culture
i can’t breathe
environment wildlife in lockdown
arts culture in quarantine
Summer Lockdown Edition 2020
Below The Line issue 8
life in lockdown
environment | arts | INTERVIEW | culture | lifestyle| facts|LETTERS
culture
I can’t breathe Rohana Saunders reflects on the recent brutality we have seen in America and the ripples it has caused throughout the world with the Black Lives Matter movement. The death of George Floyd has sparked an almost unimaginable scene from people of all colours and races joining in protest against the racism and discrimination we face in our society today. Cities like New York and Atlanta which not so very long ago were deserted due to the pandemic, are now filled with crowds of thousands gathered in outrage against the system. However why has George Floyd’s death sparked a worldwide movement so strong and meaningful in the most unexpected time of a global pandemic. To truly understand this event, one must look back before the protests even started. Racial profiling and discrimination against citizens of colour has been an issue ever since white Americans and Europeans claimed ownership of the lives of innocent Africans. Although we like to think ourselves freed from our controversial past, the fact remains that prejudice still lives on in certain communities and unfortunately some government funded organisations which one
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would hope to trust. Although there is an undeniable issue with discrimination in the UK and Europe, it is in the USA that startling accounts of innocent black citizens being murdered and harassed by police officers appear on a daily basis. In addition to that, there are still the countless reports of your neighbour Karen claiming, ‘you don’t belong in this neighborhood’ or ‘I feel threatened by your presence’. Many citizens of colour would argue that they live in fear of the officers of these institutions rather than feel that they would be protected by them.
Confederate flags to seeing no black customers or employees at all in certain areas of town. However, the death specifically of George Floyd (because of
This dynamic has been an issue in America for years, yet only recently has come to more light with the use of video cameras. The sad fact is that unfortunately the harassment and discrimination of people of colour has not risen, it has just been noticed more with the use of witness recordings. From personally living in America I could see the discrimination was obvious. From your local restaurants hanging the
Cokethorpe School | First, Second, Third and Fourth Form Pupils
from the editor As we arrive at the end of this academic year, we take a look back at the last few eventful months. Whilst many things have been cancelled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have worked hard to create a new issue of Below The Line for you to enjoy. In this issue, we will go into some of the results of the last six months, including some of the positive effects this lockdown period has had on the environment and how we can be more prepared if something like this happens again. We also have articles about some more positive topics, including an interview with the author of the ‘Armistice Runner’ series, Tom Palmer and a look at some of the best live-streamed theatre being released. Continued on page 17...
culture witness recordings) has gone viral and made all people wake up to this reality. If you have not seen the video itself, it is utterly heart breaking. But this is what it entails.
paramedic nudges him to do so. ‘I can’t breathe’ was Mr Floyd’s last words. After repeating this 12 times he was laid to rest. ‘I can’t breathe’. ‘I can’t breathe’. ‘I can’t breathe’.
On May 25, 2020, an African American man entered a deli. An employee calls the police on George Floyd for the suspicion of a $20 counterfeit bill. When the police arrived, George was restrained by three police officers flat on his stomach. this is when passers by stopped and started to record the horrific scene. The videos taken by the witnesses show a grim picture in which the 46 year old victim is held down by the three Minneapolis police officers restraining him on his legs, back and the third police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on the victim’s neck. The specific cause of death was asphyxiation brought upon Mr Floyd by Officer Chavin kneeling on his neck denying the body’s brain enough oxygen. However, the very way in which Mr Floyd was restrained by the three officers was, as one of the onlookers said, completely out of departmental regulations. For the excruciating 8 minutes and 46 seconds Officer Chavin held his weight over George Floyd. The man made despairing cries offering to surrender himself and, in a moment of desperation crying out for his mother. Witnesses stand horrified as Mr Floyds nose starts to bleed and yet some of the officers claimed
However, his last phrase did not die with him as it now echoes across the world. Shortly after his death on the 25th of May protests of thousands gathered. Angry and hurt people marched across America holding with them a sense of pride and rebellion as they walk. George Floyd’s death was merely a tipping point to an issue that has been building up in America and the world for years. In rage and wrath buildings have been burned, streets destroyed and shows of vandalism in protest across the cities. Though many police officers have tried to hear this call of change many have not and have met these protests with violence and intolerance. From tear gassing crowds to rubber bullets the police have not taken the right approach. Yet now, even more cases of police punching, pushing, and kicking peaceful protesters has revealed the true colours of the police who are supposed to ‘protect and serve’ Even some more extreme instances of police officers driving vehicles into crowds or tear gassing peaceful protesters. After the protests are over what will become of the world is uncertain, however, what we do know is we can make a difference now. The question is do we achieve that by staying home to save lives or going out to save lives?
as he is still able to talk, he is ‘fine’. 4 minutes and 3 seconds into the video the pleas stop as Mr Floyd falls unconscious. After this the witnesses attempt to approach the scene to ask Officer Chavin to get his knee off Mr Floyd’s unconscious body. This prompts Officer Chavin to grab a bottle of pepper spray out of his belt and proceed to shake it as a warning. The police officer standing by then proceeds to push the crowd further away almost as if to shield the body of Floyd from the cameras as he ignores the pleas of the crowd to check for a pulse and in a loathsome moment the officer standing guard replies to the witnesses by saying in a mocking tone ‘don’t do drugs guys’. After about a minute an ambulance arrives, and a paramedic comes out to check George’s non-existent pulse with Officer Chavin still holding his knee firm on Mr Floyd’s neck. After a full 8 minutes and 46 seconds Derek Chavin takes his knee off the now dead Mr Floyd’s neck. However only when the
Summer 2020 | Below The Line
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lifestyle
Quarantine Can’t Kill When lockdown ends, what will we have done with our time? Joe Norman finds that there are things to seize other than the snack tin or the remote control. It might be that you are feeling down or lonely at the moment. If so, I urge you - don’t. The American author F. Scott Fitzgerald said that life is much more successfully viewed through a single window. So even though you are stuck at home right now, if you peek at the world through the right window, you might just be able to see all the wonderful activities you can take pleasure in.
Secondly, let’s get creative! Think of fun games that you can play in your garden, alone or with others in your household. Or if that doesn’t interest you, try a new hobby – time is a gift, and you probably have more of it than you think. How many times have we all said, ‘I don’t have time to do that!’ So as an example, how about juggling? Or baking? They are simple but enjoyable things, and they will make time flow. You
could do a bug hunt and record every bug you see by drawing or just search for it online. You could paint something, anything, from a beautiful horizon to a towering cathedral. I recommend using watercolours or acrylics. Finally, maybe you’re feeling bored and hungry? Don’t snack! Find a recipe online (or your own) and make something. It’s okay to make cakes every now and then but do try to be inventive with some healthier foods. Like these innovative and funky vegetable skewers! So, stay safe, enjoy the weather while remaining at home and do things.
First, remember you’re not alone. Everyone is going through the same experience. Both friends and family are fighting the same battle. And everyone is pondering on the same questions:: ‘When will we return to normal?’ ‘Will I be safe once we get to that stage?’ ‘I’m fed up!’ Now they may not all be questions, but I guarantee that at least one of them has crossed your mind once or twice.
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Environment
Empty streets During Lockdown, the streets have been empty. We were told to stay at home, so we kept away from everything we usually did. These images show Witney during the Lockdown, looking like a ghost town.
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environment
wildlife in lockdown James Ledwidge wonders whether lockdown has been positive for wildlife, and what we might learn about our own attitudes towards the environment.
You may have heard the many stories in the news about wildlife making a comeback in the Covid 19 lockdown. Many species ranging from the aquatic dolphin to the goat have increased in number. The lockdown it seems has been great for them. The reason is obvious - most animals have taken great advantage of humans being out of the way. Here is a list of some of the ways in which animals have responded: •
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Humpback whale and dolphin numbers have risen
in the thousands. •
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Mountain Gorillas: One of the most vulnerable gorillas is making a comeback because of this. The shark. Humans kill around 6000,000 sharks every year and the number is rising. This is compared to sharks killing five people on average a year. The lockdown gives them a chance to boost their numbers- after all they are at the top of the food chain and they need to be
there to keep the rising fish population in check. Has lockdown actually been a bad thing on the whole? There are many conflicting views on this argument such as ‘ lockdown has been bad because humans haven’t had as much social contact’. However some say lockdown has been great - especially for the ecosystem. What have we been doing wrong?
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environment of prey have to hunt rodents. After adapting to feeding off the rubbish of humans for a few decades, the birds are not well equipped for this. Their numbers are falling because their babies are too malnourished to survive.
So is this proof we have been doing something wrong in the world? Well, did you know on a daily basis in a normal year we drop 1.3 million gallons of oil into the ocean? This destroys habitats as well as endangers many animal species across the globe. In lockdown that number has reduced significantly and oil is no longer being spilled into the ocean in such quantity.
What does the future hold?
Lockdown is not all good news for animals Many animals such as raccoons in America and numerous birds of prey such as kites and hawks in the UK rely
on humans for their food supply. They feed on discarded pieces of food, and since there isn’t as much rubbish left in bins, that food supply is gone and the birds
So, we were doing things wrong. Has the lockdown made everything better? No, of course not; but it has made a generally positive impact on the animal world. The big question is will we learn to change our behaviour once lockdown ends? Can humanity seize the opportunity to save our environment?
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environment
zoos in crisis Patrick West explores how zoo animals are just as attention starved as humans. So are we the only ones suffering from the lockdown?
We are staying at home - we can’t go and do fun activities like go to the zoo. Did you ever wonder if this lockdown might make the animals feel lonely or attention starved? In Russia the chimps value human attention as highly as food, so should we find a way to go to the zoo not just for our sanity but for the animals cooped up inside? But long ranging animals who would patrol a large area alone every day are not affected as much as social animals like monkeys. Dublin Zoo is saying that the animals are wondering where all the humans have gone. In New Zealand rhinos and giraffes were still turning up for ‘meet the public’ days after lockdown was initiated.
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At London Zoo a group of six zookeepers are sleeping on site so that they can care for the animals. Also zookeepers have been stimulating lions by squirting cologne and perfume into hiding spots for them to find. Could this be the end for London Zoo? The world-renowned London Zoo with over 20,000 animals - one of the largest in the world - may be a casualty of the Covid-19 pandemic as it has said it needs an injection of £25000,000 to stay open as a result of being closed during the pandemic. London Zoo has only closed one other time and that was during World War Two, after being founded in 1847. I hope that the government will
help keep this monument of zoological history alive so it can protect endangered species and entertain us for years to come. Animals need massive amounts care and compassion just like humans and in this time of crisis the role of the zookeeper is ever changing from just feeding them to now playing and entertaining them. Light at the end of the tunnel? However, the natural environment has burgeoned - nature has retaken its foothold in this dying world. For the first time since it arrived the smog is disappearing, the pollution level has dropped so in ways the coronavirus is bad for ‘human present’ but amazing for ‘human future’.
Cokethorpe School | First, Second, Third and Fourth Form Pupils
environment Where people have left, this troop of wild monkeys in Dairy Farm Park in Singapore have taken to enjoying the pool.
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arts
Lockdown art
Some pupils have been rather busy exploring their artistic skills during Lockdown...
Mr Lawson has painted this wonderful picture of the pond at Cokethorpe School during lockdown. He leaves us at the end of this term, after 15 years at the School. We wish him well in his future endeavours.
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arts
Simran Panesar, Second Form
Hermione Pill, First Form
Herbie Waters, Third Form
Libby Lawman, First Form Tijn CamoeniĂŠ, First Form
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Politics
How are the nations coping with covid? Harry Adams examines the international response to the Covid-19 crisis, and what we can learn for the future. On 30 January 2020, the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern. The UK government response? Telling us to wash our hands and we’d be fine. Then, once we were hit by a large wave of the virus, Boris Johnson sent us all into isolation. The UK public grudgingly agreed and we all stalked into our isolated caves. Ever since, the cabinet has not been sure about what to do but they assured us that they were trying their best. Just a few months later, lockdown has eased ever so slightly. What a relief! Or perhaps not. With this new-found freedom there may be another wave of the virus which will keep us inside much longer. Perhaps we should keep the social distancing at two metres rather than the new suggestion of one.
In Germany the fatality rate is 1.6%. That’s a lot but not nearly as many as other places, like Britain. A reason for this low fatality rate is because Germany’s abilities to trace is unparalleled in efficiency. Why is this? On 14 March some schools decided to close. On 22 March the government decided that they should lockdown for at least two weeks. Jena became the first major city to announce the mandatory wearing of facemasks in shopping centres, public transport and similar areas. The facemasks may have helped to prevent an early spread of the virus. The economic state of Germany is currently not one to be envied. According to the Federal Statistics Office exports dropped in April by 31 percent when compared to the previous year which was unprecedented since 1950. On 3 June it was
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announced that the jobless figure had risen in the month of May to 2.813 million, a yearon-year increase of 577,000 bringing the unemployment rate to 6.1 percent. While the coronavirus had hit the labour market with unprecedented severity, it is coping reasonably well. Singapore was applauded for the initial fast response to the outbreaks with an abundance of testing, strict border screening and rigorous contact tracing. What happened next was very unexpected. No lockdown was enforced, so if the virus did slip past the Singaporeans’ radar it was free to roam and spread. Once it spread to the migrant workers’ communities the disease went unchecked.
Politics
These communities became infected and the source of a second wave. The government had underestimated the speed of which this silent assassin could spread through a city that was not locked down, so Singapore went into its version of lockdown called the ‘circuit breaker.’ This ended on June 2nd. The current state of Singapore has been described by some as ‘stable.’ Singapore must wait for scientist to figure out how to stop this invisible menace in its tracks. The USA is handling the pandemic in a strange way, to say the least. The president has taken the virus as more of a personal attack rather than national emergency. Despite the leader doing his own thing sometimes, they have one of the biggest budgets for a cure. Much like the UK once
America realized how bad things were, they decided that it would be best to declare a national emergency and go into lockdown. In regards to travel restriction the USA was quick to close its borders to anybody travelling in without citizenship. On 31 January Donald Trump announced that on 2 February borders would be closed. The announcement gave fleeing tourists a chance to leave before it was too late. By the end of March, 32 out of the 50
states decided that it would ultimately be best if they went into lockdown. So, what can we learn from this microscopic menace? What we have learned from Covid-19 is that where people are in close proximity the disease can come back strongly and exploit weaknesses in the defences of the nations. We may also learn that the meat markets in China are perhaps not the best thing as something as simple as somebody eating a bat was able to topple the world economy. We still have a lot to learn about this virus. If we are lucky Coronavirus will take the same route as SARS and disappear. We can only hope that we will come out of the other side of this wiser and better prepared. But for now, in the wise words of Boris, ‘Stay Alert. Control the Virus. Save Lives.’
Summer 2020 | Below The Line
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interview
an interview with Tom Palmer Earlier this year Anthony Skelly had the chance to interview the author, Tom Palmer about his current trilogy, and other books which he is currently working on and the inspirations for his writing.
Armistice Runner series?
Who or what was your inspiration for being an author? Reading. I disliked reading as a child, but then my mum encouraged me to read about football in newspapers, magazines and books. That gave me reading confidence and led to me wanting to be an author. What authors did you like to read as a child? None. But I loved the guy who wrote the football match reports in the local newspaper about my favourite team. He did then write a book about Leeds United and I liked that. Could you explain why you chose the theme of war for the
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I like fell running. My daughter does too. It was a big thing for us when she was age 11 to 14 and I was desperate to do a book about a girl runner. I tied it in with the centenary of the Armistice and it seemed to fit well. What is your favourite book at the moment?
really positive ways. My next book – After the War – is about some Holocaust survivors, so it is helping me with my writing too. Do you have any more books coming out soon? Yes, the one above and a new Roy of the Rovers book, called Rocky, in which Roy’s sister takes over the narrative. Both are out in May. How long does it usually take you to write a book? Between six weeks and six months. The more history and real events/ people who were involved, the longer it takes.
I am reading a book by a psychiatrist who survived Auschwitz. It’s called Man’s Search for Meaning. It sounds a bit intense, but, in fact, it is making me think in
Cokethorpe School | First, Second, Third and Fourth Form Pupils
lifestyle
reading in lockdown The pupils in 3F have been keeping busy during the lockdown period, enjoying some reading, sometimes in some more unconventional places around the house...
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lETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, The experience of life in lockdown has made me realise that it would be a good idea if school had a phone charger in each of the lockers, so that we could keep our phone charged throughout the school day. At school we could have a special place where you and your friends could sit and chat. The school could offer more hand sanitiser around the school. The benefits of these points are that the corridors wouldn’t get crowded as much, our phones would get charged and would be safe throughout the day, if we needed to contact our guardians and hand sanitiser would be more hygienic and this wouldn’t spread germs as much. To make this happen, the school would need to treat and respect these things well and we would need to make sure we are working hard so that we get nice things.
to meet. This idea would be especially beneficial in the Winter because due to the weather being bad, the hallways are always at their fullest.
Dear Editor, The experience of life in lockdown has made me realise that it would be a good idea if we had a room/ building to go to at breaktime. This would be of benefit because it would stop people sitting in the hallways -and under the library- and would give people somewhere
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I would also like to ask for different bathrooms for different year groups. This would benefit all year groups but especially the younger years because then they will not have to share with children much older, such as Fifth Form pupils who can be quite intimidating to some.
To make this happen the school would have to find (or build) a building/room that can be used; even if it’s only available in the winter term. There would also have to be some kind of router so it does not become overcrowded. Another idea is if we have water fountains installed down at the AstroTurf. This could be greatly beneficial as many people often forget or run out of water and have to walk all the way down to the school, wasting Games time. To make this happen the school would have to install piping and a water fountain down at the AstroTurf; or even just outside the library. Yours faithfully, Felicity Hill
Yours faithfully, Ava Stokes
to mouth. There would also be a £2 fine for anyone who does not dispose of the cup in a bin.
Dear Editor, I would like to ask for either the boys’ changing rooms to be upgraded or some new ones to be built. This would be good because then more people can get changed at once with ample room. This would also be more hygienic. I would also like to ask for changing the water fountains for taps with disposable paper cups. This would benefit the students because then germs will not be spread from mouth
Therefore I think that there are many improvements that could be made to Cokethorpe School. Yours faithfully Jack Potter
Dear Editor, Life in quarantine has changed the way I think about life itself. I now realize the lucky nature of being able to meet up with friends and family, being able to go to school and learn is a blessing, socializing with people you don’t even know. That is why I believe a few changes would do the school a great big breathe of fresh air. How about multiple areas where certain age groups can meet to talk in between lessons e.g. an area for first and Second Form, an area for Third and Fourth Form etc. Covered by anything from a marquee to a parasol. Maybe a blanket and pillows
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lETTERS TO THE EDITOR A Fond Farwell
to rest on.
Continued from page 2...
I think this would be beneficial as it would stop students from crowding in corridors, and causing trouble elsewhere. It could be placed in a safe position where it can be viewed by a teacher.
I hope that by the beginning of September we will be able to return to school in some capacity.
Thank you for taking this into account, Yours faithfully, Joseph Norman
Dear Editor, The experience of life in lockdown has made me realise that it would be a good idea to be given fewer tests. This would be beneficial because everyone has been under a lot of stress over lockdown so fewer tests will reduce the amount of pressure put on the students To make this happen, the school would need to assure the pupils that there would be only one test at the end of the year. This would automatically release the pressure and will make the school day a more enjoyable for all people.
When we restart our schooling, be it physically behind desks in school or having lessons online, I hope that you consider joining the Below The Line AOB and help us work on a new issue. Writing an article can really help you improve in your English work. It will give you freedom to express yourself through your writing. It also acts as a welcome break from all the stress of lessons. We are open to anyone from the first four years of Senior School. I hope you all have a relaxing holiday. Remember that this will eventually pass and in the meantime, stay safe. Eddie Comerford
Harry Adams
This July say goodbye to Mrs Miller, our founding ‘proprietor’, who presided over editions 1 to 6. Her vision was to provide a space for students to make their voices heard; to give them opportunities to write for a real audience, and to nurture a critical interest in the world they live in. Below The Line wishes her the very best for the future. Writers: James Ledwidge
Joseph Norman
Chief Editor : Eddie Comerford
Rohana Saunders Anthony Skelly
Designer : Mrs Maline
Patrick West
Co-ordinators: Mr Elkin-Jones Mr Allen
Yours faithfully, Rosie Doland
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interview
an interview with Vicki Manser Earlier this year, Eddie Comerford got the chance to interview the actress Vicki Manser. Vicki is most known for playing all the queens as one of the first alternates in the multi award-winning SIX: The Musical on the West End, who later took over the role of Katherine Howard. Her most recent role was as the cover for the role of Carole King in the Beautiful UK tour. Her new single ‘Pick Me Up’ is out now on all platforms. Did you always want to be an actor? If not, what did job did you want to do? I always wanted to dance mainly as a kid! I went to dance classes four times a week. When I was in Year 3 I broke my leg for the second time and I couldn’t dance in our annual show so my dance teacher instead gave me an acting and singing role and that’s
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when I realised I didn’t just want to dance ... I wanted to do it all! If I wasn’t an actor though I would be a police officer! What is your dream role in a musical? Oooo so many great roles out there! When I was growing up I always wanted to play Carmen in Fame! I just love the song In LA so
much! I’d have to whack on a fair bit of fake tan to look Spanish though haha! Right now it would probably be Regina or Karen in Mean Girls! That soundtrack is amazing. Regina has epic songs but Karen is funny! What has been your favourite role to play? Carole King has been my
Cokethorpe School | First, Second, Third and Fourth Form Pupils
interview
favourite in the sense her songs are just so lovely to sing and the role itself is incredible because you can go on such a journey! I had A LOT of fun with Anne Boleyn though as well! I loved playing her!
place in my heart because it was my first professional job but I used to get so much joy from watching it as well as being in it! A proper concert style show and live music from the actors, I just loved it!
What was the last show you saw?
What was your funniest onstage mishap?
Last show I saw was Hamilton! The choreography in that show is amazing! I was supposed to be seeing Dear Evan Hansen in May so hopefully I will be able to see that at some point!
When I was in Bat (Out of Hell) there was a routine in the show where all the ensemble did a lot of moves in unison in a line so it was very tight and everyone looked the same. I got a bit ahead of myself in the line-up and I turned a few counts too early and was face to face with the rest of the line looking at me! It was very funny!
What is your favourite musical? My favourite musical ... hmmm ... I have a lot of favourites but if I had to pick one it would have to be Sunny Afternoon, The Kinks Musical! It holds such a special
I truly did love them all but Anne Boleyn was my ultimate fave because she was probably the closest to my personality and I could just have a lot of fun with her! I loved her one-liners. I also love K Howard a lot and it was so nice to find new things within the part when I had a long stint of playing her! Do you have any advice for aspiring actors? Never give up! And believe in yourself! Get ready for a rollercoaster of ups and downs! It’s very tough but it’s the best ride!
Who was your favourite role to play in Six and why?
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arts
Culture in Quarantine Eddie Comerford takes a look at the world of the Arts during the Lockdown period. Since lockdown measures were put into place in March, theatres and other arts venues have not been able to open their doors, unfortunately, this means they have not been able to bring in the money they need to keep running. In response to this, many theatres have been releasing professionally filmed recordings of shows to the public which have not been available to watch before. In this article I will be giving you six of my recommendations for my favourite releases. Please remember that most of the theatres which have been releasing these shows are currently struggling in the current climate and are facing permeant closure so if you can, please consider donating to help them recover from the loss of a flow of visitors.
Hamilton In May, it was announced that one of the biggest musicals of all time, the Broadway sensation Hamilton would have its October 2021 cinema release date brought forward by 15 months to early July on the streaming service Disney Plus. The show was filmed over four years ago and recently bought by Disney for $75 million.
National Theatre at Home Since March, the National Theatre have been broadcasting some of their productions which have previously been shown at cinemas as part of their National Theatre Live scheme. These shows are released to YouTube every Thursday evening for one week. In the past, they have shown shows such as Frankenstein starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Twelfth Night. From the 9th July, they will be showing The Deep Blue Sea and their final showing will be Amadeus from the 16th July.
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arts The Shows Must Go On Since the beginning of lockdown, The Shows Must Go On YouTube channel has been releasing a variety of musicals every Friday evening for 48 hours. At the moment, it is currently showing musicals produced by Universal after originally starting by showing musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Ashmolean On BBC IPlayer, there is currently a filmed tour of the Young Rembrandt exhibition which opened just before lockdown began with narration from the historian Simon Schama.
Les Misérables: The Staged Concert In April, it was announced that the digital download of the recent run of Les Misérables: The Staged Concert in London would be released with £5 of the £10 download fee to be donated to NHS charities. It can be found on iTunes and many other video streaming platforms. It features an all star cast featuring the likes of Matt Lucas and Michael Ball.
Shakespeare’s Globe/The RSC At the moment, both The Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Globe have released many of their award-winning productions to both YouTube and BBC iPlayer, these productions include Macbeth starring Christopher Ecclestone. Every week, The Globe are releasing a production to YouTube.
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Covid-19 MAD FACTS Researchers have said that over 100,000 premature deaths caused by air pollution in China could be avoided if they stay at the current rate over the next year,
Many reports have stated that the famous canals in Venice have never been cleaner.
Many companies have raised millions of pounds for charities, including Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber who has raised half a million pounds for the Actors Fund.
The coronavirus is 80 billionths of a metre in diameter
The name ‘coronavirus’ is derived from the Latin corona, meaning crown or halo, and refers to how virions look under electron microscopy. They have a fringe of large, bulbous surface projections looking like a crown.
In the Thai city of Lopburi, over 1,000 monkeys roamed free following the drop in tourism scavenging for food.
0 More than 1 ,80 private planes landed in UK during Covid-19 lockdown Sea turtles were spotted laying eggs on beaches they once avoided (such as the coast of the Bay of Bengal), due to the lowered levels of human interference and light pollution during lockdown.
The virus can survive on plastic and stainless steep surfaces for 72 hours of more!
The 19 in Covid is a designation of when the virus was identified.
In ‘Reading in Lockdown’ (pg13), there were some books that appeared back to front! Can you figure out the titles?
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