN development programme, the wildlife conservation society, the IUCN Cat specialist group and the Iranian Cheetah Society. Today, the Asiatic Cheetahs are equipped with radio-collar devices and their movement and numbers are monitored using GPS collars. In 2014, the Iran national football team imprinted the picture of Asiatic Cheetah on their football jersey to raise awareness of this beautiful creature. 

in 2 00 co the nserv 1 the a and Asiatic tion o Biot its As Cheet f s a ap ro ociat h la Ira unche ject w ed nia d as of n Dep by the Env art m iron men ent t.

range of tah uses a wide The Asiatic Chee the areas where they s habitat but prefer sources. er at w to ss ce ac have

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G Changer 60

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how Artie Emly of Solefield explores

C

h-loved technology is reshaping the muc game of cricket.

ricket has developed in many ways Technology is not only used to decide if a over the years, and technology is a big player is out, but it is also used by professional part of this evolution. Umpires do not always players to analyse their gameplay and improve have the final say in a decision anymore, since their skills and knowledge. One example technology can now be used to review what is a company called SportVU, which was has happened and support them in making founded by Gal Oz and Dr Miky Tamir. It uses important calls, such as whether someone is advanced tracking systems to evaluate and out or not. It has helped shape cricket into a predict how the ball will move. It can also more modern sport. While some players agree analyse footwork, release points, balance and with using technology, others argue that it timing. Furthermore, it creates personalised could ruin the traditional game and make it training guides to help players improve their too modern, like many other sports around weaknesses and develop as a team. By helping the world. So, the real question is whether players improve their skills, this is surely making the game more enjoyable and technology is making the game exciting to play, and to watch. more exciting and fairer – or is it Although this highspoiling a much-loved sport? tech strategy aid might take away some Technology can also be used The Decision Review System of the art of making for match strategy. It provides decisions, it is detailed run analysis to help (DRS) is designed to track the ball those still the players on decide the batting order, which and help umpires make difficult the field who hit a decisions. There are different six or bowl someone bowlers to use, and where out. fielders should stand. It can types of technology involved simulate different scenarios so in this process, including Ultra Edge and ball-tracking. A team can call for a teams can practise how to respond to certain DRS review if they disagree with the umpire’s situations. It also allows teams to analyse their decision, and the batting team can do this as opponents and prepare strategies to counter well. Players cannot ask their teammates for them. Although this high-tech strategy aid advice on whether to review the decision or might take away some of the art of making those decisions, it is still the players on the field not. Umpires can also use it if they are unsure. who hit a six or bowl someone out, so the art of Ball tracking shows whether the ball was going playing remains intact. to hit or miss the stumps. Ultra Edge detects small sounds to show whether the ball touched Ultimately, technology is a great tool to enhance the bat before hitting the pad. If the ball hits cricket because it helps make decisions fairer the pad first and is then caught, the player and more accurate. It can help players improve will not be out. In this case, the technology and also make the game more engaging to helps settle disputes and improve fairness. The watch. The DRS process is especially interesting, traditional aspects of cricket that should be because it builds suspense when the team and preserved involve teamwork, match teas and the stadium wait for the final decision. So, to sportsmanship – not accusing the umpire of conclude, I believe technology does belong in cricket. However much it is used, the players unfairness or poor vision. will still be the ones to watch, and the ones who determine who wins.

ll A team can ca w vie re S DR a for ee gr sa if they di ’s with the umpire . on decisi

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On a

n o i s s i M William Gairdner of

Saint Ronan’s expl ains his fascination with the Knights Templar an d wonders what secrets history has lost.

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he Knights Templar was a religious militia formed after the success of the First Crusade that became influential across Europe and the Holy Lands. In 1099 Jerusalem was captured by the Crusaders and in 1120 the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (also known as the Knights Templar) were formed. After roughly 200 years they were destroyed by the King of France, which lost many of their secrets to the abyss of time. Some reckon they were more than history describes. Some even claim they found the Holy Grail.

They have been prominent in movies like The Da Vinci Code, and spawned the taboo of Friday the 13th.

In 1099 Jerusalem was captured by the Crusaders, which made pilgrimage possible once again. Jerusalem was under Christian rule but Outremer 62

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(the Christian states) was still very October he ordered them to be dangerous. So in 1119, Hugues de simultaneously arrested. Many people Payen, a French knight, believe this is where the proposed to the King superstition of Friday on Friday the 13th October he of Jerusalem a Catholic the 13th comes from. ordered them to religious order to protect He charged them with be simultaneously pilgrims. This request was spitting on the cross and arrested. Many accepted in 1120 and the other heretic practices. people believe this is where the Knights Templar were After false confessions superstition of born. At the start they through torture, many Friday the 13th had minimal financial of the members were comes from. resources and were burned at the stake, composed of just nine including Jacques de knights, which is why their symbol Molay, the grandmaster of the Knights depicts two knights riding one horse.

Templar.Whilst burning, he renounced his previous confessions and also Over time the Templar’s power and cursed the King and the Pope. Within influence grew. They became rich a year, both had died in suspicious and invented the cheque for pilgrims circumstances. travelling to Jerusalem. By 1307 they were so wealthy that the King of Some conspiracists believe that this France, King Philip IV, was in serious isn’t the Knights Templar’s full story, debt to them. So, on Friday the 13th though. The theory is that they found

hat im t ly a l ho ec Som found s The a y t, e h h t nan suc ics e Cove stiny l e r h f De Of T l.

Ark Spear O ly Grai o e H Th the and

holy relics whilst in the Holy Lands and that their real job was to protect those relics. The headquarters of the Knights Templar was on the Temple Mount, a holy site in Jerusalem, and various tunnels have been found that suggest that the Knights Templar dug there.

Some claim that they found holy relics such as The Ark Of The Covenant, The Spear Of Destiny and the Holy Grail. The theory that they found the Holy Grail is by far the most popular, being fomented

by The Da Vinci Code, originally a novel

by Dan Brown. In the movie the Knights Templar are the guardians of the Grail.

Other more far-fetched theories state that they were the first to discover America, that they founded the first ‘pirate-brotherhood’ and that they are still around today, controlling everything that happens!

that ry is oly o e h h t The y foundt in the the whils d that an to ics rel Lands b was s. o c y i j l l Ho al se re r re o thei ect th t pro

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t e i Qu

t a e tr e R

s why Kiribati try in the world. is the least visited coun

Farid Emam of SJCS wonder

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Its remote location means the that reaching e it qu is y tr coun long difficult, with s. and few flight

W

hy is Kiribati the least visited country in the world? Whereas millions of tourists travel each year to popular destinations like Paris or London, some countries remain almost completely untouched by global tourism. Kiribati, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is one of the least visited One of the better-known aspects of Kiribati is Kiritimati, countries in the world. Spread across vast stretches of also known as Christmas Island. As the world's largest ocean and far from any other major country, Kiribati coral atoll by land area, it is famous for its beautiful only welcomes a small number of tourists every year. lagoons, abundant birdlife, and worldIts isolated location and not being well class fly-fishing. Many travelers also visit known have mostly kept it off the world's because its UTC+14 time zone makes it travel map. it is famous for its beautiful the very first inhabited place in the world lagoons, to see the sunrise each day.

Kiribati is located in the Central Pacific abundant Ocean, far from major continents and birdlife, and international travel routes. The country is world-class fly- Once you get to Kiribati the most fishing. commonly used type of travel is te wa made up of 33 little islands spread across boats. These are traditional, fast-sailing more than 3000 km of ocean, making it outrigger canoes, known as one of the one of the most geographically scattered fastest boats in the Pacific. They are built from local groups of islands in the world. With a population of materials and are often used for daily life. They are just over 100,0000 people, Kiribati is both small and bound together by string and the main hull is made isolated. Its remote location means that reaching the from sturdy timber. The planks are lashed together country is quite difficult, with long and few flights. with strong rope and string made from processed coconut husk. Sails are made from long strips of woven For the small number of people who visit Kiribati, they pandanus matting. All these resources are found and experience the locals' daily life, a quiet and simple made by locals. lifestyle. With no specific tourist attraction, travellers go to experience cultural immersion. They stay with Kiribati is threatened by rising sea levels, caused by locals or in traditional homes, usually with very basic climate change. Most of its 33 coral atolls sit less than interfaces, with limited power or running water. Some two metres above sea level, making them vulnerable tourists also visit outer islands like Abaiang, which to being swallowed by the ocean; in fact two islands offers more of a tranquil, paradise experience, with have already disappeared. One of the ways Kiribati is clear lagoons and authentic village life. trying to solve this is by already having a back-up. In 2014 they bought 6000 acres of land in Fiji to secure potential food sources and a possible refuge for Kiribati's population.

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e r a R

Beauty Constance Beasley-

has a soft spot for

T

he goblin shark is a type of deepsea shark. These types of sharks are not seen often because they do not interact with humans and are normally solitary. However, they are not violent to humans and have never been known to bite or attack one; they are even said to have a shy demeanour when interacting with a person.

Male goblin sharks grow to about 2.6m, much larger than a human. A female goblin shark’s length is still unknown.

They also live up to 60 years old. Goblin sharks are named ‘Goblin’ due to them being famous for being one of the ugliest sharks, which is quite ironic as many marine biologists have said that they find goblin sharks and all marine life ‘cute’. They have a long nose, a gaping jaw and thin, sharp teeth. They 66

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Harling of Newton Pr

Goblin Sharks.

ep

have all of these features for a reason. in deep seas. Fortunately, we know For example, they have a long nose to characteristics that may determine the detect and find prey in number of fish they eat. the dark sea. They have It is guessed that they a gaping jaw to catch They have a gaping eat a small amount of jaw to catch prey prey as well; it sling-shots body percentage in a day, as well; it slingforward to grapple onto due to them being slowshots forward to prey at lightning speed grapple onto prey moving animals. and traps them with its at lightning speed. teeth. Speaking of teeth, A fun fact about Goblin the teeth are sharp and Sharks is that they are thin to pierce their prey and trap them called ‘living fossils’ because their even further, almost like a needle. species has lived for about 125 million years without changing much. They Goblin Shark’s prey are usually bony fish, also give birth to their offspring in a cephalopods, and crustaceans. They do different way than most fish. Goblin not drink sea water. This is unlike other Sharks are ovoviviparous, which means sharks because most sharks can drink they keep their eggs in their stomachs seawater due to their osmotic balance. until they hatch. The young are then We cannot fully estimate their daily born alive, just like mammals. food intake since they are found only

of types en These re not se y e a h t ks ause ct shar n bec ofte ot intera are do n ans and y. ar um with h ally solit m r o n

They have bad vision since they live in the dark and cannot rely on their eyesight. On the other fin, they have amazing smell: depending on water currents, they can smell from a hundred meters to a kilometre away. They can also hear extremely well.

We do not know exactly how far away they can hear other animals and prey, but most sharks can hear low frequencies from up to one mile away. The Goblin Shark needs to have good hearing and smell for survival and to catch prey.

Thankfully, they don’t have to listen out for danger because they have no natural predators, at least which are known to us.

Another unique trait of the Goblin Shark is that their teeth can be seen at all times, even when they close their mouths.

They are called ‘living fossils’ because their species has lived for about 125 million years without changing much.

So there’s a lot more to them than just being the ‘ugliest shark’!

nt viole e not d have r a y an the n to mans to hu been know ne. o never r attack bite o

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traces n art and some curious connections betwee the slave trade.

Anna McIntyre of Trevor-Roberts

D

id you know that art and the transatlantic slave trade are closely linked? You only have to look at two of my favourite artists, Kerry James Marshall and Frank Bowling, to see the link.

Internationally acclaimed artist, Kerry James Marshall, is one of the most important painters working right now. His vivid and mostly large-scale paintings place the Black figure front and centre. Marshall makes visible those people who were so noticeably absent in the works that came before him. These powerful paintings span art history, civil rights, comics, science fiction, his own memories and more. His work comments on the past, celebrates everyday life and imagines more optimistic futures. Marshall borrows compositional techniques from Renaissance and Classical painting.

His paintings do not depict Black people as victims; rather, the figures are shown with agency. Marshall's work typically centres Black figures in Western art and challenges the historical exclusion of the Black experience.

Frank Bowling’s art is much more abstract, however.

Despite this, making his art amazing, he uses hidden pictures. Look at one painting and see a map of swirling and dripping colours, then look again and see an image of Africa, a figure. His colours are also carefully selected to reflect the matter. Bowling does not want to be seen just through the slave trade links, however.

Marshall’s work displays a more obvious or visible symbol of slavery. Although he rarely shows the actual image of slave trading, he uses the image, for example, of a haunted theme park ride to show the trauma of 

Image: Kerry James Marshall

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T R A & THE

SLAVE TRADE

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Image: Kerry James Marshall

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rful powe t These s span ar s, g t in h t ig pain il r ce ry, civ histo ics, scien n m w o o c e. n, his fictio s and mor rie memo

the journey. Bowling, however, makes a different attempt at capturing such a horrendous happening in art. He focuses on the abstract emotions caused by the event. This proves that the transatlantic slave trade has layers.

There are a thousand different ways of looking at its representation and experiencing its horrors.

Image: Frank Bowling

So, the slave trade has been explored in art. An event so awful is hard to express in other ways sometimes. Art is a good medium because it has no rules and you can show grief and pain by whatever means you choose. I hope you have been moved by this subject as much as I have. The slave trade is horrible but the art about it is incredible. Image: Frank Bowling

ium d med a goo has no is t Ar an use it beca and you c by in s a rule ief and p you r s g n w a sho ever me what choose.

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Image: Kerry James Marshall

There are a thousand different ways of looking at its representation and experiencing its horrors.

Image: Frank Bowling

Image:|Kerry James Marshall Mind’s Eye Prep 2026 71

To pFlight Charlie

Cooke

of MHV follows migrating birds on a journey like no other.

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ar Over its 30+ ye ic ct Ar an , an sp life e th y fl Tern can three equivalent of the to ips round tr moon.

D

o you know much about goose migration? If you don’t, then listen.

Geese migrate all around the world at different times of the year. They do this to breed and to water and to roost and in the morning, just escape the harsh winter months of places like before sunrise, they return to the same field to Iceland and Russia. The birds migrate between eat. Once they have eaten everything in one late February and early June. These are the location, they find a different place months when they go to countries Swallows are to fly to. to breed. They come back to also heroic places like the UK at the start of migrators: they But every single animal migrates September. September days are fly back to the when the harsh cold and vicious same spot every – fish, ducks, whales, sharks. All of year!. them! The longest migration of snowstorms are on the other any animal is the Arctic Tern. This side of the world. The legal goose migration is from the Arctic breeding grounds shooting season starts on the first of September to Antarctica and back each year, covering up and finishes on the thirty-first of January. to 90,000 kilometres (55,000 miles!) in an epic pole to pole journey that spans two whole years Once in places like Iceland and Russia, they get and allows these birds to experience summer ‘banded’ or get a GPS tracker put around their all year round. chests. These things have a special combination of letters and numbers. You can put this The Arctic Tern breeds in the Arctic and combination into a computer, and it shows you Northern temperate regions, then travels to the all the statistics about that goose – how it has Antarctic waters for the Southern Hemisphere’s flown, and where it has stopped off. summer. Over its 30+ year life span, an Arctic Tern can fly the equivalent of three round trips Once the geese have had their goslings, the to the moon. babies will be old enough by the end of August to fly all the way across the globe to the UK and Swallows are also heroic migrators: they fly other places. Once the birds are in the UK, they back to the same spot every year! They fly in big roost, eat and have a normal life. They find a groups and find a spot they like, and fly back place that they like for six months. They fly in the and forth every year to the same barn or shelter. morning and evening to eat. They find a field or place that has food for them, then they fly back Next time you see a flock of birds, just think about where they come from, or where they are going.

all te ld a r ig or e m the w imes s e Ge und ent t . aro iffer year d e at of th

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Wi nn ing a l u m Fo r F

Wilf Boumphrey of Chandlings says nothing beats formula one.

ormula One is one of the most exciting sports in the world, the pinnacle of speed, skill and adrenaline! F1 travels all around the world to a huge variety of challenging circuits that range from historic classics like Silverstone and Spa to electrifying street circuits such as Miami and Monaco.

F1 cars are created by some of the best engineers and manufacturers in the world who have come together to make cars that can reach terrifying speeds of over 200mph whilst racing on some of the world’s hardest tracks. The tyres of these cars come in three main types, ranging from soft tyres that are made purely for speed, hard tyres that will last for hours and medium tyres that have both properties. Aerodynamics is a big part of F1 and that strange-looking design is not random.

The cars are made to have almost no air resistance that will slow the driver down and that weird design helps a lot.

You might think that F1 is a solo sport when it is the complete opposite. Each team has two drivers who will race on the track, but they have a team of strategists and mechanics who make sure the drivers can score the most points possible.

mechanics in just two to three seconds. At the end of the race the drivers in first, second and third will be allowed to stand on a podium and spray champagne all over each other.

Depending on the driver's final position and other things, such as the fastest lap, points are Aerodynamics is a awarded. By the end of big part of F1 and the season the driver with that strange-looking the most points wins the design is not random. championship and their team will get prize money to spend on upgrades for next season.

Throughout the 76 years of Formula 1 there have been a couple of incredible drivers who are indisputably the best of F1 and they are Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. Both have won seven championship titles, standing in the way of anyone else wishing to become the Best Ever! 

Before each race there are three qualifying sessions that determine the drivers’ starting position on race day by eliminating drivers during each session. On race day each driver lines up on the grid ready to race. One by one five sets of two red lights will appear, and when they all turn black, the cars will shoot out of the grid.

Typically races last between 90 and 100 minutes with a limit of two hours. During these races each driver will have to have a pit stop in their own pit box where all four of their tyres will be changed by a team of 20

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the y of s have a t mec rateg team han i ics sts and sur who e the m can driv ake sc poin ore th ers e ts p oss most ible .

Make it p

U

L

anguage is universal. But have you wondered how they form? Can you make one of your own? These are thoughts which I had when I was younger, when I first discovered linguistics, and wanted to explore them. Soon enough, I learnt what conlangs were and, through this article, you may too.

Benjamin Rafferty of Newton Prep talks the art of conlangs.

word for hope, ‘espero’. This language soon became so effective that there are now over two million documented speakers of Esperanto in the world.

The last type of conlang is an engelang, or engineered language, made for the sole purpose of challenging how languages work to achieve a goal. One language, Toki Pona, Conlangs, or constructed languages, are was specifically designed to incentivise new languages that have been artificially made for a ways to communicate, and use the smallest certain purpose. They are specifically made by number of words to convey incredibly complex one person over a short amount of time, instead thoughts, ideas and words by merging words of a group developing it for together to make new contexts. thousands of years, so Mandarin For example, to say ‘ice rink’, Many people will isn’t a conlang because it evolved you would have to say, ‘fun cold make conlangs over many centuries amongst circle’. Toki Pona’s words come to add to a storyline in order many people. There are many from many languages; however, to enhance the different types of conlangs, and the lexicon only totals about 100 atmosphere of a mainly they would be used for to 130 words! As you can see, situation. one of two things: creative arts, many types of these constructed and communication, although languages are diverse. In fact, there are more options nowadays. Many people a 1990 study by Aleksandr Dulichenko found will make conlangs to add to a storyline in order over 900 documented conlangs. Furthermore, to enhance the atmosphere of a situation: this 91% of these conlangs were made after WW2, type of conlang is called an artlang. showing how the 1950s onwards has truly been a time of flourishing linguistic projects.

Being a stranger in another country and hearing locals speak a language you don’t understand In conclusion, conlangs are a way to truly is an event most have experienced. If you hear express creativity in ourselves, for multiple something similar in a show, like Klingon from purposes, to support how we understand Star Trek, The Elvish Languages from Lord of and use speech to our advantage. They are The Rings, or Dothraki from Game of Thrones, not a destructive threat to world order. As M. it almost seems like you’re experiencing the S. Soderquist of Language Creation Society idea of not being able to understand it as if it attests: ‘Creating a new hobby language was real and, furthermore, it incites curiosity to doesn't affect natural languages any more further explore these shows, and even become than playing Monopoly affects the economy.’ emotionally and linguistically invested in them. Without language, you wouldn’t have many ways to communicate, besides using body Another type of conlang is an auxlang, or an gestures to convey thoughts and meanings, auxiliary language, a language specifically and even then you would have to memorise designed for international communication. thousands of symbols to achieve a range of One of the most famous of these is Esperanto. fairly complex conversations. Conlangs push Its creator, L. L. Zamenhof, wanted it to be a the boundaries of existing language systems completely neutral language, spoken at UN and add to our intelligibility by creating new meetings, to settle international disputes. communities connected by language.  Zamenhof also called it ‘Esperanto’ after the Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

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E F A S LANDING St. rch of

Faith’s

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ikuli low M

Wil

exp

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eir feet.

on th ts land a c y h w lains

to rt ill a t sk ks ss en p the wee to t Kit elo ree tart til h s v de und t on’t ill un -9 6 k d o ar but he s und d er t aro d. l o st ol re ma ey a eeks w th

H

ave you ever wondered how cats land on their feet? Well, here is your

answer.

Cats have an abnormally strange talent for whenever they drop from a tree they land easily on both feet. The skill is called a righting reflex and severe physics and ‘liquid’ anatomy both take part in helping cats land on their feet. The move that they do is called ‘the pepper mill’. First, they tuck their front paws into their chest then extend their back legs. Once their front has twisted the right way up, they do the move backwards by tucking in their back legs and reaching out their front paws. They then twist like a pepper mill.

Cats have a highly flexible spine, inner-ear balance system and a lack of any functional collar bone. Kittens start to develop the skill around three weeks old but don’t start to master the skill until they are around 6-9 weeks old. A cat needs to fall at least 1236 inches [30-90 cm] to be able to land on their feet. Only 3.7 % of cats have no injury

when they land on their feet. 96.3% injure themselves and 37% of cats need lifesaving treatment.

The trick has evolved over millions of years, but a cat named Felicetti in The skill is called a 1963 experienced zero gravity and righting reflex and she safely returned to our planet severe physics and ‘liquid’ anatomy both landing on her feet [metaphorically] take part in helping by parachute. Thousands of cats cats land on their each year need to be rescued from feet. tall objects and trees, constantly needing the fire brigade. In cities like Singapore there are at least five cases of cats falling from heights per week!

People think that cats land on their feet easily, but that is a myth that has developed over time. Cats are better at climbing up trees then going down trees, which is why so many get stuck each year, and most cats prefer to jump from high places than climb down.

Cat s clim are b e the bing u tter tre n goin p tre at e so es, wh g dow s ich man n is y eac get s why h ye t ar. uck

I hope you have now learnt some new things about climbing cats.

A cat n ee inches [3 ds to fall at le 0 on their -90 cm] to be ast 12-36 able to la feet. nd

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Big

Game George Henty of SJCS warns us of A

Rocky Rise to Power.

I

n the past year, the gaming platform Roblox has the community and resulted in huge protests on the platform. broken world records, most notably achieving the most The platform responded by banning any form of Schlep avatar concurrent users on a single game and claiming the items. Banning Schlep also sparked the criticism Roblox now title of the biggest gaming platform in the world. However, faces for child safety concerns. Many inappropriate games were it has not been an easy journey. Behind the success, Roblox not being taken down; people were doing inappropriate emotes has faced huge criticism and scrutiny ranging from child with their avatar; and, worst of all, no one was stopping adults protection concerns and many technical talking to minors. In 2025 Roblox’s stock market challenges. Why has Roblox become so value dropped by 11% due to this controversy The platform is popular, what has held the platform back, and which made the company start to act. now so big that companies like ITV how is the company responding? and the BBC are In response to the allegations, Roblox has finally creating their own Roblox really took off this past year with begun listening to the community. The gaming games based on Roblox. daily active users jumping from about 76 platform is responding to posts on the social media million to over 151 million in 2025. It was just site X, taking down inappropriate games, and has like any other gaming platform until lockdown began. All just introduced facial recognition and age groups which ban across the world, people were stuck in their homes and adults from talking to minors. Unfortunately, the community were now regularly online. Roblox took advantage of the and the Roblox game developers have not taken kindly to sudden online surge and very quickly the platform had this chat feature being limited, specifically the restrictions on a huge active user base. Streamers like KreekCraft began voice chat and text messaging based on age verification. New changing their channels to be Roblox-focused. Graphics features which we should see coming out in 2026 include a way on the platform went from a ‘blocky’ feel to a smooth and for parents to talk with their children in games, and a way for pristine look. Today most games have switched to this new verified streamers to talk with fans. shiny look, such as the popular games, Rivals and Doors.

Streamers who switched to Roblox are now reaping the Despite these ongoing challenges, the platform continues to benefits and are gaining a lot of followers. The platform is dominate the industry, boasting millions of daily active users now so big that companies like ITV and the BBC are creating and maintaining its title as the biggest gaming platform in the their own games based on Roblox, as well as educational world. experiences such as the BBC game Planet Planners, which covers KS3 Geography and Science. Additionally, Roblox Ba is free to download and play, which has helped to attract als nning Sch os millions of people. c p l Despite its rise in popularity, the biggest gaming platform in the world is facing criticism over child safety standards. A youtuber named Schlep, who is famous for hunting down and convicting predators, was banned from Roblox due to the platform suspecting he was a vigilante. This outraged 78

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ark riti ep nowcism R ed the o chil faces blox f d con safe or cer ty ns.

Trick of

Troy Lydia Donaldson of Trevor-Roberts explores what might have happened at Troy.

T

he ancient city of Troy is part of of the party, in front of three other Greek mythology, but we dug goddesses – Athena, Hera and up a city near where the tales Aphrodite. They started fighting and said it was, with a layer of ash to show asked a man from Troy, called Paris, to it had been burned down. Although choose the most beautiful goddess. there is evidence of Aphrodite bribed Paris the city, historians are by telling him that the Greek still doubtful about the Helen, a Greek woman, soldiers built a huge wooden original myths. would fall in love with horse and him if he chose her. pretended it was So how do we Paris agreed, but Helen a present to the know about Troy? was already married!

Trojans.

The answer is that When she ran away somebody wrote a with him, her husband, story about this ancient event, a man a Greek king, got angry and declared called Homer. He was an ancient war on Troy. The battle lasted ten Greek, and his story is called The Iliad. years, but the Greek soldiers built a Technically, it’s an enormous, ancient huge wooden horse and pretended Greek poem. Homer’s other famous it was a present to the Trojans. poem is called The Odyssey, which is However, when the Trojans wheeled about a king’s return home from the it inside the city, Greek soldiers leapt battle. out from inside and burned the city to the ground.

Here’s the main story: Eris, a goddess, was not invited to a party, so she Although most of the story is probably got cross. She decided to carve ‘for made up, we think that there really the fairest’ onto an apple made of was a battle, and who knows? Maybe gold. She dropped it into the middle the Trojan horse was real too. Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

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r e l l i K

Queen Agatha Christie is the undisputed Queen of Crime says B. Mitchell of Trevor-Roberts.

Image: Agatha Christie c1925. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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ot everybody has heard of Agatha Christie, nicknamed 'Queen of Crime’, even though she is maybe the most successful writer of all time. In fact, she has sold more books than any other writer who ever existed. Shakespeare has sold more works – and everyone has heard of Shakespeare – but he didn’t write books. He wrote plays.

Other people on the list of bestselling alltime authors are the famous J. K. Rowling, who everyone recognises as the genius behind the Harry Potter stories, and Enid Blyton, who created many wonderful classics, such as the Famous Five and Secret Seven children’s series – but even they have not sold as many books as Agatha Christie.

And all of Christie’s well-loved masterpieces have one thing in common: somebody does something incredibly bad. Usually, it’s murder. Sometimes it’s theft. Sometimes it’s kidnapping. But there’s always deception and mystery.

Her most famous works include Murder on the Orient Express and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, the latter marking a breakthrough point in her popularity – and Death on the Nile. She created the immortal and impossibly intelligent investigators, Hercule Poirot and Jane Marple. These characters have been portrayed on stage and screen by dozens of actors. Her deliciously clever stories have been translated into many different languages and sold millions of copies around the world.

the e aps of th s h r pe ess ption ger airn ece n u f it’s d a hun r s pr de cul oduce e rea e to h r iv t t t in thin ec the wi he det e to c i t t for g jus rld. wo brin

It’s an interesting thing that so many people want to read about such terrible crimes. It may be because the element of crime introduces a spooky feel of death and mistrust into the story, but with the safety of knowing that none of it is true, or perhaps the unfairness of the culprit’s deceptions introduces a hunger within the reader for the detective to bring justice to the world.

She has sold more What’s even more interesting is that books than any other there were mystery and deception writer who ever at the heart of Agatha Christie’s existed. own life. In 1926, she completely disappeared. Her car was found abandoned. Huge numbers of people looked for her, including her fellow crime writer, Sir Arthur Conan Usu Doyle. Many thought she would never all Som y, it’s m be seen again. But she was discovered urd the etim eleven days after her disappearance, it’s ft. So es it’s er. kidn met ime staying in a hotel in Harrogate under a app the s in r dec e’s al g. But false name. And to this day, nobody really way ept knows why! mys ion an s

ter y.

d

It must surely be connected to the fact that her beloved husband, Archie, had recently left her for somebody else. Many people believe she simply had a nervous breakdown from the shock. Or maybe she wanted to frighten her husband into realising he loved her. Or just to punish him? Was the idea to frame him for some sort of crime? Or did she want to vanish forever and start her life again free from the startling betrayal? We will never know for sure.

possibly immor tal and im Poirot She created the e igators, Hercul intelligent invest and Jane Marple.

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Mys te r y d n a l Is Agatha Christie’s ’And Then There Were None’: A Review

by Santiago Chavez Leroy of JKS

T

his popular book was written by the notorious crime fiction writer, Agatha Christie, in 1939, but was written under disparate titles. It is famous for having no A good example of a locked room mystery is explanation of who the murderer was and for The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr. A man its profound plot twists. Christie is shot in a locked study, with no even had to write a new chapter escape route and no footprints It significantly affected the in the book to elucidate who the in the snow outside. Later, book economy murderer was. And Then There Were another victim is shot in an empty by establishing None is consistently ranked as one street, seemingly by an invisible mass-market of the world's best-selling books of assailant, with witnesses at both benchmarks for the murder all time, with approximately 100 ends, yet no one sees the killer. mystery genre. million copies sold. It significantly Multiple solutions are entertained, affected the book economy by and it’s thought to be inspired establishing mass-market benchmarks for the by Christie’s And Then There Were None which murder mystery genre and generating sustained completely changed the way mystery novels revenue streams through cross-media licensing. were written and is used by many writers as a basis for their own books.

Agatha Christie made millions upon millions for her exemplary writing, making her even more I recommend reading it, as it’s an important famous than she already was. The ten people part of anyone’s reading repertoire. It also helps on the island are all secluded, apart from two understand many other Agatha Christie novels servants. This inspired many other ‘locked room’ and gave birth to a whole sub-genre. mysteries, as Christie makes you think there is no possible solution, before she then explains it in the epilogue.

The on t ten pe opl he all island e s ar ec apa rt f luded, e r ser om tw van ts. o

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This inspired many other ‘locked room’ mysteries, as Christie makes you think there is no possible solution.

t c e f r Pe aved

S

Pebyts

Poppy Slater of SJCs recommends pawsitive mental health.

W

e all have those days when our calm and positive environment for their heart feels like it is going to owners. Stats have proven that animals sink into our shoes, but there is can enhance emotional regulation, reduce proof that pets can decrease the number anxiety and boost focus. This is because of days you will feel like this. they help improve cognitive, Keeping pets is a good way physical and social skills by animals can to release stress. encouraging communication, enhance wellbeing and responsibility and routine. offer a new Scientists claim that pets approach to life help reduce the amount of So, I feel that animals are and how we view anxiety in young people; help an important part of our things. tackle loneliness; strengthen lives and routines because your routine in daily life; they are calming and, most increase socialization; and help with daily importantly, act like a best friend. I feel mindfulness. that animals can enhance wellbeing and offer a new approach to life and how we Statistics prove that dog owners have view things. I feel as if we 60% more of a chance to get to know forget how much animals people in their area because dogs are benefit us and how much known as ice breakers in conversation. they play an essential Other animals such as horses can teach role in our lives. you responsibility and are a good way to reduce your stress because they make you release hormones called endorphins. I call my horse my personal therapist because he acts as a safety barrier for me and helps me manage my feelings. Animals also give a reason for people to get outside, which improves mental health because fresh air boosts mood and mental clarity. My horse has given me something to look forward to at the end of the day. He is an animal I can trust, and has changed my life.

Animals also help people who are neurodiverse or who struggle to feel accepted in society. As long as we are kind to them, pets such as dogs, cats and horses treat us all the same: they do not judge, they do not take sides and they are loyal. Pets also introduce a different way of learning since they can provide a

One of a

d n i K

Ariana Horsley of Br

oomwood celebrates ne westwood.

the marvellous vivien

C

her family as a teenager, but it wasn't until she met an art student, Malcolm McLaren, that she fell in love with dressmaking.

I'm sure we have all heard of her appealing jewellery and clothing brand, Vivienne Westwood, but the real question is: How did she get there in the first place? Let's go right back to the very beginning to meet a primary school teacher from Derbyshire.

Westwood moved to London with

According to the V&A, dressmaking gave her a 'focus for her restless idealism' and the clothes and 'opportunity to harness a jewellery. natural flair for dressmaking.’

Why is Westwood’s While still teaching, she style so different from began to design her own everyone else's? Don't fashion clothes and jewellery. Then she get me wrong: it's an incredible style! and McLaren started their own business But I just wanted to clarify why it's so on the King’s Road, making Teddy-Boy- different and interesting. She chose inspired clothes. For those who may not this type of style because when she know, Westwood's Teddy Boy clothes was 30 she found that, unlike any other were of neo-Edwardian style, inspired fashion designers, she was inspired

an a safety pin really change the world? Well, Vivienne Westwood thought so. With her breathtaking style and astonishing designs, she really changed the world for good! Vivienne Westwood is truly an inspiration to all, which is why my article is on her and her mind-blowing business. So, to quote Vivienne herself, ‘Let's go for it!’

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by Britain's first significant youth subculture characterised by longdrape jackets, tight trousers and a love of rock and roll in the 1950s. Westwood and McLaren designed clothes that referenced While still youth culture’s recent teaching, she past and were designed began to design to shock people. her own fashion

brea With her tht and a aking sty le desig stonish in n chan s, she re g ged t ally for g he world ood!

by historical clothing and a very oldfashioned style (and when I say 'oldfashioned' I mean VERY old-fashioned) especially 17th and 18th Century European art and culture. She loved corsets, noble fabrics, and bustles but when she styled them she made the old-fashioned clothes modern.

Who did Westwood design for? In the 1970s she famously designed for the punk band, The Sex Pistols. She also designed for many well-known celebrities such as the one and only Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, Margot Robbie, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Rhianna, Harry Styles, Zendaya, Jenna Ortega, Jessica Parker, Ice Spice, Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus and many more famous celebrities and idols. Dua Lipa wore a Westwood necklace to the BRIT awards on 11 May 2021 and she also wore a Westwood dress to the 2020 Grammys and she also wore this brand in November 2023 at the Variety Power of Women event. Olivia Rodrigo wore Westwood to the 2022 Grammy Awards and she also wore Westwood to the Billy Joel at Madison Square Gardens in August 2022 while performing. Margot Robbie wore Westwood to the Barbie

premier. Zendaya wore Westwood to the Oscars in 2015. Even though all the celebs have been wearing Westwood to all these important events, Miley Cyrus wore Westwood to her own wedding.

Isn't that so cool? Taylor wore custom Westwood to her own Eras tour and Jenna Ortega wore Westwood to many 'Beetle Juice, Beetle Juice' premieres.

There are also many more celebrities that have worn Westwood to many other events but, if I mentioned them all, we would be here all day!

Westwood sadly died in 2022 but her name lives on with Andreas Kronthaler designing for her brand and keeping her legacy alive. So, to quote Westwood: ‘When in doubt, dress up!’ 

She nob love d bus le fab cors tle ets ric sh s s , she e sty but w, and l h fas mad ed th en hio e th em ne e mo d clo oldder t n. hes Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

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y p p a H Dance 86

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th Dance helps wi ll we l emotiona ing as le re by g in be d endorphins an , ss re st ng ci du re d an y anxiet depression.

s shows us why dance

Sadie Cullum of Chandling is dazzling.

W

hy is dancing so great and why do I think you should give it a go?

First, there are many different types of dance: ballet, modern dance, hip hop, tap, contemporary, jazz, folk, country and western, salsa, tango, ballroom dancing and many more.

and muscles. It boosts your flexibility, agility and balance and reduces the risk of injuries and falls. Doing dance means that you can burn between 200 and 500 calories in only 50 minutes.

Dance helps with emotional well-being by releasing endorphins and reducing stress, anxiety and depression.

Learning dance routines, new I feel like dancing is a way of dancing is a way tricks and new dance moves of expressing expressing myself, no matter helps sharpen your memory myself, no which style of dancing I’m and increases cognitive matter which style of doing. Dancing is a way function. Dance acts as a dancing I’m to energise yourself but universal way of bringing doing. rhythmically and in a fun way. If people together, fostering you have a favourite song and community, friendship, and want to make it something more, just turn a sense of belonging. It serves as an it up loud and dance. expressive, creative, non-verbal outlet for expressing emotions, and most You can dance anywhere, whether it’s in a importantly dance builds self-confidence. dance studio on a rainy day, in the fields You can do it! with the sun beaming down on you, or just in your room, with a good friend to make Try out dancing now and boost that selfyou laugh. confidence. Here are some health benefits of dance: It’s a complete, full-body workout that increases stamina and strengthens bones

an You y in a wher can d ra dan e, wh ance in c e wit y da e st ther y u h , di it i n t do wn he su the o on ’s a f on n in y yo bea ields ou u, o min rr g r oo just m.

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Deep Dive T

Ava Riley of St. Faith’s takes us on a deep-sea dive.

he Mariana Trench is known to be a staggering Do you remember in Summer 2023 when a submarine 11,000 metres deep. With creatures evolving, ice- (specifically the Titan Submersible) imploded near where cold waters and total darkness, nobody really knows the Titanic sank? At $250,000 per ticket, this was a once-inhow much is down there. You may have heard about this a-lifetime experience. Due to extreme water pressure, all ‘mysterious trench’, ‘the V crescent’ or even the ‘Ariana four passengers and the captain died on the expedition.

Grande’. But how much do you really know The Titan Submersible imploded at around With creatures about it?

3,800m of depth, while the Mariana Trench is evolving, icealmost three times deeper. That’s how deep cold waters and First, the temperatures. Can you believe and dangerous it can be. But miraculously total darkness, that the deepest part of the trench is near scientists fixed this problem. They allowed nobody really knows how much freezing? It is constantly cold, ranging from travel to Challenger Deep (the deepest part of is down there. one degree to four degrees 11,000 metres the Mariana Trench at approx. 11,000 metres) down, due to no sunlight reaching that by making outstandingly strong submersibles deep. Plunging depths deeper than Mount Everest is tall, (a small sphere often made of titanium to hold a crew) it’s the deepest part of the world’s ocean. It’s unbelievable protecting them with ultra-thick titanium or steel pressure what can survive down there, varying from dragonfish and hulls. These extra-tight submarines are designed to hold snailfish to perhaps some undiscovered species. against extreme pressures of over eight tons.

Second is the number of peculiar types of species and organisms lurking in the murky depths of the bottom of the Mariana Trench. For example, odd creatures like fangtooth fish, goblin sharks and even the largest singlecelled organism called xenophyophores (I’ll be surprised if you can say it), measuring 20cm long, live only at the deepest part of the sea. But imagine stepping on one of those unpleasant, slimy, translucent Sea Pigs. I guess they’re called that for rolling about on the muddy seafloor.

Next is how the trench was made. This confusing process started when the Pacific plate was pushed and pushed below the smaller, lighter Mariana plate. When they collided, this gradually created a V-shaped wound in the ocean’s floor. As the bigger plate was forced to dip deeper into the seafloor, it tugged the edge of the Mariana plate lower, forming the Mariana Trench we know now.

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The first solo diver into Challenger Deep was James Francis Cameron, a Canadian filmmaker and experienced deepsea explorer, filming his journey and collecting many samples for examination. I wonder what he thought when he reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench and saw the seafloor consists of, quite literally, sediment – grainy, pale sediment and over one million-year-old clay, formed from dead microorganisms. There are also active mud volcanoes that unexpectedly release carbon dioxide. Alongside the rocky outcrops lie debris and plastic. Even at this depth, there is no escaping pollution.

Even at the bottom of the Earth’s deepest mystery, where it’s pitch black and completely out of this world, we’re reminded that the world and its oceans are full of surprises.

I wonder if venturing down to the depths of the ocean is on your bucket list this summer.

h g u o T Gig

Aoife D’Souza of Broomwood exposes the pressure on Celebrities.

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e all have our celebrity idols, but how do they cope with the immense pressure thrust upon them when they land in the spotlight? Fame acts as a stress multiplier, turning normal human struggles into public spectacles.

Celebrities like Michael Jackson and Macaulay Culkin experienced psychological turmoil rooted in childhood trauma, such as abuse and neglect, which resulted in deep-seated self-doubt and a systemic need for love.

Often, individuals pursue fame to fill an internal void; if that remains unfilled, it can lead to substance misuse and irrational behaviour.

Lindsay Lohan’s well-documented struggles, often labelled by the media as a ‘downfall’, were triggered by her parents' troubled relationship. Her father’s frequent legal issues and incarcerations during her youth damaged her self-esteem, making her feel worthless.

Lohan reached immense fame at just 12 years old after starring in the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap. This early stardom brought severe pressure, primarily from constant media scrutiny and the inherent challenges of being a child star. Having faced a complex mix of professional pressure, personal instability, and addiction, Lohan herself has characterised this period as a time of 'chaos'. Since then, she has made significant strides towards recovery by building structure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and prioritising selfcare.

How do these household names deal with such intense pressure? Often, it is not as seamless as it appears on camera. Many superstars experience an identity crisis or ‘character splitting’, where a divide forms between their celebrity persona and their true self, leading to a loss of identity. Furthermore, the impact of online

trolling is significantly negative; it can drive even the most famous stars to experience severe anxiety, depression, and even attempted suicide.

Justin Bieber has faced significant challenges in the spotlight. Bieber is early stardom brought currently navigating health severe pressure, issues, including facial primarily from constant paralysis from Ramsay Hunt media scrutiny and the syndrome, which some inherent challenges of being a child star. link to the chronic stress of achieving global fame at such a young age. In 2019, he opened up about his past drug use, depression, and the overwhelming nature of his career.

So celebrities do not simply ‘go crazy’ because of fame; their struggles often stem from childhood issues and immense pressure from both their peers and the public. Constant stress, lack of sleep and intense public attention can disrupt brain chemistry and emotional regulation. When these physiological systems are overwhelmed, even small problems can feel unmanageable. Understanding these factors helps us see celebrities as real people with human limits, rather than merely untouchable figures.

es ggl tru from d s n ir m the n ste ues a s e e s r t i u of ood ss h pre heir d l i e t c. ch ens th bli imm m bo he pu fro and t rs pee

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g n i r i w Re Recovery

Miron Gkampranis of

Bede’s asks what treatments can help humans and animals heal after injury. after injury.

W

hen my dog was paralysed after an accident, she lost control of her legs, and although she could not speak, it was clear she felt distressed and uncomfortable. Watching her struggle made me wonder whether better treatments could exist — not only for animals like her, but also for people who experience similar injuries. This personal experience inspired my question: What treatments can be used to help people and animals who have been in an accident or need rehabilitation?

This article focuses on finding existing treatments for neurological and muscular damage and exploring whether a new treatment using electromagnets, in the form of a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) machine, could improve recovery.

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Stroke and muscle atrophy result in long-term physical disability. Muscle atrophy usually occurs when muscles are not used for long periods, often after accidents, paralysis, or nerve damage.

which processes sensory information.

These areas are often represented by a diagram called the homunculus, a small human figure where body parts are scaled according to how much space they occupy What in the brain. Damage to treatments these areas can disrupt can be used to communication between help people and animals the brain and muscles, even who have been if the muscles themselves in an accident remain intact. or need

According to Radiopedia, there are two main types of stroke. An ischaemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks the blood supply to part of the brain, causing rehabilitation? brain cells in that area to But what if electromagnets die. A haemorrhagic stroke happens can activate damaged motor areas when a blood vessel bursts, damaging of the brain, and help muscles surrounding brain tissue. Both types relearn movement? I researched can severely affect movement and existing rehabilitation treatments. sensation.

One commonly used method is electromyography (EMG), according Movement is controlled by two to John Hopkins Medicine, which important regions of the brain: the uses electrodes to stimulate muscles motor cortex, which controls muscle directly. While EMG can be effective, it movement, and the sensory cortex, is often slow, uncomfortable, does not

aphy yogr m o r elect MG) uses (E s to rode s elect e muscle t a l u . tly stim direc

ent using a new treatm nets, ag m electro of in the form al ni ra sc a Tran ulation im St c ti ne Mag ne, could (TMS) machi covery. improve re

train the brain directly and requires specialist equipment and trained professionals.

Another treatment is physiotherapy, which involves supervised exercises designed to strengthen muscles and improve movement. Physiotherapy trains both the brain and muscles and does not require advanced technology.

However, it is a very slow process and requires significant time and effort from patients.

Magnetic stimulation has several advantages. It can train both brain and muscles, is less painful than electrical stimulation, and is comfortable for patients. Research suggests it is safe and has very few side-effects. However, there are also disadvantages: the equipment is expensive, it requires highly trained staff, and it is not widely available.

While magnetic stimulation is not yet a complete solution, it has real potential as a rehabilitation treatment to safely and effectively improve recovery for both humans and animals.

ion lat u m sti ain al etic sever an tr es, n g c l Ma has . It usc ges and m than n, a t io ul in an adv h bra painf imulat for t s e t o s s e b bl is l rical orta f t . c m s e t o el is c tien a d p an

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91

l a i c So Curfew

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ety

Florence Brown of St. Faith’s says saf before socials, people!

D

id you know that over 90% of 12- to 15-year-olds in the UK use some form of social media, and 37% of children aged 3 to 5 have their own social media profile? With these staggering figures, what is the government doing to keep children safe online?

health and wellbeing. Even though doomscrolling is irrelevant and unimportant, it seems people like it and are intrigued. If people know doomscrolling is not beneficial then why do they do it? It is an addicting design and an endless seeming effect that drags you in. Maybe a social media ban is required to stop children being caught On 10 December 2025 the Australian government up watching for hours at a time. Parents of the put a social media ban on all those Australians children are not to be punished if their child has under sixteen: ‘The aim is to reduce the negative been able to access any of this social media. The impact of social media design plan is to charge the platforms up Denmark is planning features that encourage young to $50,000,000 in fines. to ban under people to spend more time on fifteens, along with Norway. France, screens, while also serving up On the 22 January 2026, it content that can harm their health however, is planning was announced that the UK a social media and wellbeing,’ they said. This is government had begun debating curfew for teens the first ban of this type, but other whether to ban social media sites between 10pm and 8am. countries are watching closely. for under sixteens, within a year.

Denmark is planning to ban under On the 19 January 2026 a threefifteens, along with Norway. France, however, is month consultation on children’s social media was planning a social media curfew for teens between announced by the government. The purpose is to 10pm and 8am. Spain recently announced plans explore the best ways to ensure that children have for a social media ban for under 16-year-olds. heathy online experiences.

There are ten social media platforms included in these bans: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, X, Threads, Reddit, Kick and Twitch – all of which are media platforms deemed unsafe for young children and teenagers. The next subject of the ban is an online game called Roblox, which has already been banned in Egypt, which has an age rating of 13 years old, yet some younger children access this platform. They have slowly introduced an age verification check on their game to control certain aspects of its chat.

Some governments are now considering adding this platform to the ban.

There is a part of a social media platform named YouTube that has an aspect called shorts, aimed at dragging in the watcher. It makes them watch for hours on end and it has endless shorts of certain styles – some are fun and educational, but some are scary and inappropriate. Doomscrolling can also leave someone feeling lazy and unproductive, which can affect their mental

Opponents wonder if these bans are a reasonable way to help young people understand or if helping all users of social media know the danger and figuring out what they should and shouldn’t do would be better. Some consider a more balanced approach might be a better idea. Some think that parents and teachers could work together to educate children in the right and wrong ways to use social media. Those who oppose a ban are concerned that children will use unregulated platforms where they could be at greater risk of harm. Another action considered in the UK is to ban all smart phones in schools, insisting that children carry a device which is unable to connect to the internet. Many schools already insist that phones are turned off during school hours.

What is your opinion on this social media ban? Do you think that it will be effective at keeping children safe online? Look out for news stories throughout the year while the debate continues.

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IDENTITY Parade Immy O’Reilly of SJCS explains the concept of leveraging identity.

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I

s it fair that people can use their appropriate)', whether this is true or not. minority status to their advantage? Some think they can get whatever they Modern Western society is stuck want by using other people's fear of between support for minority rights being discriminatory. and trying to avoid the label of discrimination. While many young Studies suggest that people are smart people and businesses encourage about which parts of their identity they fairness and inclusion, lots of people disclose. One study at ZBW found that are choosing to avoid these people could increase their a few people topics altogether because who abuse their earnings by 22% just by of their fear of conflict or disclosing specific parts of minority status for their own saying the wrong thing. So their background to the gain are having instead of unkindness or right person. In many jobs a negative hostility towards minorities impact on those being part of a minority or the disadvantaged in group is used to that people who face genuine society, there is now an person's advantage rather discrimination. increase in people staying than it being a negative. silent and not engaging University of Michigan with the issues of discrimination. research found that some journalists often use their minority background to What is leveraging identity? It is get into communities or access stories when people who are part of a certain that other people can't reach. minority group use their minority status to their advantage continuously, This is all massively controversial, but and consciously or unconsciously. For a few people who abuse their minority example, if somebody's job application status for their own gain are having fails and the person believes that there a negative impact on those people was no good reason for the rejection, who face genuine discrimination. they might assume that it was because Also, majorities who do not like the of their race, religion, upbringing, social promotion of minority people accuse class and so on. So this person might these people of having leveraged come back to say something like: ‘You their identity and achieved promotion only rejected me because I’m gay/ through who they are, and not through black/working class/female (delete as their talent.

Pretty

e k Fa

rs the impact on the self-perception of girls.

Sophia Saykali of Broomwood conside of Disney

al e re in In th irls beg g ir , e d h l wor paring t ese com s to th els bodieted mod ung o a anim a very y from age.

H

ave you ever considered the question: ‘How do Research suggests that Disney princesses can reinforce Disney princesses affect a child’s life and their ‘limiting’ gender stereotypes in young girls and contribute to perception of women?’ Disney princesses affect a ‘body esteem’ issues. A study by Sarah M. Coyne of Brigham child’s life significantly; children grow up with specific ideas Young University, titled Pretty as a Princess, examined the pervasive ‘princess culture’ created by the Disney about males and females, which they then carry many children brand. The study concluded that it is not as ‘safe’ into their everyday lives. who watch as many parents assume. ‘We know that girls who these movies strongly adhere to female gender stereotypes My favourite princess was Sleeping Beauty. I want to feel like they can’t do some things,’ Coyne stated. absolutely adored her when I was little because emulate the characters.

‘They are not as confident that they can do well of her beautiful character and her glossy dresses. in maths and science. They do not like getting However, when I look back at that time, I realise how clueless I was about my own thoughts and feelings. dirty, so they are less likely to try and experiment with things!’

I find myself wondering: was that all I saw in her? These movies are original and lovely, but will boys and girls grow Furthermore, Disney princesses traditionally possess slim up thinking that a woman is merely a ‘damsel in distress’ bodies, tiny waists, and ‘perfect’ features. In the real world, who requires a heroic prince to save her? This creates a girls begin comparing their bodies to these animated models negative association of females being weak. Of course, I am from a very young age. This can lead to a decrease in mental not trying to ‘shut Disney down’ — I absolutely adore their well-being and may even drive them toward restrictive movies and will love them forever — but I am simply trying dieting. While modern Disney films have striven to create more balanced roles where women and men are equal, one to raise awareness. must ask: has the damage already been done? Another concerning point is that many children who watch these movies want to emulate the characters. While they grow up, they need to realise that life is not a fairy tale. If they start school believing that everything will be perfect and they will immediately live their dreams, the reality of life’s challenges may hit them much harder than expected.

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g n i t p l Scu Life Jack Baltensperger

of Newton Prep shine sA ures throughout His tory.

Spotlight on Sculpt

S

Sculptures are part of everyday life. We see them in parks and museums, and even in houses, so much so that you might not even notice them. Sculptures have been around for thousands of years from simple clay figures (early civilisations across the world) to ‘The Traffic Light Tree’ (Pierre Vivant, 1998). Let me take you on a journey through time, visiting just some of its gems.

Buried under several tons of mud and earth lies the Terracotta Army, created c. 210 BCE. It was created for the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China, and features 8000 life-sized figures to follow him into the afterlife.

The figures were soldiers, civilian officials and even entertainers. We don't know if these were sculptures or actual casts of real people. We think they may 96

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even have been painted bright colours, which would be an amazing spectacle.

Leaping forward 1300 years to 1625 is the sculpture ‘Apollo and Daphne’

by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a Baroque Later, in 313-324 AD, a huge sculpture architect and sculptor born in Naples was created out of who is now considered marble that depicted one of the greatest We see them in parks and Emperor Constantine sculptors of the 17th museums, and even (The Colossus). Like Century. What makes this in houses, so much Emperor Huangdi, piece so special is the so that you might Constantine wanted to fine detail of the carving. not even notice them. be remembered as a The leaves are realistic powerful and impressive and lifelike despite being figure in history. The thing that made carved from Carrara marble. The cloth this piece so remarkable was its huge wrapped around Apollo looks as if it size and detail. Historians believe it would feel like silk to touch. would have been nearly 13 metres tall and remember this was him sitting One of the most famous sculptors in down! What remains are fragments, the world was Auguste Rodin, a French including a hand, a foot, an eye, a artist known as the father of modern bicep… They are all beautiful as sculptors. ‘The Kiss’ (1888-1898) is a separate pieces. bold piece which is realistic but has less detail than Bernini. Rodin has chosen

What makes this piece so special is the fine detail of the carving.

to keep the rough raw rock from which he has carved the lovers, which provides a contrast between the material before and after the carving. He famously said, ‘Sculpture is the art of the hole and the lump.’

Joan Miro was a Spanish sculptor and artist working in the same style and period as Pablo Picasso. He is sometimes referred to as the King of the Surrealists.

My personal favourite, ‘Personnage’, a bronze made in 1970, is a childlike, playful and friendly character cast with simple organic shapes. Miro was always inspired by natural objects and, when he thought of this piece, it was a walnut and a pebble sitting together.

Another artist breaking the mould at the time was Louise Bourgeois. She was a French-American sculptor and one of her most famous pieces is a giant steel spider, 'Maman' (1999). It is nicknamed ‘the spider that repairs itself’. Most people might find it a disturbing creature because of its huge size and predatory quality, as if it is going to strike its prey. It seems alive.

This is just a small snapshot of sculptures humans have made. But it shows us the differences in the way artists think, and what they were trying to show their audience. This could be because of what purpose the sculpture had. Was it political? To tell a moral story? Or just to please or shock the viewer?

Bur seve ied und mud ral to er an n the d eart s of T h lie e r Arm r y, cr acotta s eate 210 BCE d c. .

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BOOM or

T S U B

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Bede’s of r arms mean doom wonders whether nuclea or deterrence.

Yahal

W

Kongala

e knew the world would not be the same.

A few people laughed, a few people cried.

Most people were silent.

This is how J. Robert Oppenheimer recalled his feelings after watching the first atomic bomb test, according to history.co.uk. What Oppenheimer said proves that different people have different opinions on nuclear weapons and this inspired me to dive deeper into this dilemma: do nuclear weapons have a positive or negative impact on the world?

Liyanage

nuclear weapons would be justified in the war against Ukraine, and 5% said that they didn’t know. This brings us to 92% of the people who were surveyed saying that Russia should not use nuclear weapons first or not use them at all. The results tell us that the Russian public are also against nuclear weapons.

A website called beyondparallel.csis.org conducted a survey on citizens in North Korea, with the majority of people surveyed expressing ‘ambivalence toward highly negative attitudes toward their country’s nuclear weapons program.’ This the majority shows that even in North Korea the public of the UK’s is against nuclear weapons. population

On the 22 December 2025, a website called YouGov.co.uk conducted a survey believes that on what should happen to the UK’s the UK should Despite some valid counter-arguments, nuclear arsenal after its current nuclear maintain its I think nuclear weapons have more of missile system (called Trident) gets nuclear arsenal. a negative than a positive effect on the decommissioned. 47% of people said world. Most people on Earth agree with that the UK should replace Trident with me and believe that the world would prosper more an equally powerful nuclear missile system. 24% said without the fear of nuclear war and the pressure to they didn’t know. 17% said the UK should replace pour money into having a nuclear arsenal. According Trident with a less powerful and more cost-efficient to Carnegie Council for Ethics in International affairs: system. And 13% said the UK should give up nuclear ‘Nuclear deterrence in itself can be viewed as an weapons completely. immoral act on the grounds that it is putting the lives of innocent civilians at risk.’ The site also gives a possible The results show that the majority of the UK’s solution to the problem: bilateral disarmament, which population believes that the UK should maintain is ‘agreement from both nations to retreat.’ its nuclear arsenal. This is because they feel secure, knowing that other countries would be deterred from A North Korean soldier once said: ‘Nuclear weapons going to war with them. are the devil’s weapons and will lead to our extinction.’

Exactly. I chose to find a survey on the Russian public because of Putin’s threats to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine, and I found a public opinion survey at globalaffairs. org. What came as a surprise to me was that a majority (69%) said that the use of nuclear weapons could never be justified, even if Ukraine were to use them against Russia. 23% said that nuclear weapons should only be used if Ukraine were to strike first. 3% said the use of

ieve bel d e l l eop d wou e tp l Mos e wor r mor r of th ospe fea pr t the ar. u rw o withnuclea

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99

A to Z

S is thinking Impact on t Sephora Kids and Their

Penelope Johnson of JK abou the World.

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bers Gen Alpha mem s, ge on sp e m co be up g in soak d to information fe Z. n Ge them by

T

hroughout 2025, I’m positive that most phone feeds were filled with one of the newest trends for Gen Alpha: Sephora Kids. But is it really their

fault?

In the past decade, when Gen Alpha grew up, social For example, ‘Laneige’ is strawberry shortcake lip mask media took off, with trend influencers, aesthetics and that comes with a donut key chain. This deliberately TikTok becoming popular. This has resulted in the has strong colours to attract the younger side of the younger, innocent side of the world being exposed population and appeals with its aesthetics to overconsumption (the excessive use and humour to teenagers and preteens. of resources). Most importantly, are you As a cute option, it’s easy to influence the falling for it, too? every new trend product Sephora target audience to buy, even though it Kids buy results comes with an expensive £33 price tag.

An influencer’s job is to influence you. in millions of They create trends and promote products: tons of waste Not only are younger children becoming that’s how they make money, whether the rotting on our planet. more attracted to expensive make-up product itself is a flop or not. earlier, disastrously, but every new trend product Sephora Kids buy results in As an increasing number of gullible children millions of tons of waste rotting on our planet. Isn’t this use social media (a whopping 90% of 12-year-olds), what we are trying to avoid? Moreover, we have entered they scroll, like or comment on these posts; arguably, a period when we are making products faster than we this means the more they absorb the more they feel can consume them, with demands, expectation and this is an essential part of everyday life. So, is it really companies fighting for the top spot. the Gen Alpha’s fault that their generation is known as ‘Sephora Kids’ or is it the Gen Z members who influence Therefore, they fall to influencing the naïve side of them? internet users and fuel the Sephora Kids ‘ideal’, which is consequently killing our planet. In 2025, 292 million Another fact that we could bring to the table is that tons of waste were produced in the USA alone. In brands purposely make their packaging as colourful as 2010, 250 million tons of waste were produced, so possible. Gen Z employees are targeting the children, that’s a 16.8% increase in 15 years. Still, the demand with names set to join their logarithms and therefore for products continues and overconsumption, past the Gen Alpha members become sponges, soaking phases and old aesthetics all leave out the sustainable up information fed to them by Gen Z. The result: Gen products option. Plastic, plastic and more plastic.

Alpha members go out of their way to buy a product While Gen Alpha starts entering the adult world, their they don’t need. influences from social media hang with them, causing plenty more waste and climate change in our futures.

If Gen Z and Gen Alpha were to change their target audiences, then the future could be hopeful. Who do you think is really to blame for the waste?

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Red

d e t Lis

Sophia Holden of St. Faith’s laments the red pandamonium.

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D

o you ever think about little red pandas or what happens to them?

They are wonderful creatures but sadly they are going extinct. Red pandas are an endangered species with their population decreasing by about 50% over the past twenty years and there are now fewer than 2500 to 10,000 red pandas left in the wild.

They are mainly going extinct because of their loss of habitat caused by deforestation, agriculture and livestock. They are also in danger of poachers who hunt these beautiful creatures for their soft but coarse russet-red pelts. Not to mention fragmentation – the process or state of breaking or being broken into pieces – and illegal pet trade where the wild animals are captured, bred, smuggled and sold to the highest bidder.

Climate change also troubles them because it affects their special mountain-forest ecosystems. This is because the sun warms their usually cool forests. Because of this their main food source – bamboo – is being reduced massively. Red pandas prefer to live in low temperatures between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius. Unfortunately, red pandas are most likely to be facing total extinction by around 2065.

Even though red pandas face such difficult and trying dangers, they can be helped if you donate to conservation groups, raising awareness in your local village or town, supporting sustainable tourism, or adopting a red panda through a zoo

o in als hers e r oac ya The r of p these es ge ur nt dan ho hu creat but w l t u f so -red utif bea r their usset fo rse r ts. pel coa

or website, for example Freedom For Animals, WWF (World Wildlife Fund), Red Panda Network or Hertfordshire Zoo, and reducing your own impact on nature by only buying sustainable products like bamboo toothbrushes, beeswax food wraps, compostable sponges, plastic-free hair ties, shampoo bars and lots more.

These products protect nature by They are mainly going only using natural materials. You extinct because of their loss of can also fundraise by organizing or habitat caused joining events like virtual races (Run by deforestation, for Red Pandas) to raise money for agriculture and conservation groups. There are also livestock. organizations that you can support which monitor and restore habitats, do scientific research, develop nonpoaching networks and work with locals The to become forest guardians. re o If you support or contribute to at least one of these causes then you can help to bring these poor animals out of the ‘endangered’ class and save everyone’s favourite bear, the red panda.

rga are you nizatio also whic can s ns th a res h mon upport t itor tor e ha a bita nd ts.

ratures d freezing tempe and ll They can withstan ng into a tight ba below -7C by curli shy tails as blankets. bu using their thick, Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026 103

Up i n

Smoke 104 Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026

Oliver Linforth of JKS asks why the

25/26

Ashes Failed the Fans.

T

Image: AFP

he media raving about this brilliant quickly like in an ODI format (a 50-over game). generation of English Cricketers inspired This was a problem in Australia because, due to fans from all over the world. Could it be an Ashes the hard pitches, the English specialist batters win in Australia for the first time since 2011, looked to be a long way from home. This is what when Sir Alastair Cook led his brilliant team to a Sky Sport’s Nasser Hussain had to say about it: 3-1 triumph? With the brilliant five test matches ‘Stokes and McCullum have been backing their between England and India coming to a close, players since 2022, but now it’s time for all of it was promising with a fiery spell from Siraj, them to take individual responsibility.’ narrowly saving his team while England required only six runs to win. At the first test match at the The 25/26 Ashes was a financial disaster for the Perth stadium, we were expecting England’s one Australian Cricket Board: two of the tests – one setting ‘Bazball’ to go head-to-head in an epic being the prestigious Boxing Day test – ended smackdown with the experienced inside two days. Because of this Aussie bowlers. So, what went poor display of cricket, not only will Because of this poor display of wrong? hundreds of thousands of tickets cricket, not only need to be refunded, but English will hundreds of The first test started on the sunny thousands of tickets fans will have come to Australia to morning of the 21st November: need to be refunded, see there was no day three. but English fans Mitchell Starc steamed into bowl will have come to the prestigious first ball. Quickly, However, there were bright Australia to see there was no day the two openers were out, followed moments for England, such as three. by the rest of the squad for a total Joe Root’s first two hundreds on of 172. What happened? Well, there Australian soil ever, and Jacob are multiple factors for this shocking display: Bethell’s brilliant 154. I think there certainly is one was the kookaburra ball. Back in England, hope for the future of English cricket. The Ashes’ the famous Duke ball is used; this is sewn for future stars, such as Jacob Bethell, will start to swing bowling (when the ball moves in the air) in lead the side in his newly secured role of number dense conditions. However, the kookaburra ball three. This was not an Ashes to remember for is made for seam (when the ball jags sharply to either side. As an enthusiastic cricket fan, I truly the left or right); because of the sun in Australia, hope the England team can pick themselves the wicket hardens, giving more bounce. Many back up. English batters, such as Zak Crawley, were taken by surprise, chipping an easy return catch to Image: AP Photo / Gary Day Mitchell Starc.

Second, another reason for the smashing in Australia is Bazball. Bazball is a style of cricket popularized by the England men’s test cricket coach, Brendon McCullum. Bazball is an aggressive form of cricket particularly associated with batting. In recent years the England squad have been dominating teams by batting them out of the game. Bazball allows runs to be scored

Mind’s Eye Prep | 2026 105

h c t i P Perfect

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ns sport the attractions of his favourite golf.

Andrew Palmer of Solefield explai

T

he sun is cooling down, the sky is streaked with threads of pink and tangerine, and a stag watches me from the edge of the fairway. I grip my Titleist titanium GT4 driver, ready to tee off. I swing back, feel the weight of the club and send the ball soaring into the distance, hoping for an eagle. ‘Ah, maybe next time,’ my dad says with a smile when we wander off to the next hole.

play a few times a week. There is nothing like the satisfaction of connecting cleanly with the ball and watching it fly across the course.

Of course, there are reasons some people hesitate to take up golf. The cost is a real barrier.

To play 18 holes at a public course can cost £25 to £50 per person. You are almost guaranteed to lose a ball or two What makes golf and a decent pack of twelve can special is that cost around £60, so losing one in people talk to you.

Strangers offer a lake feels like losing treasure.

I’ve been into golf for most of my life. I started when I was six, tips. Grandparents practising with my beginner’s practise beside Callaway driver at the local Golf today is more than a hobby. teenagers. driving range. When I was For some people, it becomes nine, my dad finally took me a career. The PGA Tour offers to Hildenborough Golf Course to play my first prize money that can range from around £1.5 proper nine holes. At the driving range, you see million to over £4.5 million per tournament. every kind of golfer: some nine years old, some Professional golfers travel the world, play on ninety, some laughing with friends, others stunning courses and meet fans who wait, concentrating hard on perfecting their swing. hoping for a signed cap or ball. Hats are the What makes golf special is that people talk to most commonly signed item, because it is you. Strangers offer tips. Grandparents practise traditional and part of golfing culture. beside teenagers. It’s one of those rare sports where people of all ages and backgrounds So why start golf at all? Because it’s calming. genuinely mix.

Because it gets you outside. Because it can relieve stress and help with sleep. Retired Golf doesn’t just build technique. It develops people can enjoy a peaceful walk, and confidence and patience. You learn to accept teenagers can enjoy the challenge. The rules, advice. You learn to talk to people you’ve never like understanding par 3, 4 or 5, are simple to met. You learn to keep going even when you learn but take years to master. Every round feels miss the ball, which every beginner does. different from the last.

A lot of people think golf is slow or based on luck, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Golf is a sport full of passion, precision and practice. The ball is tiny, the margin for error even smaller. When I was two or three, I used to chip soft balls into a cardboard box in the kitchen, and I actually hated golf back then.

Now it’s my favourite sport and I make sure I

But for me, golf is about something more important than technique, tournaments or trophies. It’s about those quiet evenings when the sky turns orange, the world slows down and it’s just me and my dad, walking from hole to hole, talking about everything and nothing.

Out on the course, all my worries disappear.

And that is why golf is a sport for everyone.

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!

E M O S

JAW

Rowan Maw of Saint

the shark truth.

S

ince the 1970s, most people have seen the shark through a lens of fear and misconception, largely because of social media and pop culture, such as the movies Jaws and Deep Blue Sea, which show the iconic dorsal fin on its lower back.

In the 1970s little was known about sharks and so most people believed the movies’ negative portrayal of these beautiful animals. But the reality is far from this.

What made people scared of the shark in Jaws was what they couldn’t see.

Throughout the two-hour movie the shark is only on screen for a total of four minutes, yet this made Jaws scary.

There is also the fear of deep, open water (thalassophobia), which helps contribute to this fear.

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Ronan’s explores

Although sharks may kill on average you than you are of them, and around 5 to 10 people per year, humans kill 500 species are harmless, with less 75 to 100 MILLION sharks per year than 10% being a threat to humans, purely for financial gain, those being the Oceanic many being made into Whitetip, Bull, Tiger and In the 1970s medicine or shark’s fin Great White. little was known about sharks and soup. Also, many humans so most people kill sharks out of fear When we go into their believed the and trophy hunting. This environment for our movies’ negative has led to the numbers gain, such as harvesting portrayal of these beautiful of some shark species the sea, or for fun animals. dropping by 80–90%, and pleasure, such as almost to extinction. And swimming and surfing, yet the author of Jaws, Peter Benchley, sharks find us in their home and, being later spent his life campaigning to an apex predator, they think we might protect the shark and regretting that be a food source when we splash about. he had ever written the book that made Also, the poor visibility in the water can this animal infamous. make us look like their prey.

The truth about sharks is different.

Most shark species are more afraid of

Sharks often do a test bite before an attack to see if you are actually on their

’, ’Jaw,s f o or chley n auth the ter Be ent his o t p Pe s r ing late mpaign hark ca t es life ect th ing tha t en o tt t e t pr r i reg r wr and ad eve ok. h bo he the

menu, and sometimes they bite out of curiosity. Although sharks can attack humans, you are more likely to drown by strong currents or be stung by a jellyfish.

The importance of sharks on the ocean’s ecosystems is critical. They prey on the weak, old and sick animals, preventing the seas from becoming overpopulated, and protecting many vital marine habitats from being destroyed. Also, they regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the seas, since carcasses, which give off huge amounts of CO2, are distributed throughout the oceans.

he truth about sharks in the sea is not what we see on our screens.

We should be aware that things portrayed in movies and online cannot be trusted, especially when AI technology is becoming more and more realistic. The truth about sharks in the sea is not what we see on our screens.

to l 75 s s kil shark r n a N m o O u f h LI rely y MIL 100 year pu in, man a g r o e t l p n fin ncia de i fina ing ma hark’s s be or icine soup. med

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