Prior's Field Academic Journal 2026

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Editorial – Mrs Lynch This first edition of the Prior’s Field Academic

CONTENT

Journal brings together a selection of work that reflects both the range of subjects studied and

01 English

03

questions and ideas that have animated learning

02 Food Technology

13

What stands out across the collection is the

03 Geography

14

04 History

20

05 Languages

30

a readiness to grapple with uncertainty, rather

06 Business and Economics

32

Several contributions are particularly striking

07 Maths

33

08 Model United Nations

36

09 Philosophy and Religion

37

10 Science

42

11 Sport

50

the thoughtful engagement of our students. It is intended not simply as a showcase of strong

academic writing, but as a snapshot of the across the school this year.

willingness of students to take their thinking

further. In subjects as varied as history, geography, religious studies and literature,

these essays move beyond description to analysis and evaluation. For example, pieces that examine historical interpretation or political change show a clear awareness that the past

is not fixed, but contested. Others exploring ethical or philosophical questions demonstrate than reach for easy conclusions.

for the way they connect academic study to the

wider world. Essays considering contemporary global

issues,

whether

environmental

challenges, social identity, or cultural change,

remind us that academic work is at its most meaningful when it helps us better understand

the world we live in. Equally, more specialised pieces, rooted in close textual or scientific analysis, highlight the precision and discipline that underpin strong scholarship.

Another notable feature is the individuality of

voice that runs throughout. While each piece meets the demands of its subject, there is a clear

sense that students are beginning to develop their own perspectives, testing ideas, weighing evidence, and expressing their conclusions with

Art and Design and Design Technology work is featured throughout this Academic Journal.

growing confidence.

This journal marks the beginning of what we

hope will become an established tradition.

It celebrates the effort and originality of the students whose work is included, and it sets a

standard for those who follow: to think carefully, to write clearly, and to take pride in the process of academic enquiry.

Front Cover: By Willow Latimer - Second Form. Willow entered her painting into the Religious Studies, Spirited Arts Competition. Submissions for the Academic Journal are welcome throughout the year. Please email Mr Garvey with your submission.

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ENGLISH A Speech: what does planet earth mean to you? Edie Goldsmith - Fifth Form Ladies and gentlemen, today I will open my speech with a question for

you: What does planet Earth mean to you? This planet is our home. We

breathe the very air our ancestors once did. We drink the water that once

touched their lips. We tread the soil that they discovered. We gaze upon the stars that guided them. We eat the

fruit from the trees they meticulously planted.

But we are tainting this

world. You and I pump chemicals into the rivers and skies, but why? Why do

we taint this being that has provided for us, nurtured us, created us? I do not know why.

Water, fresh gushing water. It sings over riverbeds, it foams on the crests

of waves, it shimmers on the surface of lakes as it reflects the sun above.

As I cannot cover all the dangers this planet faces, today I will focus

on water. Water is the key to survival

for every living being; name me one

organism that doesn’t depend on it

captured, torn from their families,

bottle lids, a three-metre-long rope,

isn’t one. The oceans provide around

They swim in circles surrounded

pack of Haribo. Any one of these items

body is made up of 75% water. Water

dancing in the sea, knowing no

industry, culture.

decide it is acceptable to drag huge,

Yet, every day we pump sewage into

that catch everything in their paths,

due to our dependence on fossil fuels

vegetation, leaving the area barren

But all hope is not lost, we can turn

our fertilisers leach into rivers causing

fish we catch in this activity known as

companies to take responsibility are

kill those that inhabit the sea. Sharks

dead to rot in the sea. I went to the

as vicious predators. Cetaceans are

up? A traffic cone, dozens of plastic

to live? See, you can’t, because there

and for what? Our entertainment?!

50% of the world’s oxygen; the human

by concrete when they should be

provides us with food, sanitation,

boundaries, meeting no walls. We weighted nets along the seabed

kelp forests; we bleach the coral reefs

whilst stirring up silt and destroying

that increase the acidity of our oceans;

for generations. Three quarters of the

algal blooms and eutrophication. We

bottom trawling are thrown away. Left

are culled because they are deemed

beach last week, guess what I picked

two ghost nets, surgical gloves and a could have been ingested by aquatic

life then worked its way up the food chain, to us. Did you know that you

eat around 150,000 plastic particles

annually – that roughly translates to twelve plastic grocery bags.

the tide. Campaigns for sewage

prominent. The other day I saw on the news a girl had died from E.coli

she contracted from swimming at a polluted beach, now Surfers Against

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Sewage is calling for justice. We can

opinions. If you are going on a whale

reduce the amount of chemicals we

guarantee you will see a whale shark; it

adapt our farming techniques to

use. We can reduce our use of fossil fuels by using renewable sources. For example, there is a micro-hydro scheme in Nepal, a country that faces

the threat of energy insecurity, that means that poorer communities can have access to reliable and sustainable

energy. Educate yourself about sharks, they hold vital roles within ecosystems.

I read that more people get bitten

or shark watching cruise and they can

their propaganda and greenwashing,

do your own research, form your own

conservation targets globally.

plant Earth? We are destroying our

or better yet choose to reduce your

intake. Recently, the supermarket chain Waitrose has published that it

will no longer be selling mackerel to

its customers due to a steep decline in the population of the species.

to plastic that is made from entirely

tortured anyway? Do not buy into

supporting

about where you get your fish from,

by sharks. Do not buy the ticket to

would you want to see an animal being

and

Thus, I end my speech with a question:

chum into the water. Be responsible

Scientists in Japan provided us with

that aquarium or dolphin show, why

activity

is generally because they are throwing

by other people in New York than the amount of people bitten globally

human

hope as they invented a substitute natural resources and dissolves in salt water in under 30 minutes. Recently, the High Seas Treaty has been formed,

a legally binding contract that creates marine protected areas by regulating

What are you willing to do to protect

home. What will you do so that your

descendants can breathe the very air

you do? What will you do so that they can drink the water that touches your

lips now? What will you do so they too can tread the soils of this marvellous

planet? What will you do so that the

stars familiar light will shine down on them some day? What will you do so

that they can eat the fruit from the seed that lies in your palm? I for one

am done with the speeches. I am done

with talking. The warmth of hope is great, but what does it mean if we do not use it to fuel the fire of action?

Pewter Jewellery Annabelle Sudlow - Third Form

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The clothing craze that's crumbling retail: how bad can it possibly be? Bibi Ager - Fifth Form You can’t disagree that each new

shopping so detestable?

global chaos created by our insatiable

The disadvantages are infinite. Let’s

complex issues, greater than the world

global carbon footprint, delivering

generation is lazier than the next. The cravings

for

convenience

creates

has ever seen before. In fact, we are so lazy that we made it possible to plan

a luxurious soirée or secure a multi-

million pound corporate deal without

emerging from the cozy covers of our beds. So, what benefits would be worth the environmental turmoil and intellectual deficits we consequently face?

I myself am no stranger to online

shopping. Amazon and I have a close relationship. He always sends me gifts every birthday and refills my

snack drawer when the Mini Egg stash

starts running low. Sure, the reliance is scary, but saving time and energy is important in a world as busy as ours has

grown to be. Online shopping during

the Covid-19 pandemic was my family’s saviour, preventing high-risk people

from having to expose themselves

to a potentially life-threatening viral miasma while still allowing them to get their weekly shops. Many

thanks to every delivery driver who

supported us in this troubling period. Furthermore,

online

retail

allows

for creative expression beyond the

wildest dreams of Donatello and Da

Vinci. With just a few clicks, artists gain access to every hue, musicians

can experiment with sounds far more exciting than their native timbre, and

the most fashionable among us can get their claws on every belt, beret, or bell-bottom jean that their heart could

possibly desire. So what makes online

state

the

obvious:

an

increased

thousands of packages a day back

and forth to warehouses, bustling town centres and suburban villages at the very edge of the world; a reduced

number of customers taking the time to trample into town and support local businesses, excluding small, eclectic boutiques and pop-ups in

favour of conglomerate commercial

giants that now line every nook and cranny

of

local

highstreets;

bad

quality materials and risky production methods,

exchanging

hand-sewn

silks and satins for the 100% polyester sweatshop

tat

constructed

by

starving children in a country so far away and foreign that it doesn’t

register to you that these people are real people. I’d rather wear something lovingly knitted by an entrepreneurial

auntie from Sheffield than a poorly

made, partly disintegrating dress from Shein’s newest industrial prison

in Bangladesh, wouldn’t you? Bear

in mind, we’ve barely scratched the

surface of all the horrors brought about by online shopping. Is all of

this horror worth it just to be ogled

by people on Tik Tok? It’s not right. Now, you can complain about the

prices of the higher-quality goods we once valued, but if it weren’t for the

competition of the digital vampires of

fast-fashion,

the

good-quality

objects and articles wouldn’t need to

put their prices up for their creators to barely earn a liveable wage from

the few customers they have left. And,

to support that I believe is frankly shameful.

And so, how can you change your

ways? Some of you readers may

consider me a woke joke by this point, but for those who don’t, just know that

a quick Google search about the ethics of your favourite shoe brand probably takes even less clicks than going to

buy the shoes in the first place. And,

even better for the modern youth, you can learn about these issues from

the comfort of your bed. I beg of you, make good choices; your choices shape everyone’s future.

Now, as I bid you farewell, my dear

reader, never forget that being good

doesn’t need to come at a hefty price, and learning the true consequences

of your actions hurts no one and helps everyone. You could maybe even take a trip to the one remaining vintage

shop in town, marvel at its wares. Who knows what true beauty you could find?

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Comparing how the poets Wilfred Owen and Jessie Pope effectively show war Lara Stevens – Third Form happy summer days and nice food with friends. I believe this makes the line sound lighter and less serious,

even though she says that it won’t be

a picnic. Looking more closely, if you

exchanged the word picnic with that of easy, it sounds a lot different. “Who

knows it won’t be easy…” sounds darker and more perilous. War is often a theme in poetry, as

war is the cause of so much horror and pain and emotion that can be channelled into words. Poems and poets employed by the government often show a different story, though,

as seen in one of the poems I will be writing about today, “Who’s for the

Game?” by Jessie Pope. Pope uses her

poem to inspire young boys to take to the battlefield and disguises the

suffering and fear that is war. In stark contrast to this, Wilfred Owen’s poem

“Dulce et Decorum Est” warns people

about his time on the battlefield and stands up against the propaganda that makes war seem like a good thing.

Wilfred Owen uses his poem “Dulce

et Decorum Est” to show the horrors

of war by using his last line to get across his point perfectly. The last

line in question is “the old lie: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori”,

which, translated from Latin, means “the old lie: it is sweet and noble to die for your country”. The word “lie”

in this quotation is what makes it so powerful, because it means that

“they” were actively going out of their way to deceive and trick young boys

into joining the fight, from which only

59% would come out without horrific

In contrast to this, Owen uses as much

wounds, or come out at all.

horrific imagery as possible to try

Although not said explicitly, these lies

fighting in the war. For example, he

“Who’s for the Game?” by Jessie Pope.

every jolt, the blood / come gargling

opposite to that of Owen’s, where she

corrupted is especially effective, as it

you”. The poet uses direct address to

being infected and decayed slowly by

often used in propaganda, especially

imagery is startling but useful, as it

and warn wannabe soldiers against

fed to the people included the poem

uses the line, “if you could hear, at

The last line of her poem is a stark

from froth-corrupted lungs”. The word

says, “she’s looking and calling for

shows the idea of a clean pair of lungs

get the point across. The word “you” is

the mustard gas. The blood and death

posters, to target the person reading;

really describes the war honestly.

needs you” and “Who’s absent — is it

In conclusion, the most honest

examples of this include “Your country you?”. In the poem she refers to our

representation of war was Owen’s

creates the idea of Britain as a maiden

served as a true account of what war

soldiers. The quotation also uses

the most useful representation of

reinforce the perception of Britain as a

“Who’s for the Game?”, as it inspired

country as “she”. I believe that this

poem “Dulce et Decorum Est”, as it

that needs saving by some big, strong

was actually like. On the other hand,

the verbs “looking” and “calling” to

war was that of Jessie Pope’s poem

damsel in distress. I think that this idea

many a soldier to go and fight for their

especially as the audience for this

future generations.

In the poem “Who’s for the Game?”

Sidenote: I am not condoning the lying to, and therefore murder of, innocent boys in order to protect England. It’s horrible, but in the end made our world a better place for a while. So, in the end, I think both poems served their purpose and were effective in their own ways.

would have worked well as a tactic, poem was mainly young men.

Jessie Pope conceals the horror of

war by using light words in her lines. An example of this is where she says, “Who knows it won’t be a picnic…”.

The word picnic has connotations of

country and, in the end, protect us and

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The key Anna O’Grady– First Form I have a key in a crack in my wall I found it just last evening

The key must lead to a faraway place

Where does it fit in, this bundle of grace? Could be, it opens a door to a hotel, Stuffed full of suitcases and beds,

And maybe it fits into a submarine

By the shimmering sea nature bears.

Or maybe it unlocks the school gates

With its secrets within that nobody knows And if I find out all those secrets,

I’ll know all those secrets that the school holds.

I guess it could open a safe full of money and gold I’d be too young to handle it now

But I’ll be able to handle it when I am older.

When I am older I’ll have all that money I’ll buy a fancy car What if it opens the King’s palace?

Full of corgis and the King drinking his tea I could see the King

From my ladder at his coronation.

My adventures could go on forever if I just hold on to this key I don’t have to know what it opens, It’s more fun making believe

Hope not Hate Chloe Woodington– First Form A soft snuffle in the darker hour

A little traveller with spiky power

Year after year their numbers falling Cities and towns ever sprawling Why are humans quite so cruel

We don’t see them as nature’s jewel Cars whizz by, squashing them flat Drivers never even looking back

But a clever scientist has now found

Our prickly pals can hear ultrasonic sound Soon a device will send a warning Putting a stop to our mourning

A bright future is almost in sight

Finally ending the hedgehog’s plight.

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Grass Poem Emmy Osime – First Form This year I will not give you a teddy bear or a love card. You will not receive a crimson red rose. This year I give you grass. The emerald, green blaze reflects on how pure you heart is. It is fresh and succulent. It gives the world greenery. It is picturesque just like your face. It stains your palm. leaves its small wild on your skin A truth roses never dare to tell. Keep it, it will have the fresh smell of rain or scatter it back to the earth. Either way it will grow just like us, from the root to the tip.

Great Grandmother

Summers Day Blue Jay

Audrey Childs - Third Form

Chloe Woodington - First Form

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Parallel Lines Tayla Close – Fourth Form He was a map

Yet I thought I knew the land He was an ocean

In a world I feared the sand He was the sun

Yet I only dare to look at the moon. He was December

In a world where I was June. He was a mirror

Yet I could never chance a look He was a story

In a world I never read a book He was a flower

Yet I picked each one I’d find He was colour

In a world I was born blind He was the air

Yet I could never catch my breath He was Romeo

In a world I only knew Macbeth. He was a song

Yet it was one I didn’t hear He was a cube

In a world where I’m a sphere He was a jungle

Yet I couldn’t reach the trees He was a door

In a world I always forgot the keys He was a throne

Yet I never took a seat He was my lover

In a world we’d never meet

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Social constructionism and the etiquette of shaving: An investigation into the history of cultural norms, the power of advertisement and the extremity of gendered ideal Disa Morgenstern - Upper Sixth

In this essay I will explore the dynamic between gender and body hair and the influential nature of advertising in shaping social norms on what is ‘hygienic’ and ‘desirable’ as well as the contrast between ‘feminine’ and ‘masculine’ natures of hair removal. I will highlight that from a sociological perspective, these social norms are a clear example of social constructionism, which when applied to this topic demonstrates that body hair itself is not naturally 1.

a problem, but is distorted into one. In sociology, social constructionism suggests that various concepts, beliefs, norms and values are formed from continuous interactions and negotiations within society, as opposed to being based on empirical observation or physical reality1. Arguably one of the most observable examples in history is gender and its associated roles and expectations; this theory posits that gender is not

defined by biology but is a product of human definition, culture and social interaction, which is created and developed over time. Thus, whilst the growth of body hair is a natural biological process, the cultural, social and gendered meanings assigned to hair—and the decision to remove it— are formed by society. While hair removal may feel like a modern practice, it actually has ancient origins. Let’s consider Ancient

Wikipedia contributors. (2026, March 18). Social constructionism. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social constructionism

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Egypt, Rome and India, cultures that subjected society to hair removal practices similar to today’s.2 Dating back to 3,000 BC, the first razors were made from seashells, and Ancient Egyptians removed hair with sugarbased waxes. That said, these practices were not always universally prevalent. In the late 19th century—particularly during the Victorian era (circa. 1837– 1901) in the United States—it was uncommon for women to shave their legs or underarms. Therefore, the question remains, where do modern stigmas around body hair originate? In 1915, The US-based Gillette company (founded in 1901) branched out into female-focused products by introducing the ‘Milady Décolleté’, the first razor marketed specifically to women and designed for the underarms.3 With this campaign, Gillette did not just diversify its previously male-focussed product to sell razors to women but also sold an idea: underarm hair is ‘unfeminine’ and ‘embarrassing’, words that were plastered all over Gillette’s adverts at the time. This moment in history is key to understanding how advertising influences what society upholds was and still is ‘normal’ for women’s bodies. Twenty-four years later, in the midst of the Second World War, Gillette moved to its next victim: leg hair. Nylon, which was originally used for stockings, was repurposed for essential military supplies, leaving women to have bare legs in public.4 This was seen as an opportunity to launch a campaign that stimulated a new trend of babysmooth, ‘feminine’, bare legs. As soon as the industry’s potential became evident, advertising targeting body hair proliferated. Author Rebecca Herzig asserts that such emerging 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

ideas were a form of “gendered social control,”5 accomplished by convincing women that they had to be hairless to ‘stand a chance’. Over the following decades, hair removal went from being a status marker to a universally accepted standard blindly followed by the masses, reinforcing how this feminine ideal was and is a product of social constructivism. Fast forward to the early 2000s, when Gillette released several adverts with the slogan ‘reveal the goddess in you’, and that women can ‘discover her with Venus’.6 Typically, these adverts included either one or several conventionally attractive, thin women, depicted in a euphoric, otherworldly setting like a beach or a cloud of

bubbles. Razor in hand, she begins to shave… an already flawless, silkysmooth leg. When was the last time you saw a Gillette advert in which the model actually shaves her hair? The central issue with this ‘goddess’ aesthetic is that it subconsciously manufactures insecurity and shame for the female viewers, especially the young impressionable ones. Gillette uses a shame-based marketing strategy: they outline the problem (body hair keeping a woman from ‘discovering her inner goddess’) then illustrate how their product (a razor) will fix this problem. This strategy remains successful to this day, as a survey conducted by the American Laser Centres states that the average woman spends between $10,000

Barringer, T. (2013, March 28). History of hair removal. ELLE https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g8l55 /history-of-hair-removal/ Blachor, Devorah. ‘Key Moments In Women’s Shaving History. McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/key-moments-in-Womens-Shaving-History’ The Great Stocking Shortage: A Vintage Fashion Perspective. Rosie Revolution, https://rosierevolution.com/f/the-great-stocking-shortage-a-vintage-fashion-perspective. Herzig, Rebecca M. Plucked: A History of Hair Removal. New York University Press, 2015. Biopolitics: Medicine, Technoscience and Health in the 21st Century. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=JVa1GLO9yofUwomN&v=iNAy-qu865E&feature=youtu.be(Accessed 9 April 2026).

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and $23,000 to remove body hair over a lifetime.7 Interestingly, the marketing of beauty products usually embraces the before/after shot in order to illustrate the products’ abilities—namely wrinkle creams, acne wash, weight loss programmes and whitening toothpaste. Has body hair become so stigmatised that it doesn’t deserve screentime in its own advertisement? Men’s razor adverts, however, do not concern themselves with any such hairless fantasy. Certainly today, shaving is a matter of daily routine for most men, and it is estimated that a man will shave at least 20,000 times in his lifetime, averaging on 3,000 hours over the course of their lifetimes.8 As opposed to the ‘goddess’ aesthetic of women’s razors, in which shaving is a corrective measure for an undesirable 7. 8. 9.

trait, Gillette frames shaving for men as routine and maintenance. In 1989, the company launched its ‘Best a Man Can Get’9 campaign during the Superbowl. This empowering slogan was projected onto softfocus vignettes of male American life: men playing sport, thriving at work, kissing beautiful women. It did what advertising has been built to do: prop up a fantasy vision of manhood— one that relies on smooth abs and smouldering eyes to sell products. While on the surface this kind of male celebration is not in itself problematic, it further reinforces a divide between masculine and feminine ‘success’, in which both are extreme. On one side, hyper-feminine imagery depicts ‘smoothness’ and ‘softness’; on the other, masculine campaigns emphasise strength and achievement. The danger of this contrast is that over

time, what began as external pressure becomes internal preference. Social constructivism asserts that viewers will internalise these societal ideals as they feel ‘natural’. The question remains: where does the urge to shave originate? Is it personal preference, a desire for hygiene, or fear of judgement? Social constructionism suggests that these motivations are not entirely independent but shaped by the cultural environment. We often believe we dislike something because it is inherently undesirable, when in reality we have been taught to perceive it that way. Ultimately, the etiquette of hair removal serves as a compelling example of this theory in society. What is often framed as a personal choice is, in many ways, the product of historical, cultural, and commercial influences.

Women Spend up to $23,000 to Remove Hair. United Press International, 24 June 2008. Ultimate Personal Shaver. https://www.ultimatepersonalshaver.com/tips-and-how-to-26-75-fun-facts-and-myths-about-shaving YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=7OLJh0xsioozyxY&v=ThDBf14qPsc&feature=youtu.be

Emmeline Pankhurst Grace Hoyle - Third Form

My Granny Martha Finney

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FOOD TECHNOLOGY An analysis of how environmental factors and the production of food can impact food security Millie Martin St Valery – Fifth Form

Environmental factors can impact

yields of crops. For example, the use

farming or excess grazing without

excess rainfall reducing the yield

like a large-scale industrial operation)

and disrupt the nutrient cycle. The

food security, such as drought or

of crops. A harsh climate can also reduce yield, or a lack of flat, fertile

farmland can mean a country is unable to supply their own food through

agriculture, such as if the country is very mountainous or sandy.

Climate change is also affecting

food production as global average temperatures are increasing, reducing the yield of crops that require lots of

moisture, and increased frequency of extreme weather events can destroy

farmland. The production of food can also affect food security, as different agricultural methods produce varying

of agribusiness (treating agriculture

can produce a high yield of crops, and increase food security by providing

a reliable supply of food. However, this

is

not

very

environmentally

sustainable as it requires the use of

pesticides and fertilisers, which can cause

environmental

issues

such

as eutrophication in local bodies of

water and disruption of local wildlife. Cattle

farming

also

contributes

towards climate change as cows release methane through digestive processes, which contributes towards the

enhanced

greenhouse

effect

and therefore global warming. Over-

moving cattle can reduce soil fertility increased demand for imported food also

has

negative

environmental

consequences, as the transport of

food from countries, such as green beans from Kenya which is over 500 miles away, increases the carbon footprint of food.

Consumer choices can be made more sustainable by increasing the

consumption of organic food, which does not use artificial fertilisers, minimising damage to ecosystems.

Increased consumption of local, in season food can also help to reduce food miles and support local farmers.

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GEOGRAPHY An investigation into the opportunities and challenges of rapid urbanisation Abi Pennell – Fourth Form risk of natural hazards like mudslides.

Waste is unlikely to be collected due to limited road access and often

ends up in sewers and drains causing

outbreaks of cholera and dengue fever. Residents are often poorly paid, doing informal work as they lack basic

skills and the areas are associated with crime, violence and drugs. In early 2012 there were 8 murders in just 2 months in Rocinha.

Rio also has social challenges. Only

55% of city has a family health clinic and often children must work to support family so drop out of school and get involved in crime. 12% of Rio’s

Above is a graph showing the increase in annual population in Rio

population lack access to running

Source: Population of Rio de Janeiro 2024| Statista

water and 37% of it is lost through leaky

Newly Emerging Economy (NEE)

previously hosted the Olympics in

are frequent blackouts due to poor

cause of this is rural-urban migration,

cities in the Southern Hemisphere with

favelas illegally tap into mains supply

as sugar loaf mountain as well as the

electrocution.

cities are growing rapidly. One main which means the large amount of

people moving to towns and cities. Another significant cause is they have a high natural increase, caused by high fertility rates due to more youthful populations.

In this investigation I will focus on Rio de Janeiro as my example. Rio is

a well-known city located on Brazil’s

Atlantic coast. It shows importance both regionally and nationally as well

as globally. It was the capital city of

Brazil until 1960 and is now known

as its cultural capital holding a yearly carnival of music and dance and

pipes, fraud and illegal access. There

2014. Rio is one of the most visited

maintenance of cables and people in

stunning beaches and mountains such

which is also dangerous as they risk

statue of Christ the Redeemer.

means there are more people than

Rio de Janeiro experiences many

unemployed or working in informal

of squatter settlements or favelas,

often lack education and skill needed

Rio’s

rapid

growth

jobs available so many people are left

challenges for example the growth

jobs like car washers. Migrants also

which it now has over 600 of, the

for many formal jobs.

services and have no legal right to

Crime is not just a problem in the

near main roads or any other land

and shoot out between gangs are not

made by any material available for

residents. The Pacifying Police Units

Their locations often leave them at

favelas; they plan to let locals live

largest being Rocinha. They lack basic

the land. Often located on steep hills,

favelas of Rio. Murder rates are high

left unused, they consist of houses

uncommon and can kill police and

example, wood or corrugated iron.

aim to try and take back control from

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have been developed to decrease the

environmental

challenges

I

mentioned earlier. To manage waste

an energy recovery plant has been set up, fishermen are paid to collect waste from Guanabara Bay and 8 electric

waste

collection

vehicles

have been introduced to the area. To

help with water quality 4km of new sewage pipes have been laid and

a new sewage treatment has been developed. Ships are also fined for discharging fuel and oil into the bay. Additionally, making coastal roads

one way in rush hour has improved traffic flow and toll roads have been created in the city centre to improve

air quality and the transport system.

The image highlights Rocinha’s location on a steep and hill as well as displaying its derelict nature

Expansions of the metro system and

more safely, improve sanitation, steer

leading into it. However, there are also

do this.

tourism. However, some people say

Let’s start off with its economic

youth away from crime and increase

the police are too controlling and it also expensive and puts charity members and others involved at risk.

There are many environmental issues in Rio. As I mentioned earlier, waste

disposal is a problem in favelas as they are inaccessible, so it often

must be brought down by foot or

burned. Burning waste may set fire to

many opportunities in Rio de Janeiro. opportunities.

It

provides

formal

employment in the Primary sector

(extracting raw goods, for example oil in the Campos Basin), Secondary

sector (making products for example food, textiles and metal goods) and also the Tertiary sector (Providing

services for example stock exchange, retail and TNC offices like Shell)

surrounding houses and the smoke is

T h e re

air off the Atlantic is also mixed with

resources and services. In inaccessible

harmful leading to air pollution. The vehicle exhaust fumes and factory

smoke to create an even lower air

quality. 75% of air pollution is caused by

traffic

which

has

increased

dramatically in the last 10 years as there have been 40% more cars in this

period. Transport is difficult because

of the mountains and there are illegal vans providing bus services at same price as official buses causing even

more congestion. Guanabara Bay

is heavily polluted from oil spills

and ships emptying tanks as well as waste and sewage from the 55 rivers

a re

also

many

social

opportunities repeating to both

favelas, for example Santa Marta, health care kits that can detect and treat up to 20 diseases are available.

There is also a ‘family health strategy’ where nurses visit poor families monthly; this has increased life expectancy and resulted in a drop on infant mortality. The ‘Bolsa Escola’

project aims to encourage poor families to stay in school by offering

free lessons in sports like football and swimming.

Furthermore, management strategies

efficient bus services with cheap fares have also been established in order to

However, this is not easy; managing these challenges is a struggle for many

reasons. The scale of the task is a huge challenge as the problem grows faster

than it can be managed. Rio’s physical

geography is also a problem because the mountains trap air pollution and make transport difficult. Furthermore, modern fuel-efficient cars along with

most forms of public transport are

expensive so may not be as accessible to locals. It is also hard to regulate

activities such as tank emptying in

Guanabara Bay and factories continue to pollute the area as they still receive profits so have not closed.

In conclusion, it is clear that, at least in the case of Rio, rapid urbanisation results

in

more

opportunities

for

challenges its

than

residents.

Although there are some opportunities for residents in terms of jobs, services

and resources, the challenges are at a larger scale. Furthermore, in the long term these challenges are likely

to still exist because, as I previously explained, they can be very hard to manage.

15

Evaluating the potential impact of changes in the carbon budget on the Amazon rainforest Grace Mattison - Upper Sixth Changes in the carbon budget can

have a range of impacts on a tropical rainforest, such as the Amazon. One

major impact is on the climate. The process of slash‑and‑burn releases

large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to rising

temperatures, which are predicted to increase by 2– 3°C in the Amazon by 2050. Deforestation also reduces evapotranspiration,

meaning

less

water vapour enters the atmosphere. This leads to further warming and a

drier atmosphere. With less water vapour, humidity decreases, and as

air masses move inland they become increasingly arid when passing over

deforested areas. This increases the likelihood of drought, which can cause

vegetation dieback due to water stress. However, increased carbon

dioxide can enhance plant growth through carbon fertilisation, showing that the impact on climate depends on feedback systems.

Changes to the carbon budget also affect soils. Removing trees and vegetation reduces the humus layer, making it harder for water to infiltrate. This

reduces

soil

porosity

and

increases overland flow, which can lead to flooding and the loss of soil carbon. Although slash‑and‑burn produces ash that temporarily increases soil

nutrient content, exposed soils are quickly eroded, meaning carbon is rapidly lost. Drier conditions also

increase the risk of wildfires, which

release even more carbon into the

16

atmosphere. Continued deforestation

risk of further fires. Although higher

produce

regenerate and reverse these impacts.

through carbon fertilisation, recent

infiltration increases surface runoff,

reduces the rainforest’s ability to

Vegetation is also affected by changes to the carbon budget. Reduced

rainfall and more frequent droughts can lead to forest dieback, meaning

CO₂ levels can promote tree growth evidence suggests the Amazon is

losing its capacity to absorb CO₂, especially where water availability is limited. This indicates that the overall

further

shallower

limits

clouds,

rainfall.

which

Reduced

raising the risk of flooding. Overall, a changing carbon cycle reinforces the drying of the rainforest.

impact is negative.

In conclusion, the impacts of changes

positive feedback loop: deforestation

Rainfall and river systems are also

rainforest are severe and largely

raises temperatures and causes more

cycle. In the Amazon, vegetation plays

less carbon is stored. This creates a

increases carbon dioxide levels, which tree mortality, releasing even more

carbon. In the Amazon, billions of trees have already been lost, and large

areas of vegetation have died back. This raises concerns that the rainforest

may no longer function effectively as a carbon sink. Forest fires also destroy

trees, creating a more flammable environment

and

increasing

the

affected by changes in the carbon

a major role in recycling water through evapotranspiration.

Deforestation

reduces this process, leading to lower humidity and reduced rainfall,

with some studies suggesting a 20% decrease. Fewer trees also mean less

interception and fewer condensation nuclei,

reducing

cloud

formation

and precipitation. Deforested areas

Cynthia Erivo

in the carbon budget on the Amazon negative. Feedback loops result in

increased warming, reduced forest cover and widespread vegetation

loss. Although carbon fertilisation

may temporarily slow these impacts, it is limited by water availability and ongoing deforestation. Overall, the impacts are extremely serious and may push the Amazon towards a tipping point.

Betty Davison - First Form

Chloe Woodington - First Form

17

To what extent do you agree that the impacts of plastic pollution are environmental? Josie Biszczanik - Third Form I agree to a certain extent that the impacts of plastic pollution are environmental. I think this because plastic ends up in oceans and it takes hundreds of years to break down so usually marine animals are affected by this. Also, they could even eat pieces of plastics so it could get stuck in their intestines. The graph below shows the increase of plastic pollution in the ocean in 2005 to 2019. In 2019 we had 10 million metric tons, now we have (in 2026) we have 75 to 199 million metric tons of plastic in the ocean, which is a huge increase, threating our oceans.

Over 1 million sea birds are killed per year from eating plastic or entanglement. Plastic pollution also damages ecosystems by contaminating soil and water, reducing biodiversity, and harming coral reefs. Marine organisms can grow on floating plastic, and then the plastic carries them far away to other places and these organisms arrive in new areas and could harm local ecosystems. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has over 45,000 metric tons of plastic, so it hugely effects marine animals and their habitat and environment around them.The Great Pacific Garbage Patch moves in a big circular pattern called a gyre. Over time, this creates a large area where lots of floating plastic stays concentrated in one place.

18

Are physical factors the main cause of uneven development ? Suzie Trounce - Third Form Physical factors do cause uneven development. For example, the climate of a country can affect whether a crop receives enough rainfall or sunlight to grow properly or to its best. This means that if a country has a poor climate, it will find it difficult to get a steady supply of good crops to use or sell. Natural hazards can also affect a crop if there is a drought or a flood as the crops will be damaged and no longer able to be used for a profit. These hazards (along with tectonic activity) can also destroy

However, there are also historical

competition or demand. This means a

factors causing uneven development.

country may not receive a very great

If a country was colonised, it would

or stable profit if it has a poor harvest

have been used for plentiful resources

(which shows a link between physical

taken for the lowest price possible. This

factors), or other countries do not

meant that ‘the rich got richer’ while

need or want to buy their crops that

controlled counties, when given their

time. Global trade deals also affect the

independence, were left with a lack of

price paid for resources. North America

services and infrastructure. Conflicts

and Europe dominate this market as

also cause uneven development as

they pay very little when trading with

money must be spent on weapons,

weaker countries to ensure a big profit.

and afterwards on restoration and

Sometimes a country ’s resources

human aid which are all very costly.

can be used by only a few individuals

The democratic Republic of Congo’s

rather than for the benefit of the whole

infrastructure and buildings, and harm people, so money must be spent on repair or aid rather than development. For example, the 2022 Pakistan floods from monsoons and melting glaciers submerged one third of the country, destroying four million acres of crops and leading to billions being spent on restoration. Pakistan would then not focus on developing the country further, but bringing it back to what it was before, showing a hold back in progression. If a country is landlocked it will be difficult to transport crops for sale as they will have to be taken through other countries- which costs more money and equals less profit. It will also be difficult for the country to use modern technologies to help develop itself if it is landlocked as fibre optic cables are laid under the seafurther away from the place of usage in a country far inland. Overall physical factors cause uneven development as they mean less ability to grow and sell crops, which could be a country’s main source of income to then be spent on development.

civil war from 1996 to 2003 resulted in five million deaths and a difficulty

country (like for development) and this is called corruption. In Zimbabwe there

to restore order before progression.

are many corrupt officials meaning not

The historical facts mainly use up a lot

much is put towards the development

of money that could have been spent

of the country. These economic

on development on restoring what

factors misdirect money towards more

another country had done to hold

powerful people or countries leading to

them back.

less chance for development.

Finally, there are also economic factors

So overall, I partly agree that physical factors are the main cause of uneven development since I think all three

such as reliance on cash crops. These are grown for sale and not use, but their prices may vary by quality and

factors have a similar effect.

19

HISTORY The abolition of the British Slave Trade Amelie Clipsham - Second Form

The most significant cause of the

not be forcibly taken from England. He

abolitionists such as Granville Sharp.

abolition of the Slave Trade in 1807 in

helped with this case by representing

These campaigners encouraged

England was from white middle-class

James Somerset in court by arguing

Equiano to write an autobiography

campaigners.

that since English law did not explicitly

to spread the word about the terrible

recognise slavery, Somerset’s status

things that happen to the enslaved

One example of the impact of white

as a ‘ slave’ could not be maintained.

people. This book was published in

middle-class campaigners helping

These examples proved that, when

1789. To help speed up widespread

to abolish slavery was William

enough of the population combined

knowledge about the atrocities of

Wilberforce. William put laws through

forces and put pressure on supporters of the slave trade, that slavery could be

slavery even more, Olaudah travelled

parliament to abolish slavery. He presented a bill for the abolition of the

abolished.

slave trade every year, from 1789 to

around the UK, giving talks and sharing his experiences with people everywhere. His actions proved that

1807, where it finally passed. This, along

A second significant cause for the

with over 519 petitions with thousands

abolition of the slave trade in 1807 in

of signatures showed the high number

England was the actions of slaves and

their futures. A further example of the

of individuals who disagreed with

ex-slaves. One example of this was the

actions of slaves and ex-slaves helping

slavery and the slave trade. Another

actions of Olaudah Equiano, who wrote

to abolish slavery were the efforts

example of the impact of white middle-

an autobiography about the horrors of

made by Toussaint Louverture, who

class campaigners helping to abolish

slavery. Olaudah Equiano was forcibly

led the fight for freedom of slaves in

the slave trade was Granville Sharp.

taken and sold into slavery for an

France. Toussaint was born into slavery,

Granville Sharp is most well known

estimated 10-11 years but bought his

but gained freedom around 1776,

for his involvement in the Somerset

freedom in 1766 and became friends

and became a property owner and

Case which ruled that a slave could

with a considerable number of British

plantation overseer himself. Louverture

the formally enslaved could change

things and gave the enslaved hope for

20

became the leader of the Haitian

plantation owners would receive

that due to a navigational error the

revolution and laid the foundations

less money, meaning slaves less in

ship ended up having to spend an extra

for other countries to abolish slavery

demand and less were taken in the

three days at sea. The lack of supplies

or face the major consequences of

first place. This act happened in 1791-

meant that many slaves were sure

1792 and involved 300,000 people

to die and if this happened onboard

revolutions. The actions of these exslaves proved that the enslaved and

(the majority of whom were women).

the ship, the slave traders could not

formerly enslaved would not allow the

One individual who participated in

collect any insurance and would lose a

heinous crimes committed by the slave

sugar boycotting was Hannah Moore,

significant amount of money. With the

owners to continue, and scared those

who was an enthusiastic anti-slavery

supplies and water running out, the

involved with the slave trade because

campaigner, who encouraged even

crew murdered 131 enslaved people

of the possibility of an uprising among

more to participate in the abolition

by throwing them overboard. This

the slaves.

movement.

horrific case was used by abolitionists such as Olaudah Equiano and Thomas

Another significant cause of the

A further economic reason causing

Clarkson to portray just how brutally

abolition of slave trade in 1807 in

the abolition of slave trade in England

the traders treated enslaved people.

England was economic reasons. For

was the Zong case, which was just one

These economic reasons meant that

example, the sugar boycotts, which

example of the atrocities committed

plantation owners lost money and

was the act of not purchasing sugar.

by slave traders at the time. The Zong

therefore were unable to buy as many

This helped abolish slavery because

was an overcrowded slave ship that

slaves as before, which led to slave

sugar was created from sugar cane,

carried the enslaved to America in

traders losing customers and therefore

which enslaved people were forced

1781, with not enough supplies for

less people were enslaved.

to farm and the act of not buying

the slaves to survive the journey. This

this meant that slave owners and

atrocity was not helped by the fact

Isla Foden-Reekie - Third Form 21

How far do you agree that the most significant method of control used by the Nazis in Germany in the years 19331939 was censorship? Rachel Flude - Fourth Form I agree to a limited extent that

own and increase their own influence

and became less of a threat to the Nazis.

censorship was the most significant

in Germany.

Furthermore, the SS were also in charge

method used by the Nazis between

of running concentration camps, where

1933 and 1939. Whilst censorship did

Another significant method of control

they held political prisoners. Here, the

contribute to the Nazis gaining control

used by the Nazis in Germany was

prisoners were subjected to immense

over the German people, this was also

the police state. This included the SS,

cruelty, through torture and exhausting

caused by the use of the police state

who were responsible for arresting

work. This led to many deaths inside

and youth movements.

and torturing opponents such as Jews

the camps, meaning that the Nazis

and Communists. This meant that the

greatly weakened their opponents.

The first significant Nazi method

Nazis quickly began to eliminate all

As a result, the Nazis destroyed any

of control used from 1933 to 1939

other political and racial groups who

threat from existing enemies, as well as

was censorship. The Nazis believed

they deemed inferior, in order to make

intimidating other German citizens into

that if they could suppress certain

Germany ‘pure’. As a result, many of

showing loyalty to Hitler. Therefore, the

information from the public, then they

these opponents faced severe brutality,

police state greatly increased the Nazis’

Civilians crowd around a uniformed Nazi holding the morning edition of the Wiener Montagblatt newspaper announcing Hitler’s arrival in Vienna, 1938.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration, College Park

would have control over Germany. For example, the Ministry of Propaganda made a list of un-Nazi literature which they thought did not reflect their views. This led to students being encouraged to participate in mass book burnings, with a particular focus on the destruction of Jewish authors’ works. As a result, the Nazis eliminated the threat of writers who disagreed with their policies, allowing them to gain popularity themselves. In addition, the Nazis controlled all of the newspapers in German and only allowed the publication of stories which favoured their party. This meant that the German people were only exposed to a positive representation of Hitler and his followers and were consequently led to believe that he was a favourable leader. Therefore, the use of censorship allowed the Nazis to remove ideas which were not their

22

influence and power over Germany.

more impressionable. Furthermore,

significant method of control used

activities in the youth movements

by the Nazis in Germany in the years

A final significant method of control

were made enjoyable, with physical

1933 to 1939. This is because, whilst

used by the Nazis in 1933 to 1939

activities emphasising teamwork. This

it did allow the Nazis to reduce the

was youth movements. These were

led to an increase in support for the

influence of other groups, they did

created in an attempt to channel the

Nazis from the youth, as they found

this at a much greater rate by use of

natural rebellion of youth and build

fun in being part of the Nazi Youth. As a

intimidation through the SS and the

a future Nazi generation. In 1933, the

result, young people were more likely to

Gestapo as well as concentration

Nazis banned all other youth groups,

continue attending and participating in

camps. Youth movements additionally

except for the Hitler Youth. This meant

youth organisations. Therefore, youth

only focused on the young population

that children and young people were

movements allowed the Nazis to build

of Germany, rather than on every

taught only to support the Nazis, and

their power amongst the young people

citizen. It was therefore the use of the

also that to support any other group

of Germany.

police state which caused great fear amongst the German people, allowing

was morally wrong. As a result, the Nazis expanded their influence to

In conclusion, I agree to a limited

the Nazis to assert their control and

the younger generation who were

extent that censorship was the most

spread their influence.

Can’t Cut It Juliette Olchowicz-Smith 23

Was the Great Depression the main reason Hitler became chancellor of Germany in January 1933? Sophia Shields - Fourth Form The appointment of Hitler as chancellor

time there was chaos in Germany. For

gave Hitler the opportunity he needed

in January 1933 was the result of

example, 50% of people aged 16–30

to gain votes as many people were

several key factors including Nazi

were unemployed in 1933, even people

looking for new views to support. The

propaganda and the reorganisation

with a good level of education. This

Great Depression put Germany into

of the Nazi party. However, while these

was a result of thousands of German

a financial crisis, leading to Hitler’s

reasons were very important the

businesses closing because of the Wall

popularity increasing.

most significant cause was the Great

Street Crash. Many people felt betrayed

Depression. The economic crisis gave

by the Weimar government as they

Another reason why Hitler became

Hitler the perfect opportunity to use

seemed unable to fix the crisis. This

Chancellor was because of Nazi

the public’s desperation to increase

encouraged many people to become

propaganda. For example, the Nazis

support and show himself as the

more willing to support extremists such

owned eight different newspapers,

solution that Germany needed.

as Hitler. Furthermore, unemployment

each of which aimed to sell their

benefits were reduced, so many people

message to a different audience.

One reason why Hitler became

were struggling to afford essentials.

By tailoring the Nazi message to a

Chancellor in January 1933 is because

The government also tried to increase

specific audience, the messages could

of the Great Depression. The US

taxes to account for the growing

be spread to many groups of people,

economy was destroyed due to the Wall

unemployment rate. This caused many

all of which would hopefully support

Street Crash. This meant that Germany

people to be angry at the Weimar

Hitler’s ideas. As well as this, parades

had to repay the loans that the US had

government who were struggling to

and marches were organised by Nazi

given them. This led to a period called

make decisive decisions due to the

mobile units. These included political

the Great Depression. During this

fragile coalitions in the Reichstag. This

speeches as well as entertainment such as plays and sport. This would have appealed to a younger audience and made people more interested in what was being said by Hitler, as they were being kept entertained. Moreover, posters were put up around Germany. These were designed to target specific groups. The messages were made clear and simple. The posters portrayed Hitler as powerful and a decisive leader. This was key in a time where the government were unable to come to concise decisions. These posters played a crucial role in boosting Hitler’s public image, spreading Nazi ideas quickly, and helping the Nazis to become the largest party in the Reichstag. The Nazi propaganda, which was organised by Goebbels,

24

was vital in attracting new supporters

votes. The Nazis began taking part

and that he will not leave until he does.

during a crisis.

in elections and became the largest

The reorganisation of the Nazi Party

party in the Reichstag by 1932. This

meant that once a crisis (the Great

A final reason why Hitler became

gave Hitler strong legal chances as to

Depression) hit, the Nazis were well

Chancellor was because of the

why he should become Chancellor,

prepared to take advantage of it.

reorganisation of the Nazi Party after

as well as meaning other politicians

its relaunch in February 1925. After

couldn’t ignore him. By staying within

I n co n c lu s io n , a lt h o u g h N a z i

the Munich Putsch in 1924, Hitler was

the Weimar system, he looked like

propaganda such as putting up posters,

imprisoned. This gave him lots of time

a genuine politician rather than a

and party reorganisation to use legal

to think and plan what he would do next.

threat. Furthermore, Hitler created

methods played key roles in his rise

Whilst in prison, Hitler wrote a book

a new private bodyguard called the

to becoming chancellor. However,

called Mein Kampf, which contained his

Schutzstaffel or SS, who were vital

the Great Depression was the most

key beliefs such as antisemitism. The

in helping Hitler keep control and

important as it created the conditions

book became a bestseller. This helped

eliminate opposition. The SS were

that allowed the other factors to work.

Hitler as people across Germany could

trained to be completely loyal, and

Without the mass unemployment,

have read his views without hearing

their discipline and appearance helped

poverty and loss of faith in the Weimar

him speak. Another crucial decision

to create an image of a powerful and

government caused by the Great

Hitler made whilst in prison was that

organised regime. This in turn made

Depression, Hitler would not have

once the Nazis were relaunched, they

Hitler seem strong and untouchable,

gained the widespread support he

would begin using legal methods

emphasising the fact that he is willing

needed to become chancellor.

rather than illegal methods to gain

to fight to win Germany’s approval

'Frida Kahlo' Embroidery

Taylor Swift

Eleanor Haines - Upper Sixth

Emily Pink - First Form

25

To what extent did British policies towards its colonies, mandates and dominions strengthen the British Empire in the inter-war years? Georgia de Villiers - Upper Sixth of India Act in 1935, though the Congress Party were not content with anything less than Dominion status or independence. Indians were able to recognise the fact these uprisings and Britain’s attempts to make concessions showcased the Empire’s slipping control over India in its attempts to preserve it, and therefore kept pushing for independence throughout the inter-war years. The Round Table Conferences of 1930 and 1931 further supported this, with both conferences being called due to the opposition movements for independence in British policies towards its colonies,

While the 1919 Government of India

mandates, and dominions, while

Act saw provincial councils run by

acting to attempt to consolidate

elected Indian Ministers, though still

short-term control in the inter-war

under a viceroy, this ‘concession’

years, instead weakened long-term

the British made to quell increasing

control and accelerate growing

nationalism was reviewed by the

independence movements in the cases

Simon Commission in 1929. This

of India and Africa, and contributed

quashed the progress made towards

to worsened ethnic tensions in the

India becoming a system of Dominion

Middle East. While the creation of

self-government, proposing a federal

the Commonwealth acted to extend

system to be created across India

British influence over the Empire’s

under direct British rule to ensure

dominions, it still contributed to a

overall British control. Consequently,

gradual shift towards the Dominions’

this exacerbated nationalist sentiment

journey to independence, and thus

and led to many protests, such as

largely weakened the Empire’s control

the Salt March headed by Gandhi

over its holdings.

in 1930. British policies in India thus

Britain’s attempts to establish ‘dyarchy’

kept requiring the British to make

within India and denial of Dominion

concessions in the face of resistance

status acted to weaken its control

movements, as seen in the Gandhi-

over the colony in the inter-war years.

Irwin Pact of 1931 and the Government

India. Despite Britain denying selfgoverning dominion status for India due to its desire to maintain their own economic and strategic interests, it only confirmed to resistance movements that their actions had impact. Thus, Britain’s policies in India only fuelled independence movements and their subsequent concessions merely exacerbated nationalist feeling throughout the inter-war years and effectively paved a path for India to obtain independence in 1947. Policies imposed by the Empire in Africa in the inter-war years, while seemingly beneficial in its promotion of social and economic development, as well as instances of granting a degree of self-government, in the long-term saw further growth of nationalist movements. Economic development

26

can be seen through indirect rule in

saw some success in their ability to

East Africa, where Britain allocated

maintain influence in both Palestine

10 million pounds in 1925 to improve

and Iraq, though this foothold was

rail and dock facilities, as well as in

fragile. Effective military intervention

Sudan through the Gezira Cotton

in Iraq in 1920, as well as the Anglo-Iraqi

Scheme in 1920. Both initiatives, whilst

Treaty of 1922, managed to appease

acting to seemingly improve both

the populace. The treaty saw Faisal

regions’ economic development,

I become King, who served British

mostly benefitted Britain, especially

interests by maintaining good relations

considering major African colonies

with them and had a strong reputation

were expected to be self-financing,

as a leader, which the British were able

which came from higher taxes.

to use to maintain an image despite

Discontent from these policies were

most government departments

exacerbated by the Great Depression,

having senior British advisers being

which outweighed the funding

appointed to them. Even with Iraq

supplied by the Colonial Development

gaining independence in 1932, which

Act of 1929. The economic problems

weakened their imperial image, Britain

that worsened through the depression

was still able to serve imperial interests

resulted in waves of strikes by African

and retain influence over the oil

workers, such as the copper mines

industry in Mosul. However, in Palestine,

in Northern Rhodesia. Therefore,

inconsistent policies worsened ethnic

while the Empire’s initiatives and

tensions between Jewish settlers

economic policies intended to grow

and the Arab population. Britain was

its colonies, the strain of funding

forced to expend military resources in

them amidst a global Depression

an attempt to maintain peace between

only fuelled resistance movements

the two groups, but soon adopted a

which acted to weaken the Empire’s

policy of repression between 1937 and

influence in these regions. Additionally,

1939 to deal with the violence, a total of

Britain’s granting of Kenya relative

25000 troops being sent to the region.

self-governance in 1920 indirectly

With the threat of the war however, this policy changed to support Palestinian independence despite pressures from Jewish organisations. While all groups were discontented, tensions still volatile, Britain was able to maintain Palestine as a buffer to protect the Suez Canal. However, these tensions and conflicts would continue beyond the inter-war years and meant that while Britain maintained influence in the region, this influence was fragile, so did not necessarily act to strengthen

worked against them, with the Kikuyu peoples engaging in some of the first instances of African nationalism due to discrimination they faced now being under white settler rule. Even with the issuing of the Devonshire Declaration in 1923, discriminatory legislation remained and continued to build momentum behind the political movements among both African and Indian settlers. Therefore, British policies had again acted to weaken them through attempts to develop self-governance in its colonies and see long-term damages in the form of rapidly growing resistance in its African

the Empire. British policies towards its Dominions acted to strengthen ties between the regions, but ultimately still saw its imperial image weaken throughout

colonies beyond the inter-war years.

the inter-war years. The creation of

British policies in its Middle Eastern

Belfour Declaration and 1931 Statute

mandates through the inter-war years

the Commonwealth under the 1926 of Westminster acted to strengthen

relationships between the nations and allowed the Empire to retain influence in each Commonwealth nation without the heavy costs of imperial rule. Furthermore, it acted to quell tensions with South Africa, which Britain feared might cut ties

with Empire entirely, which would see

their influence and access to resources such as gold entirely lost. While this actively served the interests of Empire in retaining its global influence and was promoted within Empire as an example of its civilised nature to revive a sense of jingoism about it amongst citizens, it did not necessarily solve issues surrounding diplomatic disunity. Similar to the 1922 Chanak Crisis where the Dominion powers were reluctant to aid Britain, the Second World War saw inconsistency in Commonwealth nations supporting Britain despite their continued relationship, for example, the Irish Free State remaining neutral, thus showcasing that this supposed unity was not as cohesive. This, coupled with the fact Britain through creating the Commonwealth dampened its imperial image and demonstrated it was willing to compromise with its imperial holdings, likely lay the foundations for Commonwealth members to push for total independence beyond the interwar years, thus weakening the Empire. Ultimately, the Empire was mostly weakened through Britain’s policies to its colonies, mandates and Dominions. Its attempts to assert short-term control resulted in the rise of nationalist movements who, through British concessions and compromises, were further encouraged to rebel against British control. Even with the creation of the Commonwealth, there was still tensions amidst Commonwealth nations that did not guarantee support for Britain that it had enjoyed prior to the Belfour Declaration, though it did safeguard its global influence.

27

Trinket Box Tabs Molesworth - Fifth Form

Bluetooth Speaker Audrey Childs - Third Form

28

Flowers Naomi Solomon

Malala Yousafzai Willow Latimer -Second Form

Phoebe Parfitt

Jane Martha Phillips - Fourth Form 29

LANGUAGES Is violence presented as inevitable in the film La Haine by Mathieu Kassovitz? Adelina Martynenko - Lower Sixth

Dans le film La Haine de Mathieu

scène particulièrement démonstrative

processus mentaux. Hubert est un

Kassovitz, la violence est-elle présentée

est la situation dans le commissariat,

bon exemple. Il est seul protagoniste

comme inévitable ?

où Saïd et Hubert sont humiliés par

qui veut éviter cette réalité. Il résiste

des policiers au pouvoir. Ces actions

en boxant et en s’occupant de la

“La Haine” illustre une société dans

créent la tension entre la publique et

salle de gym. L’homme exprime son

les années 90. Le film montre la vie

les autorités. Le cycle de la violence

désir de quitter cet endroit en parlant

réelle dans les banlieues et plusieurs

se forme et influence les autres à

avec sa mère. De plus, il y a beaucoup

problèmes sociaux. La violence est

se comporter de la même manière.

d’autres gens qui pensent de la même

une chose qui est omniprésente

Bien que la police essaye de calmer

façon. C’est la raison pour laquelle

pendant tout le film. Certains se

les gens, la tendance du manque de

on peut espérer que la violence peut

demandent si la violence est une

respect devient plus populaire. Hubert

réponse logique ou si c’est une

affirme : « La haine attire la haine». Si on

exagération de Mathieu Kassovitz.

continue à répondre physiquement, le

À mon avis, les actions du groupe

cycle ne s’arrêtera pas. Il semble que la

complexe sont plus prévalentes

violence soit inévitable.

que l’envie de chaque individu. Pour

Tout d’abord, on note les attitudes

être évitable.

conclure, la violence peut être évitée,

négatives dans chaque scène. Elles commencent par les émeutes en ville

Cependant, on ne peut pas négliger

mais chaque personne doit changer

et elles finissent par un coup de feu. La

l’importance de l’individu et ses

ses valeurs.

30

To what extent did the "Affair of the Diamond Necklace” influence MarieAntoinette’s reputation, despite her complete innocence? April Studley – Upper Sixth Dans quelle mesure l’affaire du

fait que les juges aient reconnu que le

collier a-t-elle influencé la réputation

cardinal aurait pu être convaincu que

de Marie-Antoinette, malgré son

Marie-Antoinette envoyait ces lettres

innocence complète ?

signifie qu’un tel comportement était plausible, voire attendu, par la reine.

L’affaire commence avec deux choses: en premier, un collier, de 674 diamants et une valeur de presque 2 millions livres, crée par les joailliers Boehemer et Bassenge. Deuxièmement, une arnaqueuse, Jeanne de la Motte, véritable descendante de la branche royale, mais si éloignée que Marie

Cela a fortement influencé la perception de la reine, de manière très négative. à côté de cela, il faut cependant considérer les autres raisons pour lesquelles la réputation de Marie-Antoinette était déjà ternie :

Antoinette ne la connaissait pas.

- Premièrement, la reine était connue

Des rumeurs quant à une amitié intime

des jeux d’argent ; on estime qu’elle a

entre La comtesse et la reine, et même une fausse rencontre secrète, ont fait complètement croire au cardinal de Rohan qu’il est dans les bonnes grâces de la reine. En fabriquant des lettres personnelles signés ‘Marie Antoinette,’ donnant le feu vert, Jeanne a manipulé le cardinal pour qu’il effectue l’achat du collier. L’escroquerie a donc été un succès ; Marie-Antoinette ne savait rien, jusqu’à ce que Boehemer la contacte directement au sujet du premier versement du paiement. Totalement inconsciente, la reine était furieuse et incrédule. Immédiatement impliqué, le cardinal est emprisonné à la Bastille, mais, contre toute attente, il est blanchi. Bien que cela démontre la culpabilité de Jeanne de la Motte, le scandale

pour ses dépenses extravagantes, sur perdu environ 180.000 livres pour la seule année 1778. - de plus, ses achats somptueux, tels que 260 000 livres en 1786 pour la mode, ont clairement donné au public un motif de colère. - Ainsi, à mon avis, sa réputation de tendances si déconnectées a rendu Marie-Antoinette très susceptible à la critique ; il était presque insignifiant qu’elle ne fasse pas partie du scandale, puisque l’affaire du collier incarnait toutes les rumeurs détestés par le peuple. Donc, étant la quintessence du fossé croissant entre l’aristocratie et la population pauvre de l’époque, l’affaire du collier a été, à mon avis, un catalyseur clé qui a précipité la chute de Marie Antoinette.

retombe terriblement sur la reine ; le

31

BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS Assess the importance of high levels of competition in causing Misguided to fail Adelina Martynenko - Lower Sixth A competitive market is when a lot of businesses selling similar products compete for the same group of customers. One reason why high levels of competition led to Misguided’s failure is the entrance of cheaper competitors like Shein. They managed to spot the trend of “Tik Tok fashion” quickly and adapt their products towards the customers’ desires, while maintaining low prices. In order to keep up with Shein, Misguided had to lower their prices. However, the cost of sales remained relatively high, which eventually led to a drop in profit margins, which negatively affected liquidity and led to business failure. Another reason was Misguided’s inability to control production. In contrast Shein had control over the design and production of its products as well as the larger scale of production which led to more trendy products, economies of scale and reduced unit costs. They were able to completely outcompete Misguided. In order to stay competitive Misguided should have produced clothing specifically tailored to the needs of their customers, thereby boosting sales and brand loyalty. However, not only high levels of competition led to Misguided’s failure. Post-covid changed customer trends

significantly. People wanted to shop

generally would have dropped leading

more in person often having been

to an affordability issue.

locked in their own homes for long periods. Misguided did not spot this

Overall, the importance of high

trend in time and lost sales as a result.

levels of competition depends on Misguided’s young customers, if they

Another factor was the economic

had been brand loyal, they would

environment itself could have led to

not have been as likely to switch to

business failure. The rising interest

alternatives like Shein, but they were

rate (a 0.4% increase) as well as

not, and seemed to be looking for

inflation (a 6.6% increase) would

cheaper substitutes. Therefore, it

have negatively affected customers’

is fair to conclude that the level of

disposable incomes. As prices rose,

competition played a significant part

demand for fashion and clothing

in Misguided’s demise.

32

MATHS The Maths of Rapunzel’s Hair Sophia Shields - Fourth Form

Rapunzel’s iconic hair may be a fun

On average, the hair on a human

fairy tale symbol but analysing it

head grows six inches per year, this

through mathematics and physics

rate does not vary much from person

reveals forces far beyond what the

to person. Although the growth rate

human body can withstand. The first

is steady, when the growth phase is

copy of Rapunzel was published in

prolonged, hair strands can increase

18121 : the book depicts the story of

in both thickness and overall length.

Rapunzel who is a girl taken at birth by

You cannot make your hair grow faster

a sorceress and raised in a tower. She is

but keeping it healthy can help it stay

known for her extraordinarily long hair.

longer. Rapunzel’s hair is portrayed

Her tale has since been retold many

as being around twenty metres long;

times, most famously in the animated

we can model hair growth as a linear

film Tangled , yet the physical reality

function :

2

of her hair remains far more complex than the fantasy suggests. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

3

L(t)=L_0+r∙t

With a typical scalp hair growth rate

of around 0.3-0.4mm per day we can estimate the maximum possible length of her hair over time. The hair growth cycle has four stages4; during the first stage, anagen, the hair grows at a steady rate on the scalp this lasts between two-eight years. The maximum hair length is determined by the duration of anagen, not the growth rate. Even fast‑growing hair will only grow for the span of the anagen phase before stopping. This gives us the formula :

L_max=r∙T_anagen.

First published by the Brothers Grimm as part of their collection “Children’s and Household Tales” Produced by Walt Disney animation studios, premiered in 2010. Where L(t)= hair length at time t. L_0= initial length r= growth rate (mm/day) and t= time (days) How Hair Grows: The Hair Growth Cycle Explained | ScalpMasters https://biologyinsights.com/why-does-hair-only-grow-to-a-certain-length/?utm_source=copilot.com Where L_max= maximum possible hair length r= growth rate (mm/day) and T_anagen= length of anagen phase (days).

33

Using this we can calculate how long

have a mass of roughly 13kg similar to

exceeds the ultimate tensile strength

Rapunzel’s anagen phase would need

the mass of a very heavy backpack.

of its material. Human hair has a

to be for her 20m hair: T_anagen= 20000mm/(0.35mm day)

T_anagen=57,143 days=157 years For Rapunzel’s hair to be biologically possible, her hair would need to grow continuously for over a century, which is impossible given that Rapunzel is only eighteen. To achieve such hair length, her hair follicles would need to be genetically altered beyond anything seen in nature.

tensile strength of around 200×106 Rapunzel’s hair is significantly more

Pa16 which we take as σ_max. To find

than 20 times longer than normal for

the cross-sectional area of the braid

a human10 . Therefore, even very long

we use:

hair usually weighs under 1kg. The

Atotal=N∙πr2 17: Atotal

scalp can tolerate some tension, but strong pulling on hair over around 1-2kg can be very painful, too much

Atotal=5×10-4 m2

tension can pull hair out and cause

Which is roughly the size of the base of

skin damage. The neck can withstand large forces briefly, such as during sports but constantly supporting

Rapunzel’s hair and compare this to what a human scalp and neck can safely withstand. To find the mass, we need the thickness, length and density of hair. By modelling each strand as a thin cylinder, we can calculate the volume of each hair strand using the formula for the volume of a cylinder7 :

V=πr2 L. A density (p)

of 1,300 kg/m³ is

single strand of Rapunzel’s hair is:

pain and muscle fatigue . A human

Fmax=(200×106 )∙(5×10-4 )=100,000N.

single=1300∙π∙(4×10 ) ∙20

m

scalp could not support the mass of Rapunzel’s hair without significant

-5 2

extremely strong and can withstand

A key feature in the story of Rapunzel

100 princes). However, as proved

is that her hair is used as a ladder for others to climb, so the next question is whether a human could realistically support that much weight. As we’ve light adult climber weighs at least 40 kg , far beyond what the scalp can 12

tolerate. Hair is easily pulled out under small forces, and the neck cannot tens of kilograms. Even if Rapunzel’s hair were magically strong, the real

m_single= 1.3×10-4kg

limitation would be the human body

With around 100,000 strands on the human scalp (N), the total mass is:

By treating Rapunzel’s braid as a rope

m_total=N∙ m_(single )

total=100,000∙1.3× 10-4=13kg.

m

This means Rapunzel’s hair would 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

This reveals that hair as a material is

pain and likely injury.

safely support continuous loads in the

single=p∙V

m

a hair rope could carry is18 :

Fmax=σmax∙Atotal

already seen, the answer is no: even a

assumed8. Using this, the mass of a

a glue stick. Next, the maximum force

10-20kg of hair would cause chronic 11

Next, we can estimate the mass of

Atotal=100000∙π∙(4×10-5 )2

supporting it . 13

made of many hair fibres, we can apply standard rope strength equations using stress, tensile strength14 and

up to around 10,000kg of mass19 (over earlier, Rapunzel’s scalp and neck would fail long before the hair itself reached this limit. Braiding Rapunzel’s hair adds an important structural element to the analysis and, frankly, makes the idea of having 20 metres of hair feel slightly more manageable! In topology, a braid is defined by the way its strands cross, repeat, and form a symmetrical pattern that distributes load evenly, and makes the braid behave like a strong, mechanically stable rope. The increased friction between strands prevents slipping by raising the internal shear resistance,20 meaning the braid can withstand

cross-sectional area :

greater tension and transfer force

σ=F/A

described as21 :

15

The rope breaks when the stress

more effectively. This friction can be

friction=μN

F

Where V= volume, r= radius (half the thickness of a strand) and L= length This value is commonly used in physics problem solving contexts as an approximate value based on keratin’s density, although no peer reviewed measurement for human hair density is available. How Many Hairs Are on the Human Head? Averages and Facts Sample of teens in Godalming showed maximum of 60cm hair in April 2026. How Much Weight Can Your Neck Support? - Biology Insights Human Weight Average: The Shocking, Simple Facts - Liv Hospital For context, Rapunzel would need roughly 750 mL of shampoo per wash—essentially an entire bottle—making hair care arguably her greatest limitation. Strength of hair roots | How strong are hair roots?

34

Braiding increases the normal force, so the friction increases as well. It is also worth noting that braiding reduces the visible length of hair by up to 30% , as the strands are forced to 22

travel a longer internal route than the straight non braided length. Finally, we can calculate tension at different points along the braid, the force of a person climbing a hair-rope would create enormous tension towards the top, since even a light person produces a downward force of at least 400N23 Above the climber, the braid must support both the climber’s weight and the weight of the braid below that point, giving 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

the general tension equation 24 :

Rapunzel’s scenario impossible. Her

T(x)=Wc+w∙x

such extreme lengths, and even if it

This means tension increases the higher you move toward the anchor point, reaching its maximum where the braid meets the scalp, despite the physics showing that the braid behaves like a strong rope, the human body attached to it does not act as a strong anchor. In conclusion, while human hair is remarkably strong, especially

hair would never realistically reach did, the combined weight of the braid and any additional load would place substantial stress on her scalp and neck. Long before anyone could climb the tower, the extreme tension at the roots would cause severe damage or simply pull the hair out entirely. Overall, unless Rapunzel is simply magical, no amount of braiding can make her fairy-tale physics possible.

when braided or formed into a rope capable of supporting substantial loads, the biological limitations of the human body ultimately make

where tension (F) which is the pulling force on the rope, cross- sectional area (A) how thick the rope is and stress (σ) force per unit area. Human Hair Science: Growth, Hair Loss & Synthetic Toxins - mini f9 Where N is the number of hairs (100,000) Where F_”max” = maximum force before the braid snaps σ_”max” = tensile strength of hair and A_”total” = total cross sectional area of all hairs in the braid Formula for mass used m=F/g where F= force and g= gravitational field strength = 10N/Kgon Earth Understand Shear Forces [An Engineering Explanation] - Structural Basics Where μ is the coefficient of friction between hairs and N is the normal force which is the pressure of the strands pushing together. Braids: Shortening Effect On Hair Length | ShunSalon For a 40kg person calculated using w=mg where Wc= weight of climber W=weight per metre of braid X= distance from the climber upward

The Thomas Sisters Jess Thomas - Fourth Form

35

MODEL UNITED NATIONS Resolution passed at MUN Conference: Special Committee – War of the Gods Country: Venezuela Anna Tracey – Second Form Acknowledges

B r a z i l’ s

01 Recommends helping to please

government has been changed into

that

Demeter by proposing to stop

05 Seeks a treaty to be signed by

animals and is being kept in Brazilian

harm towards her from our oil

Brazil, promising a decrease

zoos;

reserves, which are currently open

in deforestation by focusing

to the world, to ensure that Brazil’s

on finding and ending illegal

Recognises that there may be a

government can retransform back

deforestation, which causes 94% of

conflict between the three most

into humans;

Amazon rainforest deforestation;

powerful gods over control of the Earth; Expresses deep condolences that Gaia, the embodiment of the Earth, has recently passed away; Understands that there is an Anti‑God movement in Africa being led by Prometheus; Registers that Charron, the ferryman of the underworld, has gone on strike due to poor working conditions;

02 Aims to decrease deforestation by i n fo r m i n g B ra z i l a b o u t deforestation and the harm that it is doing to the world and to Demeter,

through deforestation;

06 Recommends persuading China

into an alliance with Prometheus’ Anti‑God movement to help restore the sun’s orbit around the Earth

and the harm it did to Gaia;

and give light to other countries

03 Advises joining BRICS, the intergovernmental organisation,

also help to appease Demeter with

to help reform the global financial system, causing the end of unnecessary deforestation for

to supply solar energy, which will natural energy sources; 07 Requests that the USA stops taking Venezuela’s oil, as this

economic reasons in Brazil;

is angering Demeter and is

04 Encourages drastic change

of not only the Venezuelan

from the 4.4 million hectares of trees that were cut down in 2024

threatening the transformation government into animals but also the USA

36

PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION

“The simile of the cave tells us nothing about reality.” Discuss Meme Egerton - Lower Sixth Plato’s simile of the cave is widely interpreted as an allegory for the ignorant person’s journey to becoming a philosopher, moving from ignorance to knowledge through the distinction between the world of appearances and the world of forms. However, while this metaphor has been highly influential in philosophical thought, it can be argued that it tells us very little about reality itself. From an empirical viewpoint, the simile of the cave lacks testable evidence

cannot be trusted to tell us what is true, so must become an enlightened philosopher. There are two issues with this. Firstly, Plato separates existence into a dualistic division of reality, which many regard as deeply problematic. There is no observable evidence for the existence of the Forms, nor any way to verify them. Secondly, Aristotle rejected this unnecessary and overly

criticised as elitist, as it suggests that true understanding is only available to a philosophical minority. This raises important questions about who gets to interpret reality, who has authority to educate others, and who ultimately holds power. As a result, the simile of the cave arguably undervalues sensory experience and rationalism, and being grounded as it is in this unprovable theory, offers little substance to help us understand

and relies heavily on metaphysical presuppositions that are neither observable nor demonstrable. It can therefore be argued that the allegory of the cave adds little to our understanding of reality and is therefore meaningless. The simile of the cave is grounded in Plato’s theory of Forms, a metaphysical concept for which there is no empirical evidence and which some philosophers argue has little relevance to understanding the real world – as argued by Aristotle. In the simile, Plato describes prisoners who observe shadows on a wall, symbolising the world of appearances. Outside the cave lies the ‘ real world’ , representing the world of forms, which consists of perfect, unchanging objects and concepts that exist beyond the physical world. According to Plato, the physical world is a flawed reflection of these true realities and, as a result, our senses

abstract symbolism, arguing instead

reality as we actually experience it, and

that reality is found in the material

whilst it provides symbolic value, it fails

world rather than in some untestable

to correspond to reality that science

metaphysical realm accessible only

and reason engage with. However,

to those like Plato – philosophers

it can also be argued that the simile

constantly in search of the ‘truths’.

of the cave does offer meaningful

Plato’s approach can therefore be

insights into reality, particularly

37

in relation to human perception,

by their culture and upbringing and

describe physical reality in scientific

knowledge, and the search for truth.

may resist ideas that challenge their

Plato’s allegory highlights the idea

worldview. In this sense, the simile of

terms, this simile can still be seen as

that people often live in ignorance,

the cave can be seen as providing a

human experience and the nature of

mistaking distorted reflections of

useful framework for understanding

knowledge, suggesting that it does tell

truth for reality itself. These distortions

h u m a n l ife a n d e n co u ra g i n g

us something valuable about reality,

may be caused by ‘ puppeteers’,

individuals to seek truth and broaden

even if it is in a more abstract nature.

representing those in positions

their perspectives. The journey out

In conclusion, while Plato’s simile of

of power who shape beliefs and

of the cave symbolises the pursuit

the cave offers powerful metaphors

perceptions. Genuine understanding,

of enlightenment and truth despite

for ignorance and enlightenment,

Plato suggests, requires a challenging

societal pressure and doubt. For this

it ultimately fails to inform us about

and often uncomfortable process of

reason, the simile remains relevant

physical reality itself. Rooted in the

enlightenment.

today, particularly in discussions of

unobservable theory of Forms, the

showing deeper truths about the

education and religious or spiritual

dualistic metaphysical worldview it

Although the theory of Forms lacks

awakening. Some theologians,

presents lacks empirical grounding

empirical support, the metaphors

for instance, have interpreted the

and is therefore incompatible with

used in the simile still resonate

simile as representing the soul’s

modern scientific understandings of

strongly with human experience. For

ascent towards knowledge of the

reality, and so is of no use to us.

example, individuals are often shaped

divine. Therefore, while it may not

My Grandma Isla Foden-Reekie - Third Form

38

Should AI systems be granted legal personhood and responsibility? Sapphire Latimer - Fourth Form With new AI systems becoming

good.”

of what responsibility is – physical

issues begin to arise. One of these

This definition of moral responsibility

should be considered. ‘Responsibility’

being whether AI should be held

requires a conscious decision being

in the context of one thing being the

accountable for showing or giving

made. Someone who drinks before

cause of a specific effect, according

users illegal or harmful information, or

driving could be the cause of a car

to the Merriam- Webster Dictionary,

does the lack of conscious choice and

accident, as it was their decision

can refer simply to “being the cause or

inability to feel emotional responsibility

to drink, assuming they were, as

explanation”, giving the example of “

prevent the need?

Thomas Bivins describes, free of

mechanical defects were responsible

external compulsion and aware of the

for the accident”. An inanimate object

consequence.

can be ‘ physically ’ responsible for

constantly developed and used, some

I first want to clarify what responsibility

responsibility is another aspect that

a n d a cco u n t a b i l it y re fe r s to.

something – however, this now arises a

Thomas Bivins says “It is important

In the context of AI, this would not

new question - is physical responsibility

to note that as early as Aristotle,

give reason for an AI model to be

enough to allow the need for legal

moral responsibility was viewed as

responsible. Currently, AI does not have

accountability?

originating with the moral agent

the ability to make moral decisions

(decision maker) and grew out of

based off its own conception of good.

My answer is no. If you consider a

an ability to reason (an awareness

AI is trained to give responses and

mentally unwell person that commits

of action and consequences) and a

information based off the way we train

a serious crime, they do not go to jail

willingness to act free from external

it to respond. Holding it accountable

(if evidence is found to show that the

compulsion. For Aristotle, a decision

for its actions seems wrong - surely

crime was committed purely because

is a particular kind of desire resulting

the creators and trainers of the system

of their insanity) and instead to a

from deliberation, one that expresses

should be responsible?

mental institution. Due to their inability

the agent’s conception of what is

However, this only covers one branch

to make a conscious decision because

39

of their mental state, they don’t receive punishment in the same way a mentally healthy person would if they made the choice to commit the same crime. Until AI systems can make conscious decisions based off their own moral values, this shows that they should not be granted legal personhood. You could argue that since many corporations have been given a legal persona, so AI could be treated the same way. Depending on the legal situation, AI could be compared to humans in some ways, and having the option of a legal personhood could help understand the situation in the same way as corporations. This does not necessarily require AI to always be fully considered as a fictional human. Corporations clearly often ‘switch’ between human and nonhuman roles. However, the concept of corporations having the ability to switch between having a persona and being simply a corporation hasn’t turned out well. Stuart Kirsch says this: “The inconsistency in these rulings— that corporations have the right to

free speech and religion, like natural persons, but lack a corresponding

right to privacy—suggests that these decisions are being made on a case-

by-case basis rather than uniformly

applying an established definition of corporate personhood. The metaphor of corporate personhood allows

the courts to treat corporations as

legal ‘ persons in some respects and as nonpersons for other purposes’

Berger 2004:181)” In general, it seems

people are sceptical of corporations being treated like humans, and its likely people will feel the same about AI. Claudio Novelli says “The notion of legal personality is a dynamic one. During the different political seasons, legal systems have had to review many times

the perimeter of the entities considered as proper persons in law ”. It’s clear to see that not only is AI incapable of taking moral accountability for actions, but also giving it a legal, fictional person would let AI developers as well as users to escape their own fault in a situation. In any legal situation involving AI, fault can and should be assigned to the AI developers and/or users. If AI is used for the wrong reasons, and it took the legal accountability, then this may end up reducing the consequences that ought to be faced by the human who consciously used it. Of course, you could argue that AI being given responsibility wouldn’t necessarily mean that humans would be able to use it as an excuse. In a legal situation, as well as the users and developers being held accountable, the AI can also be responsible. However, I would argue back that it could get to a stage where it would be difficult to measure how much of the responsibility should be given to AI and how much to people. With the rate AI is developing, it could be hard to tell if, for example, content generated by AI for a user was the user’s fault for asking the wrong questions or giving

it the wrong prompts, or whether AI (assuming in the future it may have moral choice) generated that content out of its own choice. Another issue with AI being granted even a limited level of personhood is that giving it the same type of responsibility as a human is a gateway to AI having equal rights to a human. If AI systems are given a legal fictional person, then where do we draw the line of non-humans having rights? The problem is with AI having the same rights as humans is that until it has its own ability to make moral decisions, it shouldn’t have human rights. This argument doesn’t deny that in the future, when AI can have moral judgement, it should be allowed legal personhood. Currently, AI is limited to not having a consciousness. As AI is continuously developed, it could have an ability to make its own decisions on the same level as a human, and I think when that happens, it might end up being the only option. Even though at that stage, people might try to use AI as an excuse, if AI makes its own decision, naturally, there is no choice but to treat it as a legal person. At this stage though, until it is proven that AI can make its own choices, it should not be granted legal personhood.

40

What do we mean by truth? Can we know what is real? Molly Shepherd - First Form some truth as this is the only thing we know as real. As well as this, if we only know that this is real what other thing do we have to prove us wrong? I also agree with the idea I know there is more truth somewhere else as where we are is too small to be the whole truth in time. The only thing that sets us back is the question ‘do I actually know anything?’. The philosopher I found the most challenging was Plato. This is because, as he thinks that everything is not perfect here, wouldn’t that mean his idea is not perfect. He would challenge me by saying the only thing we can rely on is our mind but, imagine if it wasn’t the right thing to rely on or nothing was truly perfect. He is also the one that says nothing is perfect. Therefore, his truth claim is not exactly true. Questions I would like to ask about this topic are ‘ could a subjective statement be provable in any way?’. I chose this question because I feel that there may be proof for everything somewhere. Another question is ‘why are we here on earth?’. I chose this question because I feel that people are not trying to find out and they may be doing it In this topic in Religious Studies, I

exactly true because it makes me

have been learning about different

think deeper about the outside world.

claims about truth, knowledge, and

Is there another world than just here?

whether we can know what is real. The

Also, it’s more interesting because he

philosopher I found most interesting

must know that everything he does

was Plato. This is because his theory

isn’t quite perfect.

on the ‘ world of forms’ and the ‘ world

The idea I found the most agreeable

of appearances’ is interesting. I quite

was the Blind Men and the Elephant.

like the idea that everything here isn’t

This is because I know that we can see

deliberately. My last question is ‘is there something beyond the universe that could be true?’. I chose this question because no one has ever exited the universe. But the universe could not be true and, if it isn’t real what are we exploring? Is there something we just can’t reach?

41

SCIENCE Amazing Atoms: Can nuclear science change the world? Derry Litten - Lower Sixth Nuclear science is the ultimate overlap

happens to be radioactive which

where the UK government has invested

between biology, chemistry, and

impacts how we can dispose of it. We

into this research.

physics and through Dr Tim Gregory’s

were shown two ways to get rid of the

lecture, I discovered not only how

waste; the first being to bury the waste

nuclear engineering occurs but its

which is already being implemented in

process and even the uses of nuclear

countries such as Finland. The waste

energy. The true potential of nuclear

remains buried until it eventually

science is not restrained to just

decays completely. The second way is

achieving net zero but even curing

to recycle the waste which is possible

cancer in new ways and helping us to

as 95% of the atoms in nuclear waste

discover more in outer space.

are recyclable. These recyclable atoms

I was educated on uranium which is a nuclear fuel with five isotopes.

can be used in many scenarios such as in medicine or in space.

Nuclear energy is also used in space, specifically in space batteries. The batteries are used to power scientific equipment, and nuclear is used as it can last approximate decades. It can be used on planets on the outside of the solar system where solar panels for example don’t have enough sun to function. The most common radioactive substance used in space is the plutonium isotope Pu-238, which is so radioactive it glows red

Uranium-235 and uranium-238 are

Dr Gregory works at the forefront of

the most abundant in the natural

nuclear energy as a nuclear chemist,

environment with the latter making

and as this is a growing industry

up 99.3% and the former being 0.7%.

that will only need more people to

The isotope -235 is a fuel of nuclear

investigate the uses of nuclear energy,

reactors. Nuclear fission is what occurs

it was an inspiring part of his lecture.

in these reactors. Dr Gregory informed

He spoke of the techniques he used

us on the background of fission and

such as mass spectrometry and gas

how the name originated from biology

chromatography.

for Pu-238 and that is Am-241 which

As mentioned previously there are a

Helpfully when the plutonium isotopes

and cell division before later being coined as a term used in nuclear science. Fission is when a neutron is fired at a uranium atom at the right

couple of situations where the waste of nuclear fission is used, one being

speed to then split the atom.

in medicine. Dr Gregory spoke about

The reason why nuclear energy is so

then injected into the cancerous

fascinating in helping us achieve net zero is how little of the radioactive substance is needed to produce large amounts of energy. For example, 10mg of uranium would charge a lightbulb for 4 years whilst only having a carbon footprint the same size as the one produced by wind power. Like many reactions however nuclear fission produces waste. In this situation it

designing molecular keys which are tumour cells. The keys would have to be injected due to them being too sensitive to the air around the patient. After the key is injected, as it is radioactive it would begin to decay causing the tumour cells to become radioactive and then ultimately as decay continues it kills the tumour cells. A recent example of an isotope being used as another form of cancer treatment is Lead-212,

hot. However, we are running out of this isotope which makes it harder to continue researching outer space by making space journeys. In the UK there is roughly 141 tons of plutonium remaining, including all 6 isotopes. There is one substitute which is perfect

can be formed in the decay of Pu-241. are sat there for many years some will begin to decay and when the Pu-241 isotope decays into americium, this can replace the plutonium isotope in space usage. Overall, Dr Gregory has highlighted how nuclear science can be used to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. His own enthusiasm emphasised how interesting nuclear science is, and how something perceived to be so dangerous as a radioactive substance can actually be used to help and save people.

42

Do dogs understand humans? An examination of canine language and emotional cognition Emmie Wilcock - Lower Sixth Dogs have lived alongside humans

whether dogs process human

adapted for dog vocalisations, 13% for

for tens of thousands of years,

language in ways comparable to

human stimuli and 48% for nonvocal

forming one of the most successful

humans. Studies into dog brains

sounds. However, in contrast, human

interspecies relationships in the

and language processing were

auditory regions are overwhelmingly

natural world. This shared history

caried out by Attila Andics and the

specialised for human speech.

has led to scientific interest into how

research included the use of MRI

Further evidence has suggested

deeply this bond extends in terms

scanners to carry out scans on a

hemispheric specialisation in canine

of cognition and communication.

number of different humans and

brains. The left hemisphere is used

The central question in this field

dogs. Auditory regions of the brain

for identifying word meaning and

is whether dogs truly understand

were then identified using different

the right hemisphere is used for

humans, and if this is the case, how

sounds and a silent contrast. Similar

this understanding is supported

sound-sensitive brain regions were

by their language processing and

identified in dogs and humans.

comprehension, social awareness,

However, it was found that dogs

emotional sensitivity and evolutionary development.

determining intonation and emotion. Notably the reward centres of the brain activate when verbal praise aligns with a positive tone of voice and

and humans have different levels of

this is a feature that is also observed in

adaptations for different vocal stimuli.

human brains. This indicates that dogs

In dogs, 29% of the subregions are

are able to integrate communicative

This article explores canine cognition through an examination of four key areas: language processing and comprehension in dogs, social cognition and communication, emotional intelligence and humandog interactions and finally it co n s ide r s do m e st ic at io n a n d evolutionary interests. Together, these perspectives provide a framework for understanding dog cognition, as well as why these abilities have developed, offering an insight into the complex relationship between humans and dogs. Language

Processing

and

Comprehension in Dogs A key area of investigation concerns

Dogs participating in non-invasive brain imaging (fMRI) study whilst listening to different vocal stimuli

43

and emotional cues when interpreting

sense.2

children learn approximately 10

speech.

new words each day reaching an

1

Additional research into so-called

average vocabulary of 60,000

In terms of vocabulary on average

‘gifted word learner’ dogs indicates

words by the age of 17. When

dogs can understand 89 words

that dogs are capable of picking up

children learn words they apply

said by humans. However, there

object names simply by overhearing

have been exceptional cases that

their owners’ conversations, which is

rules and principles. However, there

challenge this average. One notable

an ability similar to that of a 1 month

example is Chaser the Border Collie

old child. In controlled experiments,

who was trained to recognise the

certain dogs successfully learned

object-name associations, and some

names of 1022 proper nouns at the

object labels and despite not being

dogs can acquire hundreds of these

end of a 3 year period. Chaser was

able to see the toys when hearing their

associations, however dogs learn

names most of the gifted dogs learnt

names for objects, not language.4

able to categorise named objects, complete tasks such as touching

the new labels with 81% accuracy.

the correct toy with her nose or paw

This shows that the socio-cognitive

and she was able to infer the name

process that enables word learning

is currently no conclusive evidence to suggest that this principle is the same as in dogs. Dogs can form

Social Cognition and Communication

Comparison of areas of the brain adapted for different types of vocal stimuli of a new object by elimination in the set of familiar objects. This study suggested that dogs have good skills for comprehension however, the production side is missing as they lack the biological cognitive apparatus for language production so they are unable to vocalise words or construct syntax to communicate back to us. The barks and growls as well as body language are used to convey emotional states or intentions and they do not ‘speak’ in a linguistic 1. 2. 3.

4.

from overheard speech is not uniquely

Research into puppy development

human and under the right conditions

provides further insight into canine

some dogs present behaviours that

cognition. A puppy social cognition

are similar to those of young children.

study carried out by Duke University

However, such abilities appear limited

found that whilst most cognitive skills

to a subset of dogs labelled ‘gifted

in puppies emerge surprisingly early,

word learner’ dogs and so this ability

they do not develop as a single unified

is not representative of the species as

system, instead, different skills appear

a whole.

at different stages across a window of

Importantly, canine word learning

rapid development from 8 to 20 weeks

differs fundamentally from human

old. The research also suggests that

language acquisition. By around the

puppies are biologically predisposed

age of two typical English-speaking

toward cooperative communication

3

(Title: Voice-Sensitive Regions in the Dog and Human Brain Are Revealed by Comparative fMRI, Website Link: https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/ S0960-9822(14)00123-7, Author: Attila Andics et al., Date Published: [20/02/2014], Date Accessed: [10/04/2026]) (Title: Border collie comprehends object names as verbal referents, Website Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635710002925, Author: John W. Pilley & Alliston K. Reid, Date Published: [01/02/2011], Date Accessed: [10/04/2026]) (Title: Gifted “word learner” dogs can learn words by eavesdropping on their owners’ talk, Website Link: https://www.biotechniques.com/veterinary-science/ teaching-an-old-dog-new-tricks-gifted-canines-learn-words-by-overhearing-their-owners/, Author: Maddy Chapman, Date Published: [28/01/2026], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: Some dogs can pick up hundreds of words – do they learn like children?, Website Link: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/blogs/ academic-expertise/some-dogs-can-pick-up-hundreds-of-words-do-they-learn-like-children, Author: Juliane Kaminski, Date Published: [21/01/2026], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026])

44

with abilities such as interpreting

word outside. This shows that words

that dogs are particularly skilled

basic human gestures developing

matter to dogs and that they respond

at recognising, distinguishing and

early, alongside foundational skills

to the words themselves and not just

responding to human communicative

like working memory. Interestingly

to associated cues. The experiment

signals, including a range of gestural

the study showed that extremely high

demonstrates that dogs at the very

cues. For instance, dogs are widely

levels of socialisation do not enhance

least are capable of learning an

considered more proficient than

cognitive growth. Puppies raised

association between these words or

chimpanzees at following human

on Duke’s campus encountered far

buttons and their outcomes in the

cues, and their success in object-

more people and experiences than

world. Also, as they responded the

choice tasks involving pointing is

typical household dogs, yet their

same to the owner or an external

comparable to that of two-year- old

cognitive development was similar to

person pressing the button it

children.

that of puppies raised in normal home

suggests that they are responding

settings. This suggests that there is a

to the buttons themselves and not to

Dogs are also able to differentiate

‘biological blueprint guiding how and

unrelated unintentional cues provided

between human facial expressions

when these skills emerge’5 and so

by the owners.7

of opposing emotional valence and

these abilities are guided by genetic

adjust their behaviour accordingly.

and evolutionary factors rather than

Emotional Intelligence and Human-

This includes showing different

solely by experience. Finally the

Dog interaction

g a ze p at te r n s w h e n v iew i n g

study revealed that extreme levels

happy versus angry faces as well

of socialisation don’t necessarily

Beyond language, dogs exhibit

as engaging in increased mouth-

enhance cognitive development.

sophisticated emotional intelligence

licking when exposed to angry

in their interactions with humans.

human expressions compared with

From an evolutionary perspective,

Comparative studies with other

it has been proposed that humans

domestic or social animals have shown

happy ones. 9 Additionally, dogs

modify their own facial expressions

and dogs underwent parallel selection pressures favouring reduced aggression and increased sociability. This led to similar changes in cognitive traits that facilitate cooperative communication.6 Such adaptations are evident in modern examples, including dogs trained to use button-based communication systems. These dogs appear capable of using the buttons to communicate a need or they are able to understand the command given to them by the button. Regardless of whether it was an owner or a stranger talking or pressing a button, the animals frequently reacted appropriately going to the door for instance at the 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Graph showing the average proportion of each behaviour type shown after the condition was given

(Title: Inside the Minds of Puppies: How Do They Develop Their Thinking Skills?, Website Link: https://www.today.duke.edu/2025/12/inside-minds-puppieshow-do-they-develop-their-thinking-skills, Author: Susan R. Miller, Date Published: [04/12/2025], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: Inside the Minds of Puppies: How Do They Develop Their Thinking Skills?, Website Link: https://www.today.duke.edu/2025/12/inside-minds-puppieshow-do-they-develop-their-thinking-skills, Author: Susan R. Miller, Date Published: [04/12/2025], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: Associations between canine temperament and salivary concentrations of cortisol and serotonin, Website Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/ article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0307189, Author: Youngwook Jung et al., Date Published: [04/02/2026], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: Associations between canine temperament and salivary concentrations of cortisol and serotonin, Website Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/ article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0307189, Author: Youngwook Jung et al., Date Published: [04/02/2026], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: Dogs use human communicative signals and show flexible social-cognitive skills in dog–human interactions, Website Link: https://www.sciencedirect. com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635718302353, Author: Miklósi et al., Date Published: [01/08/2018], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026])

45

Mean rate (±1SD) of facial movement AU101 (Inner eye brow raise) as a function of condition12 depending on human attention. Historically, animal facial expressions have been considered ‘inflexible and involuntary displays of emotional states rather than active attempts to communicate with others’ . However 10

studies have shown that dogs produce significantly more facial movements when the human was attentive then when they were not, this is evidence that dogs are sensitive to the human’s attentional state when producing facial expressions, This suggests that the facial expressions are not

that spend extended time together

who were unwilling versus unable to

are frequently exposed to shared

provide rewards. Four experiments

environmental pressures, which

were carried out and the results were

can lead to similar stress responses

that dogs preferred to approach

across individuals. In addition, stress

the unable over the unwilling

transmission has been observed

experimenter. These results suggest

within species, for example, students

that dogs can exploit intentionality

have been found to exhibit elevated

when choosing social partners under

cortisol levels when taught by highly

certain conditions.15

stressed teachers. Not only does

Domestication and Evolutionary

emotional contagion occur within

Origins

a species, it has also been shown to

The cognitive and emotional

occur between different species, for

capacities observed in dogs are

example between dogs and humans.

closely tied to their evolutionary

Evidence suggests that this alignment

h i s t o r y.

of stress levels is influenced more

domestication that influenced many

strongly by the owner’s personality

species including dog evolution from

than by the dog’s own traits. This

wolves is self-domestication. This

indicates that dogs may be more

process involves natural selection

likely to mirror the stress states of

gradually favouring traits that move

their owners rather than owners

animals toward what we recognise as

responding to stress in their dogs.13

domesticated characteristics, without

An

e a r ly

stage

of

direct human intervention. Once these Further evidence of dogs’ sensitivity

traits become established, humans

to h u m a n i n te n t io n s co m e s

began to intentionally breed animals,

from experiments in which dogs

reinforcing and shaping specific

differentiate between individuals

features. In the case of dogs, all of the

just inflexible involuntary displays of emotional states as historically suggested but instead active attempts to communicate with others, specifically humans.11 A particularly compelling instance of canine emotional cognition is the phenomenon of emotional contagion between dogs and humans, where

The hair cortisol concentration (HCC) synchronization of dogs and their owners was

long-term stress levels often appear

moderated by lifestyle (Acompeting dogs red, pet dogs blue) and sex of the dog (Bfemales

to become aligned between pets

red, males blue). Dotted lines show linear fitted lines for lifestyle and sex of the dog14.

and their owners. Social species 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

(Title: Human attention affects facial expressions in domestic dogs, Website Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-12781-x, Author: Juliane Kaminski, Jennifer Hynds, Paul Morris & Bridget M. Waller, Date Published: [19/10/2017], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: Human attention affects facial expressions in domestic dogs, Website Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-12781-x, Author: Juliane Kaminski, Jennifer Hynds, Paul Morris & Bridget M. Waller, Date Published: [19/10/2017], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: Human attention affects facial expressions in domestic dogs, Website Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-12781-x, Author: Juliane Kaminski, Jennifer Hynds, Paul Morris & Bridget M. Waller, Date Published: [19/10/2017], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: Long-term stress levels are synchronized in dogs and their owners, Website Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-43851-x, Author: AnnSofie Sundman et al., Date Published: [06/06/2019], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: Long-term stress levels are synchronized in dogs and their owners, Website Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-43851-x, Author: Ann-Sofie Sundman et al., Date Published: [06/06/2019], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: ‘Unwilling’ vs. ‘Unable’: do domesticated dogs choose partners based on their intentional actions?, Website Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/ PMC12886311/, Author: Yael Y. et al., Date Published: [Not explicitly stated on page], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026])

46

with humans. Based on this idea, he suggested that the earliest stages of domestication likely involved selecting animals that were the least fearful and most tolerant of humans. Through a series of selective breeding experiments, Belyaev demonstrated that selecting for tameness alone can produce many of the traits associated Mechta (Dream), the first of the domesticated foxes to have floppy ears (1969)19

with the domestication syndrome. Within just a few generations, some foxes developed floppy ears and curled tails. By generation fifteen, their stress hormone levels were

most commonly seen European dog breeds that we see today developed through artificial selection starting around 150 years ago but dogs evolved as much as 20,000 years ago. Artificial selection cannot account for the initial origin of the species, even though it explains the diversity of modern breeds. Experiments carried out on foxes and chickens show that when you select for friendliness you

approximately half those of wild foxes. Over time, their adrenal glands also became progressively smaller, while serotonin levels increased, leading to calmer behaviour. Over the course of the experiment the foxes also began to show mottled ‘mutt-like’ coat patterns, along with more juvenile facial structures and body proportions further reinforcing the link between tameness and the broader suite of

decision to choose between a human and a dog. The wolves chose the dog and the puppies chose the humans. This shows that for dogs, humans are their preferred social partner. Conclusion The evidence suggests that dogs are not able to ‘understand’ humans in the same way that humans can understand one another, yet their abilities are far from superficial. Dogs demonstrate a form of cognition that allows them to interpret human language and gestures with remarkable accuracy. Dogs are able to navigate complex social interactions and respond to emotional cues presenting a suite of skills that allow for effective communication with humans. Importantly, these abilities do not appear to arise solely from learning

domestication related traits.

or exposure. Research shows that

domestication.16

This shows that the evolution of dogs

in dogs’ evolutionary history. The

One of the most well-known

process with domestication taking

get a whole syndrome of changes that appear as what we think of as

domestication studies is Belyaev’s foxes. ‘Belyaev noted that many domesticated animals share a common set of traits, including floppy ears, short curly tails, juvenilised facial and body features, reduced stress hormone levels, mottled fur and relatively long reproductive seasons. This suite of traits is now known as the domestication syndrome.’17 Belyaev proposed that a key requirement in the domestication of any species is the ability to interact prosocially 16. 17. 18. 19.

18

and humans has been a co-evolution place, leading to the many dog breeds that we know today. In this way dogs have become adapted to become the best possible social companions to humans. Including examples such as ‘puppy eyes’, this requires a special muscle in the forehead that wolves do not have and so dogs have developed this and evolved to be able to produce this movement to gain human affection. This same idea was shown through a study where wolf puppies and dog puppies were given the

many of these traits are deeply rooted process of domestication, particularly the selection for prosocial behaviour, has shaped dogs into animals that are biologically primed to engage with humans. Ultimately, understanding dogs is about recognising that they have evolved to think with us. They have a capacity to form an interspecies relationship highlighting the unique nature of the human-dog relationship and this relationship offers valuable insight into how cognition can be shaped by both evolution and the social environment.

(Title: Canine Cognition, Website Link: https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/canine-cognition, Author: American Psychological Association (hosted interview with Brian Hare, PhD), Date Published: [Not explicitly stated on page], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: Dogs use human communicative signals and show flexible social-cognitive skills in dog–human interactions, Website Link: https://link.springer.com/ article/10.1186/s12052-018-0090-x, Author: Ádám Miklósi et al., Date Published: [01/01/2018], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) (Title: Dogs use human communicative signals and show flexible social-cognitive skills in dog–human interactions, Website Link: https://link.springer.com/ article/10.1186/s12052-018-0090-x, Author: Ádám Miklósi et al., Date Published: [01/01/2018], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026]) Title: Dogs use human communicative signals and show flexible social-cognitive skills in dog–human interactions, Website Link: https://link.springer.com/ article/10.1186/s12052-018-0090-x, Author: Ádám Miklósi et al., Date Published: [01/01/2018], Date Accessed: [17/04/2026])

47

Henrietta Leavitt and the “standard candles” of Astronomy Izzy Astfalck - Upper Sixth What is a Cepheid Variable:

nights.This was done by gathering

did not completely overlap. Once

The Cepheid Variable is a type of

five images of one section of sky from

identified, changes in the variable’s

variable star that pulsates radially.

different nights (four negative images

brightness and its period were

They vary in both diameter and

and one positive) and overlaying each

determined by comparing plates taken

temperature. They change brightness,

negative in turn on the positive print.

of the same section of sky on different

with a well-defined stable period.

Each plate contained thousands of

dates through a magnifying glass and

Cepheids are important as they have

stars, and she had to carefully examine

measuring the diameter on each night

a strong direct relationship between

each one looking for the smallest

as an approximation of its brightness.

their luminosity and pulsation period

changes in brightness.

which are used to determine large distances in space.

Leavitt’s Law: S t a r s o f co n st a n t b r ig h t n e ss

Over time, she observed a pattern

neutralized the differences between

with a type of variable star called the

Who was Henrietta Swan Leavitt:

their positive and negative images and

Cepheid star. Cepheid stars with long

Henrietta Swan Leavitt was a

looked grey, while variables showed

periods were relatively brighter than

crucial part of the discovery of the

with black or white rings, where they

Cepheid stars with short periods.

relationship between the period of the star’s dimming and the star’s intrinsic brightness. She was born in Massachusetts in 1868 and was part of a small group of women in the United States that had the opportunity to study at university. She studied at Harvard University’s school for women, later renamed to Radcliffe. There, in her final year, she took a course on astronomy at the Harvard College Observatory. After university, she volunteered as a research assistant at the Harvard College Observatory where she worked in a group called the “computers”. This group of women would classify stars by their colours, brightness and spectra. Leavitt was tasked with classifying variable stars. Identifying Variable Stars and their brightness and period: To classify variable stars, she had to compare a pair of photographs, recorded on plates of glass, taken of the same part of the sky on different

RS Puppis, one of the brightest known Cepheid variable stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. (Wikipedia.org 26/01/26)

48

She determined there was a direct

The relationship was later named

galaxies too remote for stellar parallax

relationship between the period of a

“Leavitt’s Law”.

observations to be useful.

This meant that if an astronomer could

A standard candle is an astronomical

measure the period of any Cepheid star,

object that has a known absolute

In 1904, her work on variable stars

they could infer its intrinsic brightness.

magnitude. They are extremely

in the Orion nebula was presented,

Once a star’s intrinsic brightness is

important to astronomers since by

co n f i r m i n g 1 6 va r i a b le s a n d

known, astronomers can calculate how

measuring the apparent magnitude

discovering a further 73 (55 definitely

far away the star is by knowing how

of the object we can determine its

variable and 18 possible). In 1908

light dims the further it travels.

distance using the formula:

Variables in the Magellanic Clouds”

Standard Candle and determining

m-M = 5 log d – 5

At the end of this paper she gave a

distances of galaxies:

list of sixteen variable stars, showing

One year after Leavitt reported her

their periods and magnitudes, and

results, Ejnar Hertzsprung determined

said: “It is worthy of notice that the

the distance to several Cepheids

brighter variables have the longer

in the Milky Way using parallax

periods.” This was confirmed by her

measurements. With this calibration,

further observations in 1912, where

the distance to any Cepheid could be

she states in another paper that

accurately determined. Leavitt’s law

there was “a simple relation between

made these stars the first “standard

the brightness of the variables and

candle” in astronomy, allowing

their periods” for Cepheid variables.

scientists to compute the distances to

star’s dimming and the star’s intrinsic brightness.

Leavitt published the 21-page “1777

where m is the apparent magnitude of the object, M is the absolute magnitude of the object, and d is the distance to the object in parsecs. After her death, Edwin Hubble used Leavitt’s luminosity–period relation, together with the galactic spectral shifts first measured by Vesto Slipher at Lowell Observatory, to establish that the universe is expanding.

Leavitt working at the Harvard College Observatory. (Image from American Institute of Physics, Emilio Segrè Visual Archives)

49

SPORT The importance of sports to me Maya Hughes - Fourth Form Sport has been the backdrop to my life

Sport teaches you how to lose and

tired. Making time to rest properly,

for both my primary and senior school

shows you what it’s like to win and

eat well and do things that I enjoy

years and I’m very passionate about

the effort you have to put in to get

other than sports has become just

it. I’ve grown up with so many sports

that rewarding feeling. This in many

as important as finishing homework.

around me: my siblings, parents and

ways can be transferred over to

Doing this has helped me understand

even grandparents all play or played sports which really helps motivate me. Sports provides people with a wide array of skills and experiences. There are so many benefits to doing sport, especially team sports. It teaches team work, leadership, the ability to give and take instructions, physical and mental resilience and playing in teams – inside and outside of school – builds friendships. But on top of all that, it helps me study better. Sport has taught me so many things that I have taken over to my studies, such as: dedication, perseverance, the importance of practice and how to stay calm in stressful situations.

school and education.

As well as all this, sport has taught me how to prioritise and sort out my studies and extra-curricular commitments around each other. For example, I do most of my homework or revision on Friday night so that I can train and see my friends on Saturday and play my hockey match on Sunday. Through balancing sport and school work, I’ve learnt how important rest and recovery is. When you’re training lots and playing matches most weekends, it quickly shows you that you can’t perform well, either on the pitch or in the classroom, if you are

that balance isn’t just about squeezing everything in, but is about making sure you look after yourself and actually enjoy the things you are doing. Finally, sport has also allowed me to have a huge support network that can help with school. My team mates, teachers, coaches and parents understand the pressure of juggling commitments and having this support network encourages me to keep going when things get hard. Some of my closest friends are people I’ ve met through sport and having those groups of people who understand you is really helpful when school gets difficult.

50

Go forward as yourself With admiration, hope & love ADMIRATION

HOPE

LOVE

and of those who have gone

because hope is stronger than

endeavour and be the fellow

before us.

optimism, being based on faith in

traveller of kindness.

of the achievements of our peers

for the present and for the future,

must underpin every worthwhile

ourselves and in our values.

51

INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11–18 52