The Glass corridor
ditors: Shivani Jans nd Maya Daviesoddard
EVENTS
thissummerterm
ThistermcontinuedwiththeYear11sandYear 13sfinishingtherestoftheirGCSEandA-Level Examsrespectively.TheYear10sandYear12s alsowrotetheirmocksinpreparationfortheir finalexams.
Mostsignificantlythoughforthemostofthe schoolhasbeentheeventsoffrancticfortnight AllYeargroupsfromY7-Y12havebeenengaged insomeactivityoranother.
FromtripstoFrancetoDofEexpeditionsto businessconferences,thisfrancticfortnight seemstobemorechaoticandbusythanever. (Theteachersprobablywouldagreewiththat too!)
Thetimelineonpage5showsalltheeventsin moredetail.
Whileeveryoneishappyfortheacademicyear tofinallycometoanendandenjoysummer, thereissomesadnessassometeacherswillbe leavingtheschool,whohavealltaughtatand dedicatedalotoftheirtimeforthisschoolfor verylong,somewho’vebeenheresincebeforewe joinedthisschool
This will be the last term for 3 teachers- Mr Cook, Miss Macdonald and Mrs Parry, who most of us have known and been taught by for so long at this school So, I asked them a few questions about their time teaching here and some of their memories from this school. I have compiled them on page 4.
While we will be sad to lose them, we give them our best wishes and gratitude for all they have done for us as students and for the school
interviews
1.Howlonghaveyoubeenhere? 10years
2 What has been your favourite thing aboutthisschool? Thestudents
3. What was the funniest experience you ' ve hadhere?
Decorating the ceiling or Mrs Driver’s lab If youknow,youknow!
4. What are you most excited about going forward? Nottravellingasfartowork Icancycle/run
5 Whatareyougoingtomissthemost? Thestudents
6.Whatwasyourfavouriteyeargroupand form?
Can’t answer that! I don’t play favourites (officially)!
7. Do you have any advice for your students?
Do as many extra-curricular activities as possible Don’t think about what you gain from it initially, think about what you can learn from it. E.g. What’s the point of doing this!?
EVENTS
1.Howlonghaveyoubeenhere? Justoneyear!
2. What has been your favourite thing about thisschool?
ProbablygettingtoknowstudentsIdidn'tteach ontheskitrip.
3. What was the funniest experience you ' ve had here? Someone who I will not get into trouble,makingmelaughduringatrainingday -Ishouldprobablyhavedetentionforthat.
4. What are you most excited about going forward?
Havingashortercommutetomynewschool
5.Whatareyougoingtomissthemost?
Apart from the students I teach, I will miss the science department who make me laugh on a dailybasis
6. What was your favourite year group and form?
Ihavelovedteachingthelowersixththeyhave beensopositiveandmadethestepuptoAlevel reallywellandiftheyaren'tenjoyingChemistry theyatleastfakeitbrilliantlyforme! ��
7.Doyouhaveanyadviceforyourstudents? Inyourlessons-don'tbeafraidtogiveitagood guess,it'soktobewrong.Inlife-don'tbeafraid tobeyourself.Goodluckyoulovelylot!!
1.Howlonghaveyoubeenhere?
I started at QEGS on 1st September 2009, so it willbe15yearsthissummer
2. What has been your favourite thing about thisschool?
DefinitelysomeofthewonderfulpeopleIhave met during my time here, both students and staff colleagues. I also love some of the slightly old-fashioned, traditional and quirky elements of school life at QEGS - you maybe don’t appreciate them, but they are the things that stop education becoming dull, bland and homogenised.
3 What was the funniest experience you ' ve hadhere?
Therearesomanytochoosefrom!
Getting a flat tyre in the minibus while on a DofEexpeditioninDerbyshirewithMrsBargh, when the local vicar and his wife rescued us withacupofteaandaloobreak …having to help Mrs Hermiston when she safety-pinnedherselfintoherowntrousersafter abrokenzipincident having an important role as the ‘ gun shot sound effect’ in the recent musical production ofChicago…
…painting a rainforest mural on the wall at the back of the old Room 10 (when it was a geographyroom)
attempting to teach some year 9 boys to knit ona‘trysomethingnew’day…
…building a snowman outside Room 33 (now the HET offices) with the few members of my formwhowereleftinschoolonasnowday
4. What are you most excited about going forward?
I’ve recently completed a diploma in silver jewellerymaking,soIamhopingtospendalot more time being creative with that, plus spinningandweavingandgenerallyexpanding the crafts-based business that I already run –OldSchoolCrafts(aquickplug-findusonthe web,Etsy,Instagram,Facebooketc).
5.Whatareyougoingtomissthemost?
Probably the opportunity to enthuse about mysubject(andreligioningeneral)without people thinking I’m really odd! Lots of people in the wider world don’t like to talk about faith and belief, probably for fear of offending others, but it’s something that I find fascinating and would always encourageotherpeopletoengagewithand learn about, even if you think you are ‘not religious’ yourself We all have our own beliefs, morals and personal philosophies andIwillmisstheregularopportunitythat being an RE teacher offers me in getting otherstoreflectonwhattheirsare
6. What was your favourite year group andform?
It’s impossible to choose (although if members of 9MC are reading this, I had better say it is them!). Unfortunately, when studentsleaveschooltheyallgointoakind of ‘ memory soup ’ in my brain of all the students I have ever taught (which by rough calculation I reckon must be around 6500 individuals ), and it becomes difficult to remember who was in what year group andwhichschoolItaughtthemat
7 Do you have any advice for your students?
There is always something you can learn fromeverypersonthatyoumeet–evenif you don’t like them or don’t agree with them. Learn to listen, try to understand and let your life be guided by kindness. I havethesewordsfromtheDalaiLamaon my wall at home – you might like them too:
“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.Iamgoingtohavekindthoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am goingtobenefitothersasmuchasIcan.”
Mr Cook
Mrs Parry
Miss Macdonald
Y12 & Y10 D of E
Y10 Lincoln Uni
7J & 7T Stourton Estates
Y8 residential
Y12 Next Steps to Study
7B & 7F Wolds Wildlife Park
Y8 Residential
Y10 D of E
Y7 France
Y12 geography - Lincoln trip
Warhorse puppeteers
Y10 D of E
Y7 France
Y12 Business conference
Y10 Skegness GCSE geography field trip
Y9 Safe Day
Lower School Awards evening rehearsal
Y7 Japanese Culture morning
Y9 Maths Challenge
Y8/Y12 Film studies
Taiko drumming workshop
7B & 7F Stourton Estates
7J & 7T Wolds Wildlife Trip
Y8 residential
Y8 Langton church/ library stock take
Y10 Hull GCSE geography field trip
Y12 University of Hull trip Eco garden
New Y7 Induction Y7 France
Eco graden
Y10 D of E Y7 France
Y8 Speed networking
Interform bowling
Y10 Alton Towers
Y12 Business Conferences
D of E Launch
Performance poetry picnic
Y10 Assembly
Y12 Snipes Dales biology field trip
Y7 Community cafe
Diversity festival
book AND FILM REVIEWS
AGoodGirlsGuide toMurder
AaharshaVasanthan
Iamwritingareviewabout 'AGoodGirl'sGuideTo Murder'.Thisisabookthat willsuitpeoplewholikethe followinggenres:Mystery, ThrillerandRomance.As youcantell,thisbookisthe debutbookbyHolly Jackson.Thenovelisthefirst inaseriesofthreenovelsand onenovella.Thisspecific bookisaboutthe enthusiasticPippa(Pip) FitzAmobireopeningthecaseof AndieBellforherproject.
Theplotisaninvestigation carriedoutby17-year-old Pippa“Pip”Fitz-Amobi,a highschoolstudentinthe townofLittleKilton.Inthe novel,Pipplansto investigateafive-year-old murder-suicidecase involvingthemurderof popularstudentAndrea "Andie"Bellandthesuicide oftheperpetratorSalil"Sal" Singhunderthedisguiseof aschoolproject.Her objectivesaretoshowher townthatSal,whosheis convincedwasfalsely accusedofkillingAndie Bell,didn'tcommitmurder andtofindtherealkiller.
Ipersonallylikethisbook becausethechaptersare reallyintriguingand immersive.WhenIpicked thebookup,Icouldn'tputit down!
AGoodGirl’sGuideto Murderhasalsobeenmade intoasix-partBBCseries directedbyDollyWellsand starringEmmaMyers(who youmightknowasthe werewolfroommatefrom Netflix’sWednesday.)Ifyou likedthefirstbook,thereare stilltwomoreinthetrilogy foryoutoread!
The BBC Series
TrailsofApollo:
TheHiddenOracle
KeturahFassler
Formybookrecommendation,I chooseTrialsofApollo:The HiddenOracle.TheGuardian says“Thisisthestuffoflegends” andEionColfer,authorof ArtemisFowlsays“Afantastic blendofmythandmodern.
TrialsofApolloisanactions seriessetinNewYorkandit’s abouttheGreekgodApollo fallingtoEarthintheformof anawkwardteenageboy namedLesterPapadopoulos.He meetsa12yearoldgirlnamed MegMcCaffreyandApollohas topledgehisservicetoher.
Apollo’sgoalistofreeallofthe oraclesfromtheevilcompany TriumvirateHoldingsinan exciting,action-packedseries fullofdanger,laughsandlifethreateningmissions.
BlackBeautyisoneof JessicaHeppenstall’sand AmeliaBooth’sfavourite books.Itisabeautifulstory aboutablackstallionin 1940England.Itisastory abouthishard,challenging lifeandhowhecameover difficultiesandwas rresilient.
BlackBeauty’sfirstfewyears welivedoutonabeautiful farminthecountryside.His firstownerandbreederwas farmerGrey.Hewasakind gentlemanwholovedhis horsesverymuch.Attheage offour(theappropriateage forahorsetobegintraining) FarmerGreybegantobridal, saddleandteachblack beautyallthethingshe neededtoknow.
Once,histrainingwas completeBeautywassoldto squireGordon,averyrich, landownerinthearea.
FramerGreywasverysadto seeBeautygobutheknew hehadtoletgo.
AttheSquireshouse,Beauty wasputinaniceairystable andgivensomesweetfresh hayandwater.Beauty immediatelyknewhewas goingtoenjoyhislifehere andhedid.
BlackBeauty
AmeliaBooth
STEM
mRNAvaccines
You may not have heard of mRNA before, but I’m sure you all know of the COVID-19 vaccines. These magical injections which have saved an estimated 157,000 lives in England alone are all thanks to the novel technology that is mRNA vaccination.
What is mRNA?
mRNA is a component of all life on earth and has been in cells for billions of years. In the human body, its job is to transfer the information of our genes (on DNA) in the nucleus to ribosomes (“protein factories”) for making specific proteins in our cells. This is how our bodies make all the chemicals needed to grow and keep us alive.
When used in vaccines, mRNA delivers instructions for making harmless protein identical to one found in a specific virus to our ribosomes. Once these instructions are “decoded” and the identical protein is assembled, our immune systems recognises it as a foreign body (not one of our own body cells) and then can produce antibodies that attack foreign bodies for their destruction. Memory cells are made, which will recognise the “real” virus if we are infected with it at a later date.
Sometimes, these memory cells don’t last very long and break down, so we can get booster vaccines, which I’m sure many of you will have received if you have had the COVID vaccine These boosters help prep our immune system for slight changes in the virus due to mutations.
by Laura Dillon
How is it different to regular vaccines?
If any of you have studied the immune system in biology, you maybethinkingthatthissounds kind of familiar So how is it differentto“normal”vaccines?
“normal” vaccines work by injecting a weakened form of a virus into the body so the body will produce antibodies that recognise and destroy this virus and produce memory cells for future infection The covid virus is known to mutate, this means thatitcanevadedetectionbythe immune system and you can get ill again. It is possible to change the genetic code in the mRNA molecule in booster vaccines to help the body make new antibodies and memory cells against these new versions of the covid virus. Whereas, with normal vaccines a whole new weakened virus must be created which takes time. Kind of like changingthephotoonawanted criminal poster, rather than changingthedesignofthewhole poster. This makes these vaccines really handy for situations like theCOVIDpandemic,wherewe neededtoquicklytackletheissue of the ever-mutating COVID viruses.
ThisfeatureofanmRNAvaccine makes it easy to quickly make “personalised” vaccines, such as those specific to individual, unique,cancers.
PersonalisedCancerVaccines?
The public success of the COVID vaccine paved the way for release and research o mRNA vaccines. Despite being the first vaccine to be approved for mass use bei COVID ones, the research into mRNA vacci beenlongongoingfor“personalisedcancerva Currently the UK government is partnere BioNTech to run clinical trials for perso mRNA cancer vaccines and Moderna has cancervaccinesindevelopment.
Thehopeisthattheseindividualisedcancerv can be used to “teach our immune systems to recognise an individual’s cancer cells. The immun system will destroy any current and future cance cellsandreducetheriskofthediseaserecurring.Th treatment will be used as a replacement for, or i conjunction with, other therapies such a preventativeandtreatmentchemotherapy.
Elliot Pfebve, is the first patient to be treated with personalised vaccine against bowel cancer here i England. Elliot initially had surg chemotherapy that was unfortunately n successful Tests showed that he still had of cancerous DNA in his bloodstream Th at an increased risk of his cancer return signed up to a trial, which uses the sam vaccine technology as in the PfizerCOVID-19 vaccine A sample of Elliot’s tu sent to BioNTech’s labs in Germany to b and mutations specific to his cancer were This allowed for the lab to create a pe mRNA vaccine for his cancer.As this is an field of medicine, it is not yet know if th successful for Elliot and others who a undergoingthistreatment.
Trials of mRNA vaccines have begun or are being planned against a range of tumour includinglung,bladderandheadandneckcan
Elliot Pfebve recieving his mRNA vaccine
Drawbacksofthesevaccines?
AftertheCOVID-19vaccinationprogrammes,whichtookplaceacrosstheworld,wehavelearntof somepotentialissueswithmRNAvaccines.
OneofthebiggesthurdlesinmakingeffectivemRNA-basedvaccineshasbeentheinstabilityofthe molecules. They degrade quickly when exposed to some common enzymes and chemicals, so must bekeptatverylowtemperatures(insomecases,below-70°C,asrequiredforthePfizervaccine).This canmakeitdifficulttorollout,duetotheaddedexpenseoftemperaturecontrol.
Manysideeffectsarecommonofmostvaccinessuchas,allergicreactions,asorearmandmildflulike symptoms. However, there have been some rarer, more concerning, side effects linked to the mRNAvaccinesdevelopedbyPfizerandModerna.Theseincludemyocarditis(inflammationofthe heart) and pericarditis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac the heart sits in). The European medicinesagencystatethefollowingstatisticsabouttheseparticularvaccines:
Pfizer-BioNTech:145casesofmyocarditisand138casesofpericarditisoutof177mdosesgiven. Moderna-19caseofmyocarditisand19casesofpericarditisoutof20milliondosesgiven.
Ofthesecases,just5peopledied,allbeingelderlywithotherhealthconditions.Wecanseethatthis is a very rare complication, but it is still concerning, as it was found to be most common amongst young people (young males in particular). Of all the different COVID vaccines produced, the link with heart inflammation was found only in the vaccines that rely on mRNA technology to train theimmunesystem.
However, as with most vaccines, side effects are to be expected. With more concerning side effects suchasmyocarditisandpericarditis(sideeffectsofthemRNAcovidvaccines),wemustindividually decideifwefeelthatrisksofrare,butpotentiallyfatal,sideeffectsoutweighthepotentialbenefitsof acureforadiseasethatcanb f l
Sources:
1.https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/03/11/what-are-mrna-vaccines-and-how-do-they-work/
2. https://theconversation.com/three-ways-rna-is-being-used-in-the-next-generation-of-medical-treatment158190#:~:text=Three%20ways%20RNA%20is%20being%20used%20in%20the,being%20used%20to%20help%20develop%20new %20drugs %20
3 https://www bbc co uk/news/articles/cl77qvd2krgo
4. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-60468900
5. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57781637
6 https://blog ons gov uk/2021/10/04/how-many-people-have-died-as-a-result-of-a-covid-19-vaccine/
Thearts CREATIVE WRITINGAND ART
By Ivy Hockley
Creative writing from students
Does it bring families together,
Will it make you feel warm inside,
Is it a burning in your heart,
That you would wish to confide,
Does it only happen in movies,
Or can it happen to me, Will I stay heartbroken,
Or will I finally be free
Does everyone enjoy it,
While there still in love, Or do some wish to destroy it,
Because their life was rough, Sometimes you need to think, And believe you are enough, Because when you make the link, You will know the truth about love
-Izzy Skippings
It was a cold winter night, Mary Annington heard a cry She ignored it, thinking it was the wind It was getting louder and louder and louder. She decided to check outside and guess what she found, a baby wrapped up in a warm blanket in front of her orphanage. How could someone betray their child like that? Usually, parents drop their kids into the reception and then they lie that they will come back She took the child in and introduced the baby to the other orphans One of the orphans said, ‘’Mary, did this little guy’s parents die as well?’’ ‘’Yes Charlie, they did’’. Mary had to say that, well that what she says to every kid here. She doesn’t want the kids to be sad.
‘’Does he have name?’’.
’’Not sure, we can make one can’t we’’, said Mary, ‘’first we need to know it is a she or a he ’’ To be honest, no one knows if it’s a boy or a girl We can’t decide that yet readers Let’s wait for another few years and we will find out By the way, they named the child Sam The gender was a guess -Anhad Soni
Some say it's a feeling, others say it's an angle, people say it's too complicated, even though we should be able, we ' re just too indecisive, even though it flies round' like a bird, but people think it's absurd, and is spread round like a word.
Does it just sit on your sofa, would it gobble up all my ham, or is it in your can of soda, and does it look like my friend Sam, is it as dangerous as a panther, would it float as graciously like a dove, or would it be as funny as banter, O tell me the truth about love
Geography, you always got me trippin', Geography, you always got me sippin', In the middle of a continents test, Gettin me to try my best,
Geography, the best subject indeed, Geography, your the subject I need, With the best teachers we have, I don't know about a baff.
-Danil King
Is love a love heart like some say it is, Or is it something very different?
Is it something everybody has, So, is it really that magnificent? Is it something that is alive or not, Or is it a bird, a bird like a dove?
Is it a sparkly silver robot? Oh, tell me the truth about love
Is it mentioned in our schoolbooks
If you read between the lines?
Is it an instrument that sings?
Or can it dance, sing and chime?
I think it might be mentioned in a poster in the co-op.
People have also seen it on the side wall of the baker's shop!
Could love be something that makes a loud sound,
Or is love a thing you just cant hear?
Could love be something that needs to be found,
Or is it a thing that could just appear?
Is love a thing that is a type of food, Or a cake decoration like a dove?
Or is it a thing that could just be amused, Oh, tell me the truth about love?
Could love make my life bright, Make me happy or moody?
Let me see darkness or light, Or could it make me a new me?
Can it bring kindness along, Or is it something that's tough?
Does love actually belong, Oh, tell me the truth about love?
This is a copy of Robert carters piece titled teenage depression. Carter is a multi award winning illustrator and portrait artist who creates politically profound works of art for magazines, books newspapers etc. His art explores current social issues including the political state of the world at the moment, mental health issues and sexual assault. Throughout my Alevel sketchbook I am exploring the theme of mind and body taking a close look at psychological disorders and how they affect people mentally along with how this can be presented physically. This piece visually encapsulates the individual’s experience of depression in a way that is incredibly visual and emotive. The image of decay can be interpreted as a metaphor for the feeling of helplessness, sadness and missing piece that many people with depression may experience.
art from students
sports
By Charlie Courtney
Sportingsuccess
t Yt
It’s been a great summer term for Qegs students with lots of participation in sports events inside and outside of schools with a wide range of participants being keen to share their stories in sports and taking the opportunity to talk about sports, from academy football to Olympic fencing and national competitions across a range of year groups.
bHi I'm Lydia Ratcliff, and for those of you who don’t know I play footballA LOT!
Previously at Notts County, and now signed for U14 Leicester City Academy.
I have a super exciting season ahead, training twice a week and a match at the weekend against other Premier League Clubs.
I also play for Horncastle Town FC, so more training and matches against the Boys.
I consider my life choices and how I fill my spare time. Who I play with, what I eat, when I go to bed. I also see a physio for advice, and to ensure my body is doing what it should always.
I am 100% committed to the process and how to achieve my goal, which is to play for a Premier League Club and become a Future Lioness.
“Work whilst they sleep, so you can live how they dream”.
In May, Chloe Fields (Y10) competed in the Lincolnshire Schools Combined Events (Heptathlon) Trials. This event consisted of Chloe competing in seven events: 80m hurdles, High Jump, Shot Putt, 200m, Long Jump, Javelin and the 800m. Chloe performed brilliantly in all events allowing her to achieve 3531 points, putting her in 1st placet
229 points in front of 2nd place. As a result of this outstanding performance, this weekend (22nd June) Chloe competed in the Regional Combined Events in Essex. Again, Chloe performed to an extremely high levelandamassedatotalof3948 points. This put Chloe in 2nd place overall, which was a great achievement and shows how talented she is in this discipline. Inthiscompetitionalone,Chloe achieved 5 personal bests and 1 seasonalbest.Clearly,shethrives under pressure! Chloe has now qualified for the National Finals which will be held in Stoke in September. Chloe is only one of four athletes that has been selectedfromLincolnshire.
(LydiaRatcliff) (ChloeFields)
history
by Aarushi Vinod
Theforgottenwomenof colourinthefightfor femalesuffrage.
The general election just took place, with millions of people across the country casting their ballots, exercising their right to vote. It is, however, vital to remember that this was not always the case, as certain groups in society have been deprived of the franchise throughout our history. So, I am going to take this chance to discuss the history of the Suffragette movement in Britain, which serves as an important reminder that voting is a hard-earned right. However, too often history is incomplete, which is why I want to focus specifically on a key part of their campaign which is typically missing from Suffragette historiography- the role of women of colour in the fight for female suffrage.
Diversity in 20th Century Britain
British society was ethnically diverse at this time, with people from various parts of the British Empire settling in London. Indeed, the Suffragettes were not campaigning along racial lines, as had been the case in countries such as the USA- they were technically fighting to grant all women the vote. Hence, the 1918 Representation of the People’s Act gave the vote to all British women over 30, which enfranchised any ‘British subject’ in the empire who met the property qualifications, regardless of their ethnicity. So it is a mistake to view the Suffragette movement as a purely ‘white’ campaign, even if this is how it has often been presented.
Why is it so difficult to find evidence of black and minority ethnic women participating in the campaign? Firstly, black and Asian women constituted a very small percentage of the population at the time of the Suffrage movement, as although seamen often settled from abroad, female family members tended not to travel with them. That being said, there is also an issue with historical documentation of ethnicity as census records state place of birth, whereas ethnicity was not asked for until 1991. Names were also often changed, making them indistinguishable from that of white people. As a result, the role of women of colour in the suffrage campaign has been largely hidden from history. Only recently have historians began to uncover evidence of their involvement.
Sarah Parker Redmond, for example, was an abolitionist and suffragist who signed the 1866 petition alongside 1500 other women. She had arrived in Britain in 1858 to lecture on the atrocities of racism in America. Although she died in 1894, long before women got the vote, she did play a part in the beginnings of the movement. Because of the reasons already discussed, there is only evidence of one black woman in the history of female suffrage in Britain.
Sophia Duleep Singh
Who were the Indian Suffragettes?
Crucial research conducted by Dr Sumita Mukherjee at the University of Bristol has uncovered the role of Indian Suffragettes. Her work has resulted in the inclusion of ‘Sophia Duleep Singh’ and ‘Lolita Roy’ on the plinth of the Millicent Fawcett statue in Parliament Square, subverting the Anglo-centric narrative surrounding the movement.
Sophia Duleep Singh was a prominent figure in the Suffragette campaign, the daughter of the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire and Queen Victoria’s goddaughter. As a member of the WSPU since 1910, she spoke regularly at meetings in Richmond and Surrey and was involved in the events of “Black Friday” (November 1910), including the battle against the police in Westminster Square. Despite her aristocratic background, she was also a vocal member of the Women’s Tax Resistance League, which argued for "No taxation without representation". Although she did not actually participate in physical acts of militancy, she played a prominent role in the campaign, going on to promote women’s suffrage in India.
Lolita Roy moved from Calcutta to London in 1900, becoming a founder of the Indian Women’s Education Association, through which she petitioned the British government to grant women the vote in India. Lolita Roy was also involved in the procession organised by the WSPU in 1911 prior to the coronation of King George V, in which women from various colonies were invited to showcase it as an “empire pageant”. That being said, however, this does not necessarily reflect a wholly sincere inclusion of ethnic minorities, as Dr Mukherjee points out that "these women were objectified by British women who wanted to throw in a bit of colour to the campaign and draw attention to tokenistic attempts of being diverse."
Sushama Sen was another Indian Suffragette involved in the coronation procession. She was also a member of the WSPU, and recalls taking part in a demonstration led by Emmeline Pankhurst to Parliament. In her ‘Memoirs of an Octogenarian’, she writes that "It was a novel sight for a single Indian woman amidst the procession, and I was the subject of public gaze.”
Why does it matter?
There were undoubtedly more women of colour involved in the Suffragette campaign, however these women were the most prominent. Their stories are incredibly important in presenting the realities of our ethnically diverse history which have been overlooked, moving away from the Anglocentric narrative which is often given precedence. This version of Suffragette history is also relevant today, as it helps to highlight the importance of addressing greater gender and racial diversity in contemporary politics by showcasing minority voices which are often side-lined. Ultimately, by having an awareness of our complex history, we can develop a better understanding of current problems, whilst also appreciating the rights and privileges that we have today.
If this has interested you, maybe have a read of Sumita Mukherjee’s book ‘Indian Suffragettes: Female Identities and Transnational Networks’ Or explore one of these websites: https://bristol.ac.uk/research/impact/stories/india n-suffragettes/ https://feminisminindia com/2019/02/04/7-indiansuffragettes-british/ https://www bbc co uk/news/in-pictures-42837451
politics
by Dan Bradbury
WhatDoestheNewLabourGovernmentMeanforGreatBritain?
On Saturday the 6th of July, Sir Keir Starmer chaired his first cabinet following a landslide electionvictoryof412seats,which upended fourteen years of Conservative government. In his firstspeechastheUk’snewprime minister, he pledged to get to work immediately to rebuild Britain,sowhatdoesthislooklike in practice? The cabinet meeting focused on ending the Rwanda policy, Great British Energy, Cutting NHS wait times and economic recovery. Also on the agenda was negotiations with junior doctors over strikes and tackling overcrowded prisons. Keir Starmer has already ditched the Rwanda scheme in favour of tacklingillegalimmigration
directly by redirecting the money saved from the Rwanda flights scheduled for later this month towards a new Border Security Command. However, it is unclear whether the Illegal Immigration Act will be repealed or not. With regardstohisotherforeignpolicy, Starmer discussed the shared challenge of regional security with Ursula Von der Leyen and promised “unwavering commitment” to supplying Ukraine with defensive support, which he also discussed on a call to US President Joe Biden. This year, the UK is set to host the European Community Summit onthe18thofJulyandtoattenda Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa later in the year. Keir Starmer is also set to attend a NATO summit later this week. With regards to Great British Energy, the labour party intends on making Britain into an “ energy superpower ” through upscaling the use of renewable energy sources to create thousands of jobs.Theyhavealsosaidthatthey willnotprovideanynewoiland
gas exploration licences. The state-owned company will be based in Scotland and focuses on the provision of more green energy,fundedbytougheningthe windfall tax. The former energy secretary, Clare Coutinho, has described the government’s plan as a ‘gimmick’. The Labour party plans to reduce the NHS backlog caused by the previous government ignoring the NHS Constitution which sets out that 92% of patients awaiting nonurgent treatment should have to wait no longer than 18 weeks (which has not been met for almost a decade). To do this, they plan to: - Deliver the biggest expansioninNHSstaffinhistory -Usesparecapacityintheprivate sector - Deliver an extra 40,000 appointments per week during evenings and weekends As a part of this, negotiations with the currently striking junior doctors will begin later this week to end the strikes and begin to deliver more NHS staff. Overall, Keir Stramer and his party appear to be meeting his goal of getting on with the work of regrowth that thelabourpartyfaces.
wellbeing
by Madeline Dawson
creatingyourownantistresstoolkit
Firstly, what is stress? As defined by the World Health Organisation, stress is ‘ a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation’. Stress is going to arise for everyone in daily life (it is a natural human response) but being armed with strategies to mitigate these pressures can help to dissipate the symptoms of stress we experience.
One way of coping with stress is the anti-stress toolkit, which is especially effective in managing unprecedented stress daily in a unique way to you. This toolkit is essentially a collection of simple methods that you can go to when you are feeling overwhelmed to help you to cope throughout the day. They are easily created and can include the following.
Recognising stress
Commonly the first step to help managing stress is recognising it and viewing it as temporary. Many people, and therapists alike, find it helpful to view stress as a dark cloud which will pass you by. This can help to reframe stress as something that is manageable whilst still acknowledging its presence.
AWaterbottle
Dehydration is shown to cause higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Therefore, carrying a water bottle can help to cool you down whilst also calming you by reducing such cortisol levels.
Dailyrituals
Theseritualsareoftensmall,easytasks that are easily completable. Completing this same small-scale routine everyday can help you to feel moreincontrolofyourlifewhilstalso takingcareofyourself.Someexamples ofdailyritualscouldinclude,readinga book you like before you go to sleep; listening to music on the way to school;packingyourselffoodtoeatat school. All of these can allow you to relaxbeforeandafterschool.
For further help please use the websitesbelow:
www.mind.org.uk www.NHS.uk
www.Youngminds.org.uk www.Kooth.com
APlaylist
Having a pre-prepared playlist containing your favourite calming musicisonepossiblewaytohelpyou calmanynervesthatupriseduringthe day. Listening to this playlist can help you to reframe your perspective on the day and aid you in calming yourself.
- OliviaCrow
Weaskedpeoplefortheirbeststressbustersandthisiswhat wegot!
Let out your emotions
Hiding away your feelings is never the solution as eventually the will build and become too much, so its important to let them out; to cry, to scream, or even laughas long as you get it off your chest!
Get plenty of rest
Make sure you are fully rested, a lack of sleep only makes things worse. Most importantly you should never feel guilty for allowing your body the time it craves to recover, it essential for everyone- even if you don’t think it is!
Self-care is key
At the end of the day, your wellbeing must always be your first priority. If things get in the way of that, take time for yourselfyou could have a bath or watch your favourite movie. By doing this, you are not being selfish, only looking after yourself
Spend time with people you love
Surrounding yourself with people you love and trust can help put you at ease It’s even better if you can talk to them, but if not their presence can be reassuring and help rest your mind.
Ourbest stressbusters!
Accept the thing you cannot change
Nobody is perfect, and nobody can do everything all of the time As hard as it may seem, sometimes there is nothing more to be done. Give yourself credit for doing what you can as that is always enough.
Do
things you enjoy
If everything gets too much, stepping back and enjoying the pastimes you cherish can help put things into perspective. Even just an hour can reduce your stress significantly and help you breathe
Get outside
Fresh air can make all the difference, you might loath yourself for taking time away to spend time in nature, but you will thank yourself afterwards! It is scientifically proven to lower your cortisol levels which will reduce your stress.
Priorities
If it seems you have an impossible amount of work to do, break it down into 3 different priorities. There is only so many hours in the day so complete highest priority work first before tacking less important tasks
Copingwiththelong summerholiday...
The summer holidays are quickly approaching! Six weeks. Six whole weeks of freedom, no school,nostress,nothingtothink about. But six weeks can be long time,boredomcancreepin.Being stuck at home for an extended period can lead to days of mindless scrolling, sunbathing anddoingawholelotofnothing, but there is a multitude of ways tofightthis!
Sports are a brilliant way to get out the house and meet new people. You could join a local club such as football or tennis, or anythingthatgrabsyourinterest. Maybe even try your hand at something entirely new such as open water swimming, or horse riding?Youcanspendafternoons in the sun, making new friends and even building up your tan! Sports are also shown to boost self-esteem along with the obvious health benefits which can continue past the summer to provide a stable outlet from the stresses of school. Water sports suchaspaddleboarding,kayaking orevenrowingareguaranteedto keep you cool over the summer whilst supplying endless hours of fun. You could also visit an aquapark or just spend a day havingapicnicbyariver.
If you need a bit of cash, finding a jobcansolvethisissuewhilstfilling your days productively. It can be exceedingly difficult to find a job and there may be age restrictions, butitispossibletofindajobwhilst doing something you enjoy. Ask around your local area to see if anybodyneedsanyoddjobsdoing, such as gardening or washing cars. Lots of people will be going away over the summer, leaving their furry friends at home in need of food and exercise. this leaves a wonderful opportunity for dog walking or house sitting. spending time outside with animals will be immensely rewarding with the addedfinancialbonus.
However, these activities can still feel isolating, so it is especially important to make a plethora of planswithyourfriends!Sometimes it hard to organise activities, especially with large groups of peoplebuttryandmakearangeof plans so different people are all included. It is also challenging to decidewhattodo-butevensimple activitiessuchasagoingforawalk will provide hours of entertainment. If you are organised, several ideas include picnics in pretty spots, a rounders tournament, pool parties or even a beachtrip!
Avarietyofhobbiescanhelpthe holidays fly by! Maybe buy a ukulele from a charity shop and take to YouTube to become an expert, or bring your phone on a walkandphotographanycritters you may see. You could take to the kitchen to bake a variety of sweet and savoury treats- from cheesecakes to trifles, anything is possible! If you would prefer to soak up the sun, gardening is more for you! From mowing, to weeding or trimming to making bouquets, spending time in natureisveryrelaxing.
Astheendoftheholidaysquickly approaches it may be useful to begin revision. Particularly if you are entering year 11 or 13 ensuring you are fully confident in previous content so when exams approach – you’ll thank yourself later! For some, preparing a planner for the new school year caninstallgreatpeaceofmind,to plan revision timetables and homework. It is also important to ensure you are prepared for the newschoolyear,shopforsupplies and uniform so coming back to schoolisthatbitlessstressful.
The summer holidays are the perfect time to rest and take a well-deserved break, but it can become boring and isolated. So, it is vital to do things you enjoy with friends and family or even venture out to try something new!