Griffin - The Newspaper of Rendcomb College

Griffin The newspaper of Rendcomb College Autumn Term 2021

No. 1

ELECTRIFY RENDCOMB

GRIFFIN INTERVIEWS…

SPORT SECTION

The Chaplain, Mr Edy

by Ted Whitaker

by Isabella Edwards and Ella Clarke

Ella Simmons-Clark talks to two of Rendcomb’s younger sports stars.

What are your favourite hobbies to do when you are not being a vicar?

I like sports and running. I love running in Rendcomb because it is so beautiful. I did a half marathon three weeks ago! It helps me keep fit.

Do you enjoy Harvest Festival?

We’ve all heard it. Electric cars: cheaper, faster, cleaner. We should try to sway our community to a cleaner option. So… what can Rendcomb do for Rendcomb?

The Electric Bus Experience As you walk to your bus stop, you’re greeted by the navy-blue outline of your new school bus, the Rendcomb Griffin imprinted on both sides. Through the tinted windows you see familiar faces.

The driver greets you as usual. You sit down at the back and turn around to see the cars behind you as the bus goes down the road. You feel something is missing and it takes you only a second to realise what. No noise, none from the bus. It’s as if the wheels are gliding off clouds.

No choking fumes from the exhaust pipes either. Overtaken by the bus, more cars appear behind.

Something else is new too. Imprinted on the back, mirrored to your vision, is one number and two words. It takes another second for you flip them, you smile. For all the cars behind to see, printed on the tinted glass of the bus’s rear, 100% Electric Powered.

You arrive ten minutes later. Record-time and thirty minutes till call-over. You and your fellow commuters leave the pleasant interior of the bus at the cheery wave for the driver and there you are. You’ll ask that you go home on the bus as well.

Is it worth it?

An Electric School Bus isn’t a fairy-tale, and getting one isn’t as easy as the flick of a wand. Sources suggest that - at the moment - electric buses cost more then diesel-powered. A difference of £90,000 at a minimum. However, very low maintenance costs and reliability would make up for that. Looking to the future, charging stations could be installed in the Rendcomb car park, to keep school transport topped up (no more petrol worries) and encourage electric car use amongst college staff.

Well, what do you think? Is getting an Electric Bus worth it? Should we allocate money to other school-benefiting resources? You decide.

Letters can be sent to the Newspaper, via Teams, and may be published in the next edition.

Griffin recently had the pleasure of interviewing Reverend Edy. We asked Mr Edy about his life and career, about his personal interests and whether Rendcomb has changed much since he was a pupil here.

When did you become a vicar?

I became ordained in 1993 - 28 years ago.

How did you decide to become a Reverend and why?

When I was at school I always had an awareness of God and I enjoyed Chapel. When I was older I knew I had to make a choice. When I was at University I had a lot of time to think about my choice and I knew I believed. I became a History teacher for a while then one day someone said I ought to become a vicar - but I loved working in a school so I said, All right, when I am 40 I will offer myself to the Church. In your 20s, 40 seemed a long time away! Fortunately, with the support of my Bishop and the Headmaster, I was able to keep teaching while also entering the Church and so eventually, as well as being a Deputy Head I was also the vicar of the local village! One day my wife said to me, ‘There is a position going at your old school as Chaplain.’ And that is how I came to Rendcomb.

What is the biggest change since you were at school here?

There are lots of changes but these are the biggest: there are now girls at the school which there weren’t before, there is a junior school while when I was here there was only a senior school, and there are day pupils now which there weren’t before. It used to be all boarders. There are smaller changes too, for example there are a lot more cars. When I came back in 2015 for an interview I was shocked that there was so many cars. There used to be a school running race, partly along the A 435, but they stopped it in the early 1960’s because of the traffic.

I love the seasons and this one in particular. I have spoken a lot on being thankful, and making food donations to those who really need the food is one way to show thanks for all that we have. I believe that sharing brings the whole community together. I am happy to say that this was a very good year for donations, from all year groups.

Thank you, Reverend Edy.

The top 7 reasons to ...

Pick up a book today!

by Eva McKay 1. If you have had a tough day, it can help you escape this world for 15 minutes.

2. Having friendship problems? We all do. Reading a book can help you escape to another world with your favourite characters.

3. It is better for your creativity. If you read books with wider vocabulary, then you can have a wider vocabulary meaning that people will think that you really know your stuff and be more cooperative with you 4. You can get inspiration. Some of your favourite books might have good moral stories that could help you daily.

Enjoyment. You can use a book to put a smile upon your face.

5. It always gives you something to talk about. If you really are not enjoying an awkward conversation and wish to have a distraction, why not talk about a book you are both enjoying - or make recommendations.

6. Memory. Are you engrossed in a book and wish to remember every last detail then it could be a good thing for helping you to memorise things in future.

7. It increases your concentration and attention span. If you are reading a book and it is engrossing you for a long time, that could be helpful for paying attention for longer amounts of time.

Covid –19 has been hard on all pupils, but especially hard on the lives of our sports scholars here at Rendcomb. With all sporting fixtures cancelled for nearly two years, excitement is in the air as old and new pupils can finally prepare to resume competitive games. I arranged to interview two Year 8 sports scholars, Amelia Langley and Cooper Harris, to see what their life is like, and their inspirations and hopes for the coming season.

Both Amelia and Cooper have been playing their favourite sports for a number of years. Amelia said, “Well, I started (playing hockey) in Year 2, so I’ve been playing for seven years.” As well as playing for the school, Amelia also participates at Cirencester Hockey Club, which meet on Sundays. Cooper said, “I’ve been playing Rugby for over eight years now.” Cooper is very skilled at rugby but also enjoys playing other sports, especially football and tennis.

Sporting inspirations are important to sportsmen and women. I asked them who they look up to most in the sporting world. Amelia said, “I look up to the England Hockey team.” By looking up to this team, Amelia is able to see how each player participates and brings their own qualities to bring the team together. Cooper said, “I look up to Cristiano Ronaldo.” By focusing on Ronaldo, Cooper is able to see where hard work and perseverance gets you, so that he can set his goals for the future.

Watching a sports game is an effective way to increase your knowledge of how the game is played. I asked Amelia and Cooper; “What is the best sports game that you have watched live?”

Amelia said, “I went to watch England hockey team play America.” Like Amelia, Cooper has also been to see an England game “I went to see England play Croatia at football, and we won!” he said.

Being sports scholars, many younger players look up to you with the hopes of becoming future sporting stars. I asked Amelia and Cooper what their tips for beginners were. Amelia said, “Just enjoy it and try your hardest, and that’s all that you can do.” Cooper said, “Don’t be scared to put in a tackle.” I also asked him what his predictions for the term were. “We have quite a good rugby team, so, a lot of wins!”

I hope this article on the lives of sports scholars has inspired you and encourages you to put all your effort into your sports, participating and achieving, and making the most of being part of a team.

Quiz

by Louis Wilson 1. Who re-built the main house at Rendcomb in the 19th century?

2. When was the house made into a school?

3. Who was the first headmaster?

4. Who was Headmaster in 2015?

5. When was the Junior School created?

6. What number is written above the entrance to the tuck shop?

7. In which century was the Chapel built?

8. How many boarding houses are there?

The first to hand in eight fully-correct written answers to Mr Jennings or Mrs Toms wins an honourable mention in our next edition!

Also in our next edition...

The Griffin newspaper office is in room E2.

The production team: Ella Simmons-Clark, Rafferty Corley-Powell, Isabella Edwards, Ella Clarke, Ted Whitaker & Giulia Swift. Writers, artists and editors are invited to join the team.

Meeting every Wednesday at 4 pm.

HAUNTING IDEAS Evidence that ghosts and other realms

are real

Griffin The newspaper of Rendcomb College Michaelmas Term 2021 No. 2

HAUNTING IDEAS

Nuclear Power?

After its discovery, splitting the atom seemed impossible. However, in the early 1900s, many scientific communities worked together to champion this once unthinkable task.

Two pathways opened.

One led to the nuclear bomb and atomic warfare, holding devastating prospects. The second held the key to a new source of energy: nuclear fission.

In splitting the atom, firing neutrons to break the heavy nucleus at its centre, huge amounts of thermal energy are released. This energy is carbon-neutral and can be in great quantities, being more effective than that of tons of coal. Clean.

Green. A better way forward…

However, after disasters such as Chernobyl, the fondness for this new source of energy depleted. Fears spread, of uncontrolled fission reactions atoms breaching our peaceful suburbias. Nuclear waste has negative health effects and can, when exposed, harm the environment – for thousands of years.

Are you against nuclear power and the risk of leaks?

Or are you all for the clean energy that is produced?

You decide…

Editorial by Ted Whitaker

Have you ever stopped to wonder what happens after death? Is there a heaven or hell? Are there other dimensions in overlapping with our realm in your bedroom - do you ever get the feeling that you are being watched? Well, I have a theory, one that will help you piece together reality, oh such a complicated jigsaw. I hope to help you find the missing pieces.

Newton said that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, and so with every problem there’s a solution— it’s just a matter of taking action. So if I clapped my hands they would have to come apart again right? So, if dying means the end in this world, in other worlds it could only be the beginning.

When you die some might argue that your brain shuts you down after you have died and gets rid of all the energy that came from your body but, I argue that all that energy has to go somewhere but maybe it would take up too much space in this universe, so it simply goes to another.

The question that has been bothering me for a long time is: What would a spirit do in another realm, would they know they were dead, or would they live like they did in this world or would it be like the idea of heaven and hell?

A story for Remembrance month

by Isabella Edwards

A shiver ran down his spine as he took the first step into the woods. Immediately, he felt scared - no, petrified. It was a crisp autumn night. The mist ghosted through the tall towering trees like a white blanket enveloping the whole woods. As Jim walked on, he felt tired, cold and hungry. He longed for a bowl of steaming hot soup. His mind was full of self doubt but he could not undo what he had done. He only had an hour till dawn would break, an hour until Ma would find the note .

He quickened his pace, beads of sweat started to trickle down his face like rain on a window pane. Jim broke into a run, his breath quickened, all he could hear was the crack of the twigs under his studded boots. The brutal wind bullied the trees in to giving up their crisp autumn leaves. The leaves swirled around Jim making him feel disorientated. But, he had to carry on.

Dawn was now breaking, Jim could hear the first sounds of bird song in the trees, he knew that Ma would now be reading his note. He stopped for a moment, the realization of the conse-

Pokémon Sword and Shield

by Eva MacKay

RUNNING He was running, running, running. His heart pounded in his chest. What had he done? As fast as he could, Jim ran across the ploughed field towards the deep, dense woods. He turned and took one last look at his childhood home and remembered all the happy times he had spent there.

Game Review

Evidence that ghosts and other realms are real

quences of his actions now hitting him like a bolt of lightning.

As he left the woods and took his first step into the unknown, his thoughts turned to Ma, she would be weeping now, weeping tears of sorrow. Jim’s heart told him to turn back but his head told him to carry on. His feet were aching, his body was weary, but he gritted his teeth and carried on.

He looked at his watch; it said 7:15am.

He only had fifteen minutes to reach his destiny. Jim pulled his cap down so no one would recognize him. He wrapped his coat around him as the biting wind was now seeping into his veins. He took a deep breath and carried on running down the rugged path towards the village - the village which would change his life forever.

As he entered the village, Jim’s thoughts turned to his brothers who had both lost their lives to the war that Jim was about to fight. He knew what he was doing was wrong. He had falsified his papers saying he was eighteen but really he was just sixteen. He wanted to be brave like his brothers and fight for his king and country .

As he jumped into the army truck little did he know the dangers he was about to face but what he did know was that no matter what, he would keep running, running, running until he was home once more.

I always ponder, at the heart of every story, from a lie to a fantasy, there has to be a small truth or inspiration because let’s be honest, you can barely ever make something from nothing. So, is there a life after this one? Yes, I strongly believe there is.

This a brilliant open-world game where you have rivals, battles and you can even customize your avatar.

You can also catch many Pokémon.

Lots of people play this game including many Youtubers. I for one have this game and I think it is great.

Remembrance

by Isabella Edwards

As we stand in a playground, street or home, We remember the soldiers who died alone, With no family, only memories and photos to guide them through.

We think of their faces frozen in time, Their grave-stones standing proud, line by line, As we too stand in silence on Remembrance Day, Remembering loved ones who have gone away, With our poppies shining upon our chests, We bow our heads to show respect Lest we forget.

This game takes place in the Gallar region. First you meet Hop, who agrees to be your rival for the game.

You will then select your starter Pokémon: Grookey the grass-type Pokémon, the fire-type Pokémon or Sobble the water type. After this you will begin your journey catching Pokémon and competing in multiple gym battles. You can also compete in raid battles, a chance to catch enormous or rare Pokémon.

Reviewed by Rafferty Corley-Powell

The Griffin Interviews…

the Headmaster Is Rendcomb College ‘green’ enough?

No, not yet, though we are already doing a lot to improve. We have stopped using plastic bottles for example, and we intend to replace the gas boilers with a better system.

It’s important to teach pupils about the environment and climate – though sometimes the pupils are ‘greener’ than the teachers! We do have an Eco (ecological) Committee and perhaps it deserves to be better known and more active in the school.

In your time as headmaster, what is one of the most entertaining things that has happened?

I recently had to pretend to die for the Boarder’s activity, a murder mystery, and I had to try not to laugh, which was quite hard. And over half term, we found a sheep that had somehow got its head stuck in the fence and we had to encourage it to slip its head back out!

Thank you, Headmaster.

What is the next big project for the school?

One important project is to upgrade the computer servers. IT – information technology – is like school food: if it goes wrong, there’s a very strong reaction! There are other projects being considered too. We are hoping to redevelop the Junior School playground, while the pavilion and sports hall would benefit from refurbishment.

Interview journalists: Ella SimmonsClark, Isabella Edwards, Ted Whitaker and Ella Clarke

WORD-PUZZLE WOOL WOOL

WOLF

WOOL

WOOL

What is one of the best things about being headmaster?

Being a teacher you can influence the pupils, and being Headmaster I am still a teacher, but with the ability to influence a whole school! It is good to have choices too, as when I get to coach sports, which I will be doing with Hockey next year.

The answer is a common phrase or saying.

The Griffin newspaper office is in room E2.

The production team: Ella Simmons-Clark, Rafferty Corley-Powell, Isabella Edwards, Ella Clarke, Ted Whitaker & Giulia Swift. Writers, artists and editors are invited to join the team.

Meeting every Wednesday at 4 pm.

Griffin Michaelmas Term

No. 3

Christmas

GAME REVIEW

Christmas is a time of giving, hope and joy. Every year, people come together to celebrate Christ and the thought of being together warms people’s hearts.

Festive jolly lights fill the streets while people say ‘Merry Christmas!’ and hand out drinks and mince pies. Music playing, people cheering and putting up Christmas decorations are what we need to brighten our day. So be jolly as the festive season is drawing closer and always remember to sing Christmas songs!

by Ella Clarke

Asphalt 8 Airborne

by David Ngada

Red Sands A short story by Ted Whitaker

Snow, St. Nickers and slippers, Eating sugar and Snickers, Sitting around a cosy fire, The smoke is getting higher…

As I stepped onto the red sanded surface, I knew I’d escaped. Escaped the chaos of Earth. Looking out to the sand dunes. Those high hills of orange and crimson.

A man falls down your chimney, He’s definitely not skinny, He has a fake, fluffy white beard, Definitely shouldn’t be feared,

Trying to avoid glancing at the others. I can’t help it. They’re hurrying now, like ants in anthills. They need to go home. A boot has trodden on the red planet. A flagpole deep in the red surface. The mission is done.

It is your embarrassing dad, Holding a large bin bag, Cleaning up the wrapping paper, Your mum is the Christmas baker.

The whole family is here, Tiredness, stress and tears, It’s all about the Christmas cheer And memories for future years.

by Thomas Walton

I wait for them all to go back into the rocket. My decision is already made. Hands trembling, I unclip the safety rope.

Although the game was made in 2013 it has really impressivc graphics, despite its age. In the game you race other opponents, both AI and other people.

Gordo is shouting through the hand radio. His voice mixed with static like some speaking smoothie. He wants me to clip back on the safety rope to my suit. I fail.

He tells me to come onto the rocket. I fail. Now there was something new in Gordo’s voice, fear. I chuckle sadly. I’m not leaving.

I really recommend you get it and the new one. If you have heard of FORZA its like that but its free and doesn’t take up lots of storage: it only takes about 2.18gb for ASPHALT 8 AIRBORNE or 3.56GB for ASPHALT 9 LEGENDS

I have little idea why New Ether Rockets chose me to go on first mission to Mars. Perhaps there was some secret lottery that forced them to my doorstep, arms outstretched, hoping to take me on an adventure. After all, who would say no?

* An Eco-Friendly Christmas * Have you ever thought about trying to make your Christmas more Eco Friendly? Well, it’s not that hard to help our planet and it can also be lots of fun. Did you know that here in the UK we produce 3 million tonnes of Christmas rubbish that is about a million bags of non-recyclable waste.

WOW! We should all try to reduce this: if we all make even small changes it will make a big difference. Here are some of my tips for an eco-friendly Christmas:Make edible gifts - your friends and family will love them and they are fun for you to make too, especially if you product-test! * Make time gift tokens – give someone the gift of time. Breakfast in bed for your mum and dad, car washing, mowing the lawn, taking the dog for a walk, cooking dinner or gardening.

Use recycled wrapping paper, material or newspapers to wrap presents. * Having a real Christmas tree is much better for our planet especially if they have their roots on as they can be replanted. * Avoid plastic decorations and make your own Christmas wreath with twigs and leaves from your garden. * Make your own Christmas crackers and include some Fairtrade or homemade chocolates as gifts.

5. Gordo’s voice is devoured in one final burst of radio static. 4. The rocket, our ship, starts to groan awake.

3.

Jets of fire explode from its thrusters. 2. Red sand, left alone for centuries, blasts across the Martian surface as if fleeing. 1. Lift Off. Racing up through the sky. One crew short. I can’t come back now.

Here’s something for the history books, people will wonder why I stayed. Why would someone sabotage their life for this? It’s because I wanted an escape. A place away from known civilisation. Untarnished.

Untampered. Empty. A place without roads and cars.

A place without hates and media telling you who you ought to be and how to live your life. It’s nonsense.

Maybe I’ll go down in history as the one who got away.

* Let’s all try and make a difference this year and every year.

Happy Christmas everyone!

PUZZLE CORNER Where in the College?

Asphalt 8 airborne is the predecessor to Asphalt 9 Legend. This game is a really good game and it is free! You can play this on PC and Mobile - unlike Asphalt 9 Legend you can play on X-BOX PC Mobile.

Christmas DINGBAT

Isabella Edwards

As I step across the red sanded surface of Mars, I look to the grey-blue sky. A flare of orange light then nothing. And in the distance, shining like some ghostly sun, the green-blue dot of Earth, far, far away. Now the hand radio’s lost signal. I’ve escaped…

And I’m alone.

The Griffin interviews…

Dr Gosh, owner of Rendcomb’s Post Office business - and the tuck shop!

Wanted Pupil Librarians Do you like keeping things tidy and in order?

Are you helpful?

Do you like books?

Rendcomb College Library needs YOU! Pupil Librarians have badges and privileges like choosing books for the Library.

See Mr Jennings (Room E1) to apply

Three (Climate) Rs Ted Whitaker Three simple ways to stop your contribution to climate change, bit by bit…

REUSE – Reuse old/throwaway items RECYCLE – Recycle whenever possible REDUCE – Reduce what you buy The Griffin office is in room E2. The production team: Ella Simmons-Clark, Rafferty Corley-Powell, Isabella Edwards, Ella Clarke, Ted Whitaker & Giulia Swift.

Writers, artists and editors are invited to join the team.

Articles and other items for publication can be given to your English teacher.

Meeting every Wednesday at 4 pm, in E2

Griffin: What are the most popular items bought by College pupils?

The most popular item is chocolate, followed by ‘pick and mix’ and drinks.

Griffin: Do you have a message for your College customers?

Griffin: Is it only Rendcomb people who use the Post Office?

Don’t eat too many sweets, it is bad for your teeth!

And, when you finally leave the College, come back to the shop to say hello.

No, customers come from surrounding villages too, such as Chedworth.

Griffin: What do you think of Rendcomb pupils’ behaviour?

It is very good!

Griffin: Thank you very much Dr Gosh.