The Castle Magazine - Summer Edition 2026

Dear RGS students,

Editors’ letter

Welcome to the summer edition of ‘The Castle’ Magazine!

As always, this term has flown by in a whirl of activity, jam-packed full of exciting activities such as Sports Day - a memorable day at Hartswood, where many school records were broken and new friendships were formed; Lower School Unplugged - an evening of acoustic music in the Recital Room, featuring many beautiful performances from a range of First form and Second Form students, and soon the lower school production of Fantastic Mr Fox - a mad , exciting production, telling the tale of Mr Fox and his family, who devise a hare-brained scheme to outwit the evil farmers, Boggis, Bunce and Bean

Now the absolute chaos of exam season is finally over, the school feels completely different. For our Upper Sixth, those final papers marked the end of their entire secondary school journey. Well done to all students and good luck! A special shoutout must go to our lead designer, Isabelle S, who has worked tirelessly to make this magazine look incredible while navigating her own Upper Sixth exams We are so proud of Isabelle and the whole year group - even if most of them survived seven years here without ever finding a pen that actually works! We wish them the absolute best as they head off to university, degree-apprenticeships and well-deserved gap years

Looking through this issue, you can really see how much creativity and hard work goes into making ‘The Castle’ Magazine. A massive thank you to the whole team, and everyone else who wrote articles, designed, edited, or helped put this whole thing together Have an amazing summer break and enjoy every minute of freedom!

See you all next edition!

Miracle & Holly

School Events: Opinion pieces:

Young

Reporters Features:

Science & Technology:

Culture & Sport:

Reviews:

Facts, Puzzles & Creative:

Wishing the Upper Sixth all the very best for the future. You will be hugely missed!

Good luck!

CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK

By Dan B

How Being Yourself, Being Curious, and Belonging Shape Our Reigatian Community

Cultural Celebration Week is a wonderful opportunity for the Reigatian community to burst into colour and sound, reminding everyone what makes our school come alive. This year’s theme is ‘Be You, Be Curious, Belong’: a simple but powerful message that encapsulates the values our community should cultivate at a time like this. It encourages students to share food from home, teach each other phrases in their mother tongue, and celebrate the traditions that shape who they are, fostering a real sense of unity and cohesion.

The concept of ‘Be You’ is a key idea that motivates students to express their identities, beliefs, and cultural traditions that may be unfamiliar to others. This may range from displaying cultural clothing to sharing key facts about their heritage and offering personal stories that show what their background means to them.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK

Moreover, the idea of being curious is essential for cultivating a sense of belonging and understanding among students. Being curious involves asking thoughtful questions about other people’s traditions and stories that differ from one’s own. It also encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and explore cultures they may not have encountered before. When students do this with genuine interest and engagement, it creates an environment of empathy and understanding, helping everyone feel valued and appreciated.

These feelings are central to fostering a sense of belonging, a key theme of Cultural Celebration Week. When students feel understood and appreciated, they are more likely to express themselves without fear of judgement. In turn, this creates an atmosphere where students can share stories, celebrate traditions, and take pride in their backgrounds, strengthening the sense of community the week aims to build. By helping others feel comfortable in themselves, every individual can contribute to a stronger sense of unity and togetherness across the school.

Reflection Questions

How will you make the effort to ask questions about cultures different from your own to ensure that people feel acknowledged and welcomed?

In what ways can you express your own cultural identity to others, and how will this help to create an atmosphere of acceptance?

How will the above help you to feel a stronger sense of belonging within the school community?

Cultural Diversity Week

Neurodiversity in Sport

by Jessica T

Designed by Hugo J

Introduction

If you look up neurodiversity in sport on a search engine, goals for Neurodiversity Week appear. I believe that we should accept people for 52 weeks of the year.

Finding Your Focus

You might know that Michael Phelps is the athlete who has won the most Olympic medals ever; however, you probably don’t know that he has ADHD, and his teacher told him he would never be able to focus on anything. There is a lack of understanding that can be bridged by research and emerging charities. In some ways, I think he was more ambitious and concentrated because of his ADHD. In certain environments, people with ADHD and autism can focus, despite the stereotypes we have created, and Michael Phelps himself describes the pool as his ‘sanctuary’ because there is no noise.

The ‘Healthy Obsession’

Alex Rice, a sports journalist, commentator, and published author who has worked with ITV and the BBC, voiced his opinion on the subject when I requested a quote: “From the sports stars I have researched, a common factor is a healthy obsession. They practise incredibly hard, but they look after themselves physically and mentally. This is quite hard for some, which is why a good support team is really important.” As teammates and coaches, you are the foundations of the support team, which is why having knowledge about the subject is important, even if you have not been diagnosed with neurodiverse characteristics yourself.

The Future of Neurodiversity in Sport

of adults in general have ADHD

Awareness in Sport’

Statistics show that adults with ADHD are naturally drawn to sport, making it even more important that we create an environment in which neurodiverse individuals feel safe and happy. Many players, particularly in football, have neurodiverse traits; however, they do not raise this with their clubs. In order for them to achieve as highly as possible, they need to feel comfortable informing coaches so that steps can be taken, whether that is talking to the player one-to-one to give specialised feedback without the pressure of being in front of others, or making a checklist of everything they need to bring to a match to avoid things being forgotten. Coaches need to be aware of these needs.

How We Can Help’

Players with ADHD and autism might be visual learners, so running through a drill can help them understand it. In team talks, ensure that they feel heard and try to limit noise by having one person speak at a time to avoid overwhelming them through sensory overload. For people with ADHD, criticism, even if it is intended to be constructive, can feel far more intense than it might to others, making it harder for them to move on from a mistake. It could also cause them to worry about who saw them make the mistake, leading to an overthinking spiral that distracts them from the game they love.

Conclusion

Running through drills

Ensuring that they feel heard

Limiting overwhelming noise

Avoiding harsh criticism

Greater understanding and small adjustments can make a significant difference in helping neurodiverse athletes thrive. By creating supportive and inclusive environments, sport can become a space where every individual is able to succeed and feel valued

FDesigned by Amélie B

Fast fashion relies on the cheap, rapid production of low-quality clothing to meet accelerating trends, producing 50% more items today than in 2000

Examples of fast fashion brands include Primark, Next, Shein, Temu, and Uniqlo. There are sadly too many to name in one sentence, but these are some of the main brands

There are many ways to slow down fast fashion, and they include:

The thirty-wear rule: if you don’t imagine wearing an item more than 30 times, don’t buy it

Buy better and less: buy clothes from higher-quality brands so you don’t need to replace them as often

Buy second-hand: if you use apps like Vinted, you can buy clothes at cheaper prices but with similar quality (just a little wear)

According to the World Wildlife Fund, employees are usually young women and children It also states that, after the Rana Plaza tragedy (when a factory where fast fashion was manufactured collapsed in Bangladesh in 2013, killing 1,300 workers), the world started to try to take action. However, modern slavery and inhumane business practices still thrive in poorer countries and communities, leading to even more overconsumption and excessive waste on our planet

For every five clothing items produced, the equivalent of three ends up in landfill or is incinerated each year

The number of times a garment is worn before being discarded has fallen by 36% in the last 15 years

Fast fashion has very quickly become a global crisis and needs, at the very least, to be slowed down. Will you help to stop this ever-nearing global disaster? You have likely seen the brilliant swishing events that have taken place at RGS. This is one way you can tackle the issues surrounding fast fashion. Donating and buying clothes at swishing events like these may seem like a small action, but it can have huge benefits

FAST FASHION: A FOURTH FORM PERSPECTIVE

The True Cost of Fast Fashion

Have you ever bought a £3 shirt simply because it was cheap?

Most people rarely stop to think about how clothing can be sold for such low prices. But behind the discounts and endless trends, there lies a hidden reality of worker exploitation, pollution, and waste

Fast fashion is an increasingly popular global industry in which companies such as Primark and Shein mass-produce cheap, trendy, low-quality clothing designed to follow trends. By releasing new collections, these companies encourage overconsumption, leading consumers to buy more clothes more frequently. However, it isn’t just fashion brands that are triggering an increase in clothes being bought; influencers and celebrities are heavily promoting these new trends. This particularly affects teenagers, who feel pressurised into wearing new outfits and buying new clothes. The damage caused by fast fashion extends far beyond social consequences; it has a devastating environmental impact. Did you know the fashion industry accounts for a whopping 10% of total global carbon emissions?

This pollution is often exported to poorer communities, with toxic dyes contaminating rivers and harming aquatic life, while communities near production centres suffer from unsafe drinking water Every year, 300,000 tonnes of clothes are dumped into landfills. Furthermore, clothes are often produced with extremely low quality, causing consumers to buy them more frequently. Increased manufacturing raises energy consumption.

As a result, more global shipping is required, increasing emissions and worsening global warming. However, there is still hope Platforms like Vinted are turning sustainability into something simple and affordable Thishelpsextendthelifeofclothing,drasticallyreducingCO₂emissions

Fast fashion brands such as Primark and Shein have faced widespread criticism regarding the exploitation of workers in countries such as Bangladesh and China These workers endure abhorrent workingconditionswithextremelylowwages,sometimesreceivingevenlessthan$1USDpergarment

Garment workers are typically forced to work 14 hours a day and are allowed only one day off each month Reports have exposed serious human rights abuses, including child labour involving children as young as 11 years old

One of the deadliest examples of workers’ exploitation occurred in September 2013 in Bangladesh, when over 1,100 workers died in the Rana Plaza disaster, where an eight-storey factory collapsed Despite many workers repeatedly raising concerns about their safety and reporting cracks in the walls, they were forced to enter these unsafe buildings This sparked global outrage about the ethics of the fashion industry

Despite this shocking tragedy exposing the dangerous reality behind cheap clothing production, the industry continues to damage the environment and exploit vulnerable workers. The future of fashion depends not on what companies produce, but on what consumers support.

If I were to ask you that question, would you be able to respond with absolute certainty? Justice is vital as a pillar of our society, as many understand and apply justice in countless ways, from an international debate, or perhaps a passion which catches your heart.

Dating back to Roman law, a foundational definition is providing every individual with what they deserve, not merely what they desire.

Many interpret justice as the impartial treatment of individuals, ensuring equality before the law Another common view is that justice is the process of repairing harm and ensuring accountability. Justice is also viewed as the set of rules that allow for voluntary social cooperation, aimed at maintaining peace

As I have written above, justice is different for everyone: the values, religion and morals of the person sitting next to you may be entirely different to yours.

The Three-Legged Stool – Three types of Justice

When we think about justice, we are rarely looking at a single concept. Instead, true justice functions like a three-legged stool, balanced on how we punish, how we distribute, and how we heal.

Retributive Justice

This is the most familiar form. It ensures that when a rule is broken, the consequences are proportionate. It’s about accountability and the authority of the law, impartial and objective. For example, if a student intentionally damages school property, retributive justice is the detention or the fine they receive. You can think of it like a referee blowing the whistle and handing out yellow or red cards to maintain the rules of the game

Restorative Justice

Distributive Justice

While other forms of justice look at what happens after a mistake, distributive justice looks at the setup of society itself. It asks: Is the starting line equal for everyone? It isn’t about treating everyone the same; it’s about ensuring everyone has what they need to succeed. In school, think of it as the school ensuring every student has the same high-quality textbooks and lab equipment, regardless of their background It’s the effort to make sure no one is running the race with a heavy backpack while others have a head start

This is often the missing piece in traditional law It views a crime not just as a broken rule, but as a broken relationship. It brings the victim and the offender together to talk about the harm caused and find a way to make it right. For instance, in a school environment: instead of punishing a student for bullying, a restorative approach might involve a conversation with a trusted adult or a counsellor. It allows the person who was hurt to be heard and the person who caused the harm to truly understand the impact of their actions and take active responsibility for fixing it.

Justice in Action – How Law Meets Social Equity

In practice, justice is where the cold letter of the law meets the warm and messy reality of human life. Social equity is the lens that ensures the law doesn’t just treat everyone the same but treats everyone fairly For example, providing a translator in court or extra time for students with learning difficulties isn’t special treatment: it is justice in action. It’s the recognition that for a system to be truly impartial, it must first account for the different thing individuals face.

The Modern Gap – Challenges in Accessing a Fair System

Today, the greatest threat to justice is access. If the legal system is a maze, those with wealth and education have a map, while others are left to wander. When legal fees are too high or the system is too complex to navigate, justice becomes a luxury product rather than a fundamental right This suggests that while our definition of justice is clear, our delivery of it is still a work in progress

Justice is not a spectator sport It isn’t just something that happens in a wig and gown behind a mahogany bench, it is something we create in out hallways and communities If we see an unfairness and stay silent, the “stool” of justice loses a leg. Collective responsibility means understanding that “hurt people hurt people,” and the best way to prevent injustice is

Ultimately, justice is more than a legal def every day in how we treat one another and how we advocate for those who are overlooked. It is a work in progress that requires us to constantly ask: Is this fair? Is this enough? And who is being left out? If we want a society that is truly just, we cannot wait for a judge or a politician to create it for us; it has to be built by people who are willing to speak up

This is exactly why we are launching Young Voices, Big Issues. We’re adding a brand-new feature section to The Castle magazine for the next academic year This is a space to tackle the topics that actually matter to our generation

The Goal:

We want to move beyond the surface level. We’re looking for a core launch team of about 5 students to get this section off the ground. We want to represent the whole community, so we ’ re looking for a mix of contributors:

Writers for deep-dive feature articles.

Poets for political or social commentary.

Artists and illustrators to provide original visuals. What will it include?

We’ll be covering everything from tech and social media (laws, safety, and trends) to justice and identity (inclusivity and social shifts) Whether it's youth voice in local politics or global culture in the news, if it’s a big issue, we ’ re covering it

How to get involved:

While this is primarily for the Upper School (Third Form – Upper Sixth), anyone with a unique perspective is welcome to contribute. We are not limited to the topics above! If you have an idea or want to join the "squad," please message Mrs Harvey (CHH), and we will get in touch.

Vinted

Written by: Diya E, Isabel F & Lauren C

Designed by: Miracle L

Introduction

ThisarticleisallaboutVinted(ifyouhaven’tguessed!)andhowitsuddenly becamesopopularandwellloved.Wehavealsoincludedsomeofthe negativesofVinted,asitmayseemtoogoodtobetrue.Readontofindout moreaboutourwell-lovedapp,Vinted.

Positives

Vintedisveryusefulandbeneficial,asitisuser-friendlyandfee-free, meaningthatsellersreceivealltheprofits.Inaddition,theappisvery easytouse,andpostingitemsisquickandefficient.Itisgreatmotivation tocleanoutyourwardrobeandmakeabitofmoney.Youarealsoableto sellitemsotherthanclothes,suchasshoes,books,electronics,and accessories.Unlikesomeotherapps,Vintedisveryreliableandishighly recommended.

Other people’s opinions

TherearemanypeoplewhoenjoyusingVinted,andherearetheirpersonalopinionsoftheapp andwhyitissopopular.

MsHarvey–Ithinkitisbrilliantatpromotingsustainability,andIthinkthatthequalityofthe clothesonVintedisbetterthanincharityshops.Theappitselfisuser-friendlyandeasiertouse, andthereisastrongsenseofcommunity.However,postagecanbequiteslow,andmanybuyers trytohaggleevenwhenitemsarealreadypricedreasonably.Therearealsomasssellerson Vinted,andthisdefeatsthepointofsustainability.

MollieE–Vintedisgreatfortheenvironment,anditmakesiteasytogetridofclothesthatyou donotneedanymore.Itisalsoagoodwayforyoungpeopletomakesomemoney.However, therecansometimesbescams,soyoudoneedtobecarefulwhenbuyingitems.

App Rating and Reviews

Vintedisoneofthemostpopularshoppingappsandisratedhighly, withmanypeoplepraisinghoweasyitistoselloldoroutgrown clothesandthewidechoiceavailablewhenbuying.However,others saythattheappcanbeabitbuggyandthatsomeitemsarenot alwaysasdescribed.Overall,itisaverypopularapp,withmanyusers appreciatingitssustainabilityandhoweasyitistouploadclothesyou nolongerneed.However,thereareafewconcerns,suchasscams andhaggling.

Negatives of Vinted

However,therearesomenegativestoVinted.Forexample,charityshopsmay receivefewerdonations,whichcouldleadtosomeshopsstruggling.Anotherissue isthatitcanbeeasyforpeopletosellfakeitems,asyouarenotabletoseethe productinpersonbeforebuying.Sellersmayalsomisrepresentitems,claimingthat theyareinperfectconditionwhentheymaybedamaged.

Conclusion

Overall,theremaybemixedopinionsaboutVinted,butwepersonally enjoyusingitandfinditverybeneficial.Wehopethatyoufoundthis articleusefulandinteresting.

BY ISLA C-J

Introduction

You have almost certainly heard of TikTok. In fact, statistics suggest that the average teen spends about 4 8 hours on social media every day, with 1 6 of those hours spent on TikTok But what makes TikTok so addictive? How is it harmful, and how can we stop overuse from damaging our mental health?

So, what makesTikTok so addictive?

The personalised “ForYou” stream, created by artificial intelligence (AI) for each user, has been identified as a key contributor to TikTok’s addictive nature TikTok differs from other social media apps because an individual’s feed is not based on deliberate choices about the content they want to see Instead, AI presents users with content and uses their reactions (in the form of likes, comments, and reshares) to determine what they might enjoy next, creating a continuous cycle that becomes increasingly accurate with repeated use

All of the in-app features are designed to prolong the time that users spend on the app, increasing its addictive potential. Developers frequently update the app ’ s layout and add new features, encouraging users to spend more time navigating and adjusting to changes Although the similarity may not be immediately obvious, social media apps are often compared to slot machines The “swipe down” feature used to refresh content mirrors pulling a slot machine lever, while the unpredictable reward of entertaining videos reflects the same pattern that keeps people gambling, as the next video might be the most satisfying one yet

In addition, the “infinite scroll” function means that content never runs out, encouraging users to continue swiping without stopping

When Scrolling Becomes Harmful

Before TikTok’s rise to popularity, online influencers built their platforms on YouTube and Facebook Many of these influencers are positive, entertaining, and even educational However, online spaces, especially those used heavily by young people, can sometimes be exploited Toxic masculinity is not a new issue, but there has been a noticeable increase in its promotion online, particularly on TikTok One high-profile example is Andrew Tate His arrest and detention brought this debate into the spotlight The former kickboxer turned online influencer has faced criticism for promoting ideas that men should be dominant and aggressive, while women should be submissive These stereotypes can be harmful, leading some young people to feel pressured to conform to these roles in order to be accepted

For some users, TikTok can also affect confidence and self-esteem, particularly in relation to appearance. Young people are regularly exposed to videos showing people with the ‘perfect’ body and the ‘perfect’ life From influencers with toned physiques to diet trends, this content can shape how a child views their own body Seeing such content repeatedly may create unrealistic expectations of what a “normal” body looks like. Some believe this has contributed to the rise in eating disorders among young people in recent years

How can I useTikTok more safely?

While this article has focused on some of the negative impacts TikTok can have, it is important to recognise that it is not entirely harmful. TikTok can be an entertaining and creative platform that allows people to express themselves in many different ways.

It is important to be aware of the influence it can have in shaping opinions and behaviours. Within the app ’ s settings, TikTok offers “Digital Wellbeing” tools, which allow users to set daily screen time limits and restrict certain types of content I would recommend setting a personal limit of around one and a half hours per day. If this feels manageable, you could gradually reduce it to one hour and fifteen minutes and then continue decreasing it in 15-minute intervals until you find a limit that works foryou

Additionally, although you cannot turn off the TikTok algorithms entirely, you can achieve the same effect by refreshing your For You feed to wipe its memory, or by using the "Following" tab to see only the creators you explicitly subscribe to.

FinalThoughts

Overall, TikTok’s addictive design can negatively affect young people’s confidence and behaviour, but with awareness and selfcontrol, it can still be used in a healthy and balanced way.

Categories: Breaking News Event

Interview

Sport

Photograph

And the winners are...

Incredibly, three of our students won overall different categories for their articles, beating hundreds of entries Huge congratulations go to Xylia W, Christobel P and Arianna E - they will claim their prize of an immersive experience in news reporting at Roehampton University on 6 June. We hope you have a fantastic day!

he Young Reporter scheme is a schools programme giving students in school Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 an opportunity to write for a real live online newspaper. The programme runs for eight months during the school term, with various opportunities offered along the way.

At the end of the scheme, students are judged on the articles they have submitted throughout the year and an awards ceremony is held for the winners.

Semi-finalists:

We were also delighted to learn that Isabel B, Aurora L, Charlotte D and Sai M were also Semi-Finalists and will all receive a letter of recognition for their excellent writing

Royal Dining at 17 Bruton Street

A feast fit for a queen

by Xylia W

designed by Hugo J

A new culinary landmark has arrived in London at the very site where Queen Elizabeth II was born nearly a century ago Walking through the doors of Lilibet s at 17 Bruton Street feels less like entering a Mayfair eatery and more like stepping into a royalist fever dream Named after the late Queen’s childhood nickname, the venue offers a Mediterranean twist on British classics and a tribute to a life of glamour

Designed by Russell Sage Studio the interior rejects modern minimalism for a high-drama aesthetic, reimagining the Palladian townhouse where the monarch took her first breath in 1926 While the original house was demolished in the late 1930s, the prestige of the address remains an indelible part of Londons royal heritage

The atmosphere is a masterclass in seasonal elegance contrasting the darkening winter light of London with golden hues, where warm light reflects off polished surfaces and artisanal ceiling installations create a canopy of gold The colour scheme is a sophisticated clash of heritage and whimsy featuring Gainsborough silk walls, antique fireplaces and 18th-century French paintings While sumptuous banquettes sit alongside a cocktail bar with powder-pink fringed seats, the true crown jewel of Lilibet's is the menu

The Dining Experience AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

This luxury begins with an assortment of starters like the comforting Focaccia di Recco - a cracker-thin flatbread stuffed with garlic and melted cheese The kitchen balances tradition with vibrancy; the Tuna loin tartare offers a sharp, clean contrast with its spicy mayonnaise, while the Fritto Misto provides a crisp celebration of the sea through gurnard sole, and succulent prawns

Respect for sustainably sourced British seafood is evident in the Fish Triptych where one catch is served in three distinct ways - yet the menu also embraces indulgence through the signature Lilibet s Mash This personal favourite arrives swimming in a decadent shellfish bisque, infused with lobster, offering a rich contrast to the terrestrial comforts of a classic Mayfair grill For those seeking heartier fare, the succulent Bone-in Ribeye stands as a testament to quality dripping with a deep beef jus, that mirrors the intense Veal Holstein Even the sides feel curated particularly when zesty fried goujons meet fresh pasta tossed in chilli lime butter and parmesan

The evening culminates in a final royal flourish of desserts, from the delicate genoise sponge of the raspberry and marzipan Princess Cake to the sensory play of a warm Apple tart fine against cold vanilla ice cream

HHorseracing: orseracing:

HORSERACING HAS BEEN A PART OF BRITISH CULTURE FOR HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF YEARS, WITH ITS ORIGINS DATING BACK TO THE ROMAN TIMES. TODAY, IT IS THE SECOND LARGEST SPECTATOR SPORT IN THE COUNTRY, BRINGING IN APPROXIMATELY £4 BILLION TO THE BRITISH ECONOMY EACH YEAR. FURTHERMORE, THE HORSERACING INDUSTRY SUPPORTS MORE THAN 85,000 JOBS. DESPITE THIS, MANY PEOPLE HOLD CONCERNS REGARDING THE HORSES’ WELFARE, AND QUESTION THE NEED FOR THE SPORT IN TODAY’S SOCIETY IF THE HORSES’ LIVES AND HEALTH ARE POTENTIALLY AT RISK.

THE GRAND NATIONAL IS PERHAPS THE MOST FAMOUS BRITISH JUMP RACE, AND THE ONE THAT CAUSES THE MOST CONTROVERSY, AS THE HORSES HAVE TO JUMP OVER HIGH FENCES, WHICH CAN ENDANGER THE HORSES’ SAFETY. ONE OF

THE MOST RECENT AND EFFECTIVE PROTESTS AGAINST THE GRAND NATIONAL TOOK PLACE IN 2023. THE RACE WAS DELAYED 14 MINUTES AS A GROUP OF PROTESTORS MARCHED ONTO THE TRACK, CAMPAIGNING AGAINST THE RACE AND FOR ANIMAL WELFARE. THE PROTESTS UNDERLINED A CONTROVERSY THAT HAS BEEN DISCUSSED FOR MANY YEARS. A GROWING NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN BRITAIN HOLD THE BELIEF THAT HORSERACING ENDANGERS HORSES’ WELFARE. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY STATISTICS THAT CAN SUPPORT THIS ARGUMENT, FOR EXAMPLE, ACCORDING TO WALES ONLINE, SINCE THE GRAND NATIONAL’S INCEPTION IN 1839, 89 HORSES HAVE DIED AS A RESULT OF THE RACE AND 16 OF THESE DEATHS HAVE TAKEN PLACE BETWEEN 2000 AND 2022. ADDITIONALLY, A CRITIC OF HORSERACING STATES THAT, ‘I DISAGREE WITH THE SPORT

BECAUSE I FEEL THAT THE HORSES ARE PUSHED TO THEIR LIMITS AND, OBVIOUSLY, THEY CANNOT SAY WHEN THEY ARE AT THEIR LIMITS. I BELIEVE THAT HORSERACING IS FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT OF THE PUBLIC, AND AT THE EXPENSE OF THE HORSES.’ THIS HIGHLIGHTS THAT HORSERACING IS SEEN BY SOME AS A SPORT WHICH CANNOT BE JUSTIFIED IF THE LIVES OF ANIMALS ARE AT RISK.

ON THE CONTRARY, CEO OF THE BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY, BRANT DUSHEA, STATES THAT THEY ‘OPEN THE DOORS TO STUDS, TRAINING YARDS, AND RETRAINING AND REHOMING CENTRES TO THE PUBLIC EVERY YEAR FOR FREE.

DURING NATIONAL RACEHORSE WEEK… [HORSERACING] IS A SPORT BASED ENTIRELY ON THE PREMISE OF CARE AND RESPECT FOR THE HORSES’ . IN ADDITION TO THIS, DUSHEA STATES THAT ‘BRITISH RACING ALSO HAS AN INDEPENDENTLY-CHAIRED HORSE WELFARE BOARD, IN PLACE SINCE 2019, AND A LONG-TERM STRATEGIC WELFARE PLAN’ . FINALLY, DUSHEA EXPLAINS THAT THE COMMITMENT THEY HAVE TO HORSE WELFARE AND SAFETY IS EVIDENCED BY THE ‘£63 MILLION INVESTMENT THAT THE SPORT HAS MADE IN THIS AREA SINCE THE YEAR 2000.’ THESE CLAIMS ACCENTUATE THAT HORSE WELFARE, WHILE DIFFICULT TO GUARANTEE IN A SPORT SUCH AS HORSERACING, IS A PRIORITY FOR THE BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY.

OVERALL, HORSERACING CONTINUES TO BE THE SUBJECT OF CONTROVERSY, PARTICULARLY SURROUNDING HORSE WELFARE. BOTH SIDES ARE JUSTIFIED IN THEIR OPINIONS, WITH ONE SIDE ARGUING THAT A SPORT, THAT ULTIMATELY CAUSES SOMETIMES FATAL INJURIES, CANNOT BE ALLOWED. HOWEVER, THE BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY, EMPHASISES THAT THE HORSES’ SAFETY AND WELFARE IS A PRIORITY OF THEIRS, AS THEY STRIVE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FATALITIES.

Located in the Greenwich Peninsula, the impressive 02 sits in the heart of London’s entertainment zone. Under the winter lights, the O2 buzzes with festive energy, once again transforming into a seasonal hub. This visit follows the climb up the outside of the arena to see how the experience really works.

Offering panoramic views of London, this O2 Snow Globe experience has only recently launched, with this year being its second. Often featured in guides as a top festive attraction, this winter- exclusive experience offers a climb and iconic views of London’s skyline on its rooftop, available from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. As a ninety-minute package, tickets range from £44 to £52 per person

After an informative safety briefing and harness check, visitors begin their ascent, clipped onto a rail connected to the O2’s outer walkway. With a mix of excited laughter and nervous glances, the climb begins as we ascend the steep incline. Aaron, our guide, ensures a smooth experience by carrying out equipment checks, guiding the visitors up the dome and providing facts about nearby landmarks. He mentions visitors mostly enjoy the ‘breathtaking views whilst admiring the seasonal decorations.’ He admits the biggest challenge in keeping the attraction running smoothly is to ensure ‘everybody understands how to safely climb up. ’

As cerulean-blue lights illuminate the final stage of the climb, visitors finish the ascent. At the summit, they are greeted by the glittering snow globe, where artificial snow drifts. Through the speakers, there is a blast of festive music which we can enjoy while soaking in the legendary skyline views. Dotted around the periphery of the globe, pine trees adorned with golden twinkle lights sit alongside mini wooden sleds draped with cinnamon-brown blankets. Inside, climbers can savour a cup of hot chocolate or toast the moment with a glass of champagne.

The descent relaxed, with Canary Whar climb, there regularly with purchased in th of the experie single- photo b snow globe tra seasonal spect festive magic renowned lan unique way to the lead-up to C climb into som Personally, recommend particularly in London’s vivid n of activity and , globe is undoubtedly the highlight, as it captures the essence of the cosy atmosphere.

By

Hannah Roberts, a fellow climber, wanted to try the attraction as she wanted to take on a challenge whilst getting into the festive spirit.’ She admits ‘the climb is definitely easier han it looks.’ She reflects the winter heme ‘made the experience more magical.’

The National Youth Harp Orchestra

By Arianna E

WINNER of Young Reporters Competition 2026

Earlier this month, the National Youth Harp Orchestra (NYHO) of Great Britain partnered with Camerata Gold, a group of youth musicians from the Conservatório Regional do Algarve Maria Campina (CRAMC) leading to a series of phenomenal concerts Luisa Cordell, the founder and conductor of NYHO, reflects on her own experience, “During my teenage years, my most treasured memories and transformative experiences were touring with my youth orchestra and being part of situations like this; watching people work differently, formulating projects and adapting to vastly different venues and people It also allowed me to see what it felt like to be a ‘real musician!’ It was the making of me, from working through very long days, coping with different pressures and still delivering quality concerts on occasions, despite being exhausted!”

With the collaboration, the intention and ambition is for her students to have similar adventures as she believes that a significant part of student growth happens outside the music room and teachers such as her and Professor Irene Ainstein from Faro Conservatoire try to give the tools and the space for it to happen

The first collaborative performance was in sunny Portugal where a select few NYHO harpists travelled to meet, rehearse and perform with Camerata Gold As well as enjoying the beautiful weather, they were treated to a wonderful concert where the musicians practised their duets and ensembles that would feature in the coming concerts.

“The first chamber music collaboration with NYHO members and Faro Conservatoire musicians was a great success From a teacher’s perspective it was wonderful to experience flourishing musicians combining two cultures, working together, adapting and supporting each other We were treated to not only sunshine, but unending kind and gracious Portuguese hospitality, ” reflects Luisa Cordell

Back in England, the two groups of musicians met again the following week at the Royal Military Chapel and played to a small but appreciative audience in the historic venue

The Royal Military Chapel is just opposite Buckingham Palace and right next to the Changing of the Guard parade grounds, so it truly was a stunning place to perform.

The final collaborative performance was at the Yehudi Menuhin Hall, an annual NYHO concert, where the level of music was lifted by the astounding acoustics of this purpose-built music venue

The first half of the concert was played by NYHO’s Secondo (Junior) Orchestra; they had a wide range of styles of music including a piece titled ‘Green’, composed by NYHO members and Nia Harrington-Benton, orchestra assistant and long-standing member of the NYHO

Amongst the numerous memorable performances, one item that stood out was Ed Sheeran’s ‘Bad Habits; performed by five boys; this brought smiles to all the audiences’ faces

Jemima Sarkar, a member of the Secondo Orchestra said, “I love performing at the Menuhin Hall with the NYHO. I always feel very fortunate to be able to play with so many talented harpists ”

The Secondo orchestra were then followed by the collaborations performed at the previous two concerts which were a highlight for many of the audience

Emily Wilcock, a member of NYHO’s Primo (Senior) Orchestra, and one of those selected for the collaborative performance expressed her views on the last few weeks, “It was an incredible experience that I will never forget We may not have spoken the same language but the power of music to bring people together like that is immense and I know we have formed some very strong bonds with some incredible people. We were able to experience part of each other’s cultures performing in both Tavira and then at the Menuhin Hall and it was such an honour to perform with such accomplished musicians ”

Camerata Gold started off the second half of the concert with a series of incredibly moving solos and ensemble pieces

They were then followed by the Primo Orchestra who delivered a fantastic repertoire including Shostakovich’s ‘Waltz No 2’ newly arranged by NYHO member Elizabeth Groves, ‘Adieu Michel’ by Paul Lewis who has been composing for over 60 years, and a firm favourite, ‘Sunny Day in Marina Bay’ by Willi Maerz

Across the night there were a variety of solos all played to very high standards and presented alongside the music was poetry and artwork created by harpists, showcasing their creative brilliance.

The Menuhin concert was also a special goodbye to the NYHO’s late patron Daphne Boden; in tribute to her memory the music teachers played a very poignant version of ‘Homeward Bound’ by M Keen Thompson

NYHO welcomed new patron, Sioned Williams, harpist who has a passion for working with generation.

Jemima Sarkar also expressed her feelings on our new very happy that Sioned Williams is our new patron inspiring and supportive and I’ve loved getting to know Luisa Cordell remarked after the final concert, students and the Faro Musicians present their world-renowned Menuhin Hall is one of the m moments of my teaching career so far T remarkable energy, yet a calmness and glow which absolutely captivated the audience I literally the sound of joy and sunshine!”

This collaboration is a shining example of how m cultures and leaves a lasting impression for thos

KENSHO JUDO ACADEMY: girls ONLY JUDO

A white belt Judogi, or Gi (cotton uniform worn during Judo practice).

(Photo credit: Aurora Y)

Personally, as a Judoka, I believe this is a fun and exciting way to participate in a sport - combining elements of martial arts and combat, with the ultimate goal being pinning your opponent down in a hold, choke, armlock or strangle.

By Aurora Y.

Each Wednesday, at seven thirty p.m., the ‘Ladies’ Only’ Judo class at Kensho Judo Academy meets for one hour and fifteen minutes of training.

A weekly gathering of around ten students, all over fourteen years old, these classes aim to develop Judo skills in a confident and supportive environment, with up to three gradings per year.

In the Academy, belt colours, in ascending order, are: White, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Brown, and Black, with 10 Dan grades (high-ranking levels that represent a mastery of basic and advanced technical skill) for Black belt.

Sensei Mike Hurst, Owner and Chief Instructor, states that he “always look[s] forwards to teaching the ‘Ladies Only Judo’ class at Kensho Judo Academy”. He highlights “witness[ing] the enjoyment created when their own skill and movement allows them to gracefully throw an opponent is a real pleasure for me.”

Kensho Judo offers a four-week introductory beginner’s course, free of charge before moving onto a full membership, covering fundamental techniques such as breakfalls (called Ukemi in Japanese), throws, and holdowns (Osaekomi-Waza).

Furthermore, optional BJA (British Judo Association) competitions are presented to the Judoka (meaning ‘one who participates in Judo’), allowing them to further develop competitive skills in the sport.

As well as the weekly Wednesday sessions, members of the Ladies’ Only class are also offered Mixed Adult training on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as Saturday workshops.

Article designed by Ruth T

REIGATE PRIORY HOCKEY CLUB

A YOUNG REPORTER FEATURE BY ISABEL B

CREATING A COMMUNITY

Founded in 1984, Reigate Priory Hockey Club has been offering generations of players the opportunity to master new skills, compete in tournaments and leagues, create new long-lasting friendships and belong an incredibly welcoming community.

What began as a men's hockey team within Reigate Priory Cricket Club evolved into today's growing institution, through its merger with Banstead Women's Hockey Club, shaping it into an inclusive, dynamic club.

Hockey has always had a key role in England's sporting heritage, played in schools, clubs and communities across the country. Governed by England hockey, the sport continues to grow, with local clubs like Reigate Priory helping to keep the participation strong and ensuring the game remains accessible to all ages.

Reigate Priory Hockey Club nurtures talent across all ages, fielding and coaching teams from enthusiastic U8 beginners to competitive, skilful U16s, before progressing into established men's and ladies' teams. This range ensures a pathway for young players to grow within the sport and reflects the club's commitment to inclusivity and creating a lifelong passion.

COMMUNITY & CAMARADERIE

The teams train for an hour weekly at various local hockey pitches, allowing players time and practice to improve their technical skills and build their confidence on the pitch. Each practice employs a range of skills, including passing accuracy, ball control, shooting drills and tactical awareness.

REIGATE PRIORY HOCKEY CLUB

Both on and off the pitch, there is an atmosphere of encouragement and camaraderie, where players feel supported to push themselves and thoroughly enjoy the game, making training a highlight of the week for many members.

The hockey season runs from September through April, with teams competing in Leagues that add a sense of competitiveness, balanced out with friendlies that provide the chance to enjoy the game in a more relaxed setting and try out new skills or tactics.

Junior teams are also given opportunities to compete in regional and national level tournaments.

Following the recent departure of the former Club Chairman, Ro Cabrera volunteered to take the role, as she felt that "the club should keep running the same way it has been and continue to be as welcoming as it was when I first joined" and in the hope that her kids could "live the same experience."

Ro Cabrera believes that maintaining "a family club" through volunteering and helping out in umpiring, coaching and organising events is what makes Reigate Priory Hockey Club incredibly special. Socials are organised throughout the year, further encouraging this sense of community and support to grow and develop.

Looking towards the future of the club, Cabrera intends to expand the club, gaining more members and keeping the club at the same level as it has been over the last few years.

SEMI-FINALIST IN THE YOUNG REPORTERS COMPETITION 2026

This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper Find out more at the Young Reporter website

Tandridge Canoe and Kayak Club: Empowering Teenagers through Water Sports

By Charlotte D

Designed by: Ella W

Semi-finalist Young Reporters Feature

At Tandridge Canoe and Kayak Club (TCKC), teamwork, adrenaline and passion have shaped generations of paddlers for over 30 years

Founded in 1994 by Richard Swire, TCKC has grown from a modest group of keen kayakers into a nationally recognised club for paddle sports

In 1998, TCKC was given a National Lottery grant, which helped them provide better equipment (boats, spray decks, buoyancy aids, helmets and paddles), allowing the club to grow, which was a massive turning point in the club’s development.

Long-time club volunteer Christine Norris comments on the grant, saying “It was a total game changer Everyone could wear really nice stuff, that’s what really started the canoe club off.”

Located at the Tandridge Leisure Centre in Oxted, TCKC offers an extraordinary starting point for those seeking a unique and fun sport that builds both character and skill, as it is a safe and fun place for teenagers of different abilities and backgrounds.

Players at Tandridge Canoe and Kayak Club playing a training match (Image: Christine Norris)

Whether a complete beginner or an ambitious competitor, every member is supported to grow and thrive, and the club fosters teamwork, discipline, and resilience in an extremely inclusive environment; at TCKC, the water is not just a playing field, but it also becomes a place to build lifelong friendships, confidence, and resilience

Watching the club players grow and achieve milestones throughout their years is one of the highlights for the volunteers running the club, many of whom have been involved with TCKC for many years, which also helps make the atmosphere familyfriendly and high energy

The club not only focuses on paddle sports, but also has a commitment to developing more than just paddling skills, training members in lifeguarding, coaching and leadership - these skills don’t only benefit young people during their time at the club, but also in their school, future work and family lives.

When asked about the atmosphere at the club, senior member Peter Davey said, “It’s a community of people who love the water, who love kayaking. It’s not just all about the sport. It’s about those individuals being recognised for who they are and the people they are. That’s what makes it a great community.”

“It’ s about those individuals being recognised for who they are and the people they are”

The club players now also participate in tournaments, some even going to Europe for international leagues or competing in Northern Ireland and Wales.

Offering many exciting opportunities, including trips for activities such as white river rafting, TCKC players can develop skills beyond their usual training environment

Whilst canoe water polo isn’t a mainstream sport, the approach of TCKC has shown that a welcoming environment and holistic approach to coaching is very popular with all of their players, and it has led to the club being awarded a Top Club Gold Award by Canoe England and multiple other awards for their coaches and volunteers.

The Yvonne Arnaud

THEATRE

By Christobel P Winner of the Young Reporter Competition 2026

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, located round the corner from Guildford’s high street, has stood the test of time – they have recently celebrated their 60 anniversary with a visit from the Duke of Edinburgh, who saw the full picture of the theatre and what they do in the community. th

I met Ms Joanna Read, Theatre Director and Chief Executive of the Yvonne Arnaud, to find out just how much the theatre does in the community.

The theatre’s “remit is to produce theatre, drama and a broad programme of performing arts activities for Surrey and the South-East.”

Guildford’s “cultural community hub”

Whatthey provide Non-profit

They provide activities for everyone, from plays, to comedians, to a coffee shop. They certainly live up to their aim, working with many outreach and creative learning groups and housing others to create a welcoming community.

Those at the theatre are just finishing off renovations –they have been “trying to make the building accessible”.

This has included putting in a new lift that reaches all floors for wheelchair access, and addressing any heating, lighting and plumbing issues.

Because the Yvonne Arnaud is an independent charity, they had to raise all money needed for the renovations; they have been raising the money for the last three years.

The Yvonne Arnaud

THEATRE

Guildford’s “cultural community hub”

Surrey County Council and the Your Fund Surrey scheme were the main benefactors in the renovations, alongside generous donations from individuals, trusts and foundations.

The theatre also ensures that their activities are affordable.

Ms Read believes that “it’s essential that arts activities are accessible for everybody”, and the theatre reflects this belief with a number of ways to make their activities available for everyone.

The most successful endeavour that Ms Read says she has undertaken with the theatre is “keeping it open after Covid” and “growing the audience”.

“It’sessential thatarts activitiesare accessiblefor everybody”

It’s not only public endeavours that create a sense of community in the Yvonne Arnaud, however, as Ms Read explains that this community feel extends “across the whole organisation”, and brings an air of safety that envelops the theatre.

The theatre has put on many successful shows, and they always include a festive pantomime; this year’s is ‘Beauty and the Beast’.

Ms Read believes that the pantomime is “an intrinsically British thing”, and what she likes about it is that “it’ll hit people on different levels”.

The theatre also puts on their own pieces, like ‘The Comedy of Errors’ and ‘The Company of Rascals’.

Coming up at the theatre is ‘The Choir of Man’, which is a “really lovely, intimate, funny musical show”.

The theatre also welcomes lots of school trips, to see productions such as ‘Noughts and Crosses’, which is coming to their stage soon.

Though their “core audience [is] 55+”, they are also “trying to develop a younger audience” with shows like ‘The Gruffalo’, and they have added comedy “one-nighters” to encourage another different demographic in.

Overall, the Yvonne Arnaud is a central, community hub for Guildford and beyond, and its admirable aims are encompassed in all that they do.

B Y S A R A H K

Y e s , p s y c h o l o g y d o e s a p p e a r i n c o m p u t e r s c i e n c e , e v e n t h o u g h i t

m a y b e d i f f i c u l t t o b e l i e v e . T h i s i n c l u d e s t h e u s e o f p s y c h o l o g y i n

s o c i a l e n g i n e e r i n g a t t a c k s . U n d e r s t a n d i n g h o w a t t a c k e r s

m a n i p u l a t e i n d i v i d u a l s c a n h e l p p r e v e n t f u t u r e c y b e r a t t a c k s ,

m a k i n g i t i m p o r t a n t t o s t u d y t h e p s y c h o l o g y b e h i n d t h e s e s c a m s .

S o c i a l e n g i n e e r i n g i s “ a n y a c t t h a t i n f l u e n c e s a p e r s o n t o t a k e a n

a c t i o n t h a t m a y o r m a y n o t b e i n h i s o r h e r b e s t i n t e r e s t s ”

( C h r i s t o p h e r H a d n a g y ) S i n c e t h e c o s t o f c o n d u c t i n g s o c i a l

e n g i n e e r i n g a t t a c k s i s l o w , a t t a c k e r s c a n c a r r y t h e m o u t

f r e q u e n t l y w i t h h i g h r e w a r d s i f s u c c e s s f u l

A t t a c k e r s u s e b a s i c p s y c h o l o g i c a l p r i n c i p l e s t o m a n i p u l a t e a n d

d e c e i v e i n d i v i d u a l s . D r R o b e r t C i a l d i n i ’ s s i x k e y p r i n c i p l e s o f

i n f l u e n c e a n d p e r s u a s i o n , o f t e n e x p l o i t e d b y s o c i a l e n g i n e e r s , a r e

r e c i p r o c i t y a n d o b l i g a t i o n , s c a r c i t y , s o c i a l p r o o f , c o n s i s t e n c y a n d

c o m m i t m e n t , l i k i n g , a n d a u t h o r i t y . T h e s e p r i n c i p l e s a r e a l s o

u s e f u l f o r b u i l d i n g r a p p o r t , w h i c h h e l p s a t t a c k e r s g a i n t r u s t a n d

i n f l u e n c e v i c t i m s t o c o m p l y w i t h r e q u e s t s .

R E C I P R

O C I T Y A N D O B L I G A T I O N

P e o p l e f e e l o b l i g e d t o r e t u r n a f a v o u r , g i f t , o r s e r v i c e . F o r

e x a m p l e , i f a f r i e n d b u y s s o m e o n e l u n c h , t h e y m a y f e e l t h e n e e d

t o r e t u r n t h e f a v o u r . I n s o c i a l e n g i n e e r i n g , a t t a c k e r s f i r s t g i v e

s o m e t h i n g t o c r e a t e a s e n s e o f d e b t , t h e n m a k e a r e q u e s t t h a t

t h e v i c t i m i s m o r e l i k e l y t o g r a n t

S C A R C I T Y

P e o p l e v a l u e o p p o r t u n i t i e s m o r e w h e n t h e y

a r e l i m i t e d . C o m p a n i e s o f t e n u s e t h i s t a c t i c

t o i n c r e a s e d e m a n d . I n s c a m s , s c a r c i t y

c r e a t e s p r e s s u r e , e n c o u r a g i n g q u i c k ,

e m o t i o n a l d e c i s i o n s r a t h e r t h a n c a r e f u l

t h i n k i n g .

S O C I A L P R O O F

W h e n u n s u r e , p e o p l e l o o k t o o t h e r s f o r

g u i d a n c e E v e n c o n f i d e n t i n d i v i d u a l s c a n b e

i n f l u e n c e d b y g r o u p b e h a v i o u r , m a k i n g s o c i a l

p r o o f a p o w e r f u l p e r s u a s i v e t o o l . D E S I

L I K I N G

P e o p l e a r e m o r e l i k e l y t o a g r e e w i t h

t h o s e t h e y l i k e . F a c t o r s s u c h a s

s i m i l a r i t i e s , c o m p l i m e n t s , a n d

f r i e n d l i n e s s i n c r e a s e t r u s t . S t u d i e s

s h o w t h a t p e o p l e a r e f a r m o r e l i k e l y

t o r e a c h a g r e e m e n t s a f t e r f i n d i n g

c o m m o n i n t e r e s t s f i r s t .

C O N S I S T E N C Y A N D C O M M I T M E N T

P e o p l e a i m t o b e c o n s i s t e n t w i t h t h e i r p r e v i o u s a c t i o n s O n c e

s o m e o n e a g r e e s t o a s m a l l r e q u e s t , t h e y a r e m o r e l i k e l y t o a g r e e

t o a l a r g e r o n e t o a p p e a r r e l i a b l e a n d c o n s i s t e n t .

A U T H O R I T Y

P e o p l e t e n d t o f o l l o w c r e d i b l e e x p e r t s o r a u t h o r i t y f i g u r e s

M i l g r a m ’ s s t u d y d e m o n s t r a t e s t h i s , a s p a r t i c i p a n t s c o n t i n u e d t o

a d m i n i s t e r s h o c k s d e s p i t e d i s c o m f o r t b e c a u s e t h e y w e r e

i n s t r u c t e d b y a n a u t h o r i t y f i g u r e . T h i s s h o w s h o w p o w e r f u l

a u t h o r i t y c a n b e i n i n f l u e n c i n g b e h a v i o u r .

T Y P E S O F S O C I A L E N G I N E E R I N G S C A M S

P h i s h i n g , V i s h i n g , a n d S m i s h i n g : P h i s h i n g i n v o l v e s s e n d i n g

f r a u d u l e n t e m a i l s t o s t e a l s e n s i t i v e i n f o r m a t i o n . S m i s h i n g u s e s

t e x t m e s s a g e s , w h i l e v i s h i n g r e l i e s o n p h o n e c a l l s . T h e s e a t t a c k s

o f t e n e x p l o i t a u t h o r i t y , s c a r c i t y , a n d s o c i a l p r o o f t o p r e s s u r e

v i c t i m s i n t o a c t i n g q u i c k l y a n d t r u s t i n g t h e s o u r c e . L i k i n g c a n a l s o b e u s e d i n v i s h i n g t h r o u g h a f r i e n d l y t o n e a n d r a p p o r tb u i l d i n g

P r e t e x t i n g : P r e t e x t i n g i n v o l v e s c r e a t i n g a f a l s e s t o r y t o g a i n

t r u s t a n d a c c e s s t o i n f o r m a t i o n A t t a c k e r s o f t e n c o m b i n e s e v e r a l

p s y c h o l o g i c a l p r i n c i p l e s t o m a k e t h e s i t u a t i o n b e l i e v a b l e a n d

e m o t i o n a l l y p e r s u a s i v e , e n c o u r a g i n g q u i c k r e s p o n s e s w i t h o u t

c a r e f u l t h o u g h t .

C O N C L U S I O N

U n d e r s t a n d i n g h o w p s y c h o l o g y i s u s e d i n

c y b e r a t t a c k s c a n h e l p i n d i v i d u a l s r e c o g n i s e

a n d r e s i s t m a n i p u l a t i o n , m a k i n g a w a r e n e s s

o n e o f t h e m o s t e f f e c t i v e d e f e n c e s a g a i n s t s o c i a l e n g i n e e r i n g

Gene Kranz - “Failure is not an option." Nowhere is that more important than during those final minutes of a mission.

Conclusion

Oil spills damage the waterproofing of feathers and fur, leading to hypothermia and poisoning.

Fertiliser runoff can cause algal blooms, reducing oxygen in the water and suffocating aquatic life.

We can continue to promote active travelwalking, cycling, or scootering to school. Doing this with a friend makes it even more enjoyable! Green infrastructure: We can continue to plant hedges or trees around the school to act as a natural barrier against traffic pollution.

• Cut single-use plastics: Continue to encourage reusable water bottles and reduce plastic packaging in lunches. We can all do our bit!

• Comprehensive recycling: Make sure you are using the clearly labelled bins for paper, plastic, and stationery. We could also consider refill stations for items like whiteboard pens.

• Uniform and book swaps: We could look into setting up donation systems so that reusable items are not discarded.

• Energy conservation: Nominate student “energy monitors” to ensure lights, boards, and computers are turned off when not in use.

• Reduce heating load: Encourage small reductions in heating and ensure doors and windows are kept closed when heating is on.

• Marine animals such as sea turtles can mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, leading to internal blockages and starvation.

how is pollution affecting our wildlife?

• Birds, seals, and fish can become trapped in plastic waste, causing injury or drowning.

• Tiny plastic particles absorb toxins and are eaten by small organisms, which then pass these chemicals up the food chain.

Pollution is a global issue, but small actions can lead to meaningful change. By making more sustainable choices in our daily lives and to continue working together as a school community, we can help protect the planet for future generations.

A short guide to Mitochondria

STEM Article Ella W

Mitochondria are one of the most fascinating aspects of cellular biology. While widely accepted, the Endosymbiotic Theory is not definitive proof of how eukaryotic cells came to contain mitochondria, or whether such cells could have evolved without them This article explores how mitochondria function and their applications in modern medicine.

IntroductiontoMitochondria

Mitochondria are often described as the site of respiration, but this is only part of the picture They are membrane-bound organelles found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells Each mitochondrion has two phospholipid bilayers: the outer membrane, which is selectively permeable, and the inner membrane, which forms cristae These folds increase surface area and allow different stages of aerobic respiration to occur efficiently

Inside is the mitochondrial matrix, which contains enzymes for respiration, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), ribosomes, and ions.

Aerobic respiration can be simplified into key stages. The overall equation is:

Before respiration begins, glucose is broken down in glycolysis in the cytoplasm, producing a small amount of ATP and high-energy electrons These electrons are carried into the mitochondria by NADH.

Inside the matrix, the Link Reaction and Krebs Cycle occur, producing carbon dioxide and more ATP. The final stage, the Electron Transport Chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation, takes place in the inner membrane Here, electrons move along protein chains, releasing energy that pumps hydrogen ions across the membrane. As these ions flow back through ATP synthase, ATP is produced in much larger quantities (around 26–28 ATP), making this stage far more efficient than glycolysis.

Conclusion

Mitochondria are essential not only for energy production but also for understanding human health and disease. Continued research may reveal both the origins of complex life and new ways to treat serious illnesses, highlighting their importance in both the past and the future of biology

MedicinalApplications

Mitochondria are important in many medical fields, including neurology, endocrinology, and genetics. One key area is oncology, the study of cancer

Recent research explores how mitochondrial structure affects cancer development. In some cases, “ghost mitochondria” with reduced levels of Mic60, a structural protein, allow mitochondrial RNA to leak into the cytoplasm The cell mistakes this RNA for a threat, triggering inflammatory pathways that can support cancer growth rather than stop it.

Understanding this process has created a potential new treatment approach, targeting these pathways to prevent cancer progression, particularly in pancreatic cancer. This emerging research shows how studying mitochondria could lead to major advances in treatment and disease prevention

Definitions

Aerobic respiration – metabolic reaction that provides ATP for cellular energy

Eukaryotes – an organism whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane bound organelles

Mitochondrion – singular version of mitochondria

The Endosymbiotic Theory – a theory which explains how eukaryotes evolved by engulfing a specialised prokaryotic cell

B Y S A R A H K

T h e g l o b a l c o s t o f c y b e r c r i m e i s e s t i m a t e d a t $ 6 t r i l l i o n p e r y e a r ,

a c c o u n t i n g f o r a b o u t 1 % o f g l o b a l G D P . T h i s f i g u r e i s e x p e c t e d t o

r i s e , h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e s e v e r i t y a n d f r e q u e n c y o f c y b e r c r i m e

w o r l d w i d e H o w e v e r , m a n y a t t a c k s o c c u r b e c a u s e h u m a n s a r e

o f t e n t h e w e a k e s t l i n k i n c y b e r s e c u r i t y I t i s t h e r e f o r e i m p o r t a n t

t o c o n s i d e r w h e t h e r c y b e r a t t a c k s s t e m m o r e f r o m h u m a n

b e h a v i o u r a n d e m o t i o n s o r f r o m t e c h n o l o g i c a l f a u l t s s u c h a s

o u t d a t e d s o f t w a r e o r p o o r l y i m p l e m e n t e d s e c u r i t y .

H U M A N E R R O R

H u m a n e r r o r r e f e r s t o u n i n t e n t i o n a l m i s t a k e s m a d e b y

i n d i v i d u a l s . T h e s e a r e u s u a l l y r o u t i n e r a t h e r t h a n m a l i c i o u s , b u t

a t t a c k e r s c a n e x p l o i t t h e m t o t r i g g e r c y b e r i n c i d e n t s . C o m m o n e x a m p l e s i n c l u d e p o o r p a s s w o r d p r a c t i c e s , c l i c k i n g o n m a l i c i o u s

l i n k s , a n d o v e r s h a r i n g c o n f i d e n t i a l i n f o r m a t i o n .

L a c k o f A w a r e n e s s o r T r a i n i n g : L i m i t e d c y b e r s e c u r i t y

k n o w l e d g e c a n l e a d t o i n c i d e n t s . A c o m m o n i s s u e i n t h e U K i s t h e

i n a b i l i t y t o d i s t i n g u i s h p h i s h i n g s c a m s f r o m g e n u i n e e m a i l s .

F a i l i n g t o r e c o g n i s e t h e s e s c a m s c a n r e s u l t i n i d e n t i t y t h e f t o r

l o n g - t e r m d a m a g e t o a n o r g a n i s a t i o n ’ s r e p u t a t i o n . W i t h o u t

p r o p e r t r a i n i n g ,

e m p l o y e e s m a y t a k e r i s k s o r f a i l t o i d e n t i f y

t h r e a t s , l e a d i n g t o w e a k s e c u r i t y p r a c t i c e s .

C o g n i t i v e O v e r l o a d : I n d i v i d u a l s o f t e n f a c e

s t r e s s f r o m m a n a g i n g e m a i l s , d e a d l i n e s , a n d

p e r s o n a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s U n d e r t h i s p r e s s u r e , i t

b e c o m e s e a s i e r t o m i s s i m p o r t a n t d e t a i l s o r m a k e

m i s t a k e s . W h e n c o g n i t i v e o v e r l o a d o c c u r s , d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g b e c o m e s q u i c k a n d a u t o m a t i c , i n c r e a s i n g t h e l i k e l i h o o d o f s e c u r i t y e r r o r s .

O v e r c o n f i d e n c e o r O p t i m i s m B i a s : S o m e

i n d i v i d u a l s o v e r e s t i m a t e t h e i r t e c h n o l o g i c a l

a b i l i t i e s , a s s u m i n g f a m i l i a r i t y e q u a l s

u n d e r s t a n d i n g . T h i s c a n r e d u c e c a u t i o n a n d

i n c r e a s e t h e r i s k o f c y b e r i n c i d e n t s . Y o u n g e r

i n d i v i d u a l s a r e o f t e n m o r e p r o n e t o t h i s b i a s d u e

t o g r o w i n g u p w i t h t e c h n o l o g y S i m i l a r l y , b e l i e v i n g o n e i s u n l i k e l y t o b e t a r g e t e d c a n r e s u l t

i n n e g l e c t i n g b a s i c s e c u r i t y p r o c e d u r e s

T e c h n o l o g i c a l f l a w s a r e v u l n e r a b i l i t i e s i n

h a r d w a r e , s o f t w a r e , o r n e t w o r k s t h a t a t t a c k e r s

c a n e x p l o i t . T h e s e i s s u e s a r e n o t d i r e c t l y l i n k e d

t o h u m a n p s y c h o l o g y a n d m a y g o u n d e t e c t e d

w i t h o u t p r o p e r s c a n n i n g . Z e r o - d a y

v u l n e r a b i l i t i e s , w h i c h a r e n e w l y d i s c o v e r e d

w e a k n e s s e s , a r e p a r t i c u l a r l y d a n g e r o u s

b e c a u s e t h e y c a n b e e x p l o i t e d b e f o r e

d e v e l o p e r s i s s u e f i x e s

L e g a c y S y s t e m s : L e g a c y s y s t e m s a r e o u t d a t e d

s y s t e m s t h a t a r e n o l o n g e r s u p p o r t e d a n d l a c k

s e c u r i t y u p d a t e s . T h i s m a k e s t h e m e a s i e r f o r

a t t a c k e r s t o e x p l o i t . O r g a n i s a t i o n s o f t e n

c o n t i n u e t o u s e t h e m d u e t o t h e h i g h c o s t o f

r e p l a c e m e n t a n d m a i n t e n a n c e .

B u d g e t C o n s t r a i n t s : I m p l e m e n t i n g s t r o n g c y b e r s e c u r i t y m e a s u r e s i s e x p e n s i v e . C o s t s i n c l u d e i n s t a l l a t i o n , m o n i t o r i n g ,

m a i n t e n a n c e , a n d u p g r a d e s . A s a r e s u l t , c o m p a n i e s m a y

p r i o r i t i s e o p e r a t i o n a l e f f i c i e n c y o v e r s e c u r i t y , s o m e t i m e s

o m i t t i n g e s s e n t i a l p r o t e c t i o n s l i k e f i r e w a l l s . L i m i t e d b u d g e t s c a n

a l s o l e a d t o r e l i a n c e o n o u t d a t e d s y s t e m s a n d i n s u f f i c i e n t I T

s u p p o r t .

C o m p l e x i t y o f M o d e r n S y s t e m s : M o d e r n I T s y s t e m s a r e i n c r e a s i n g l y c o m p l e x , w i t h m o r e d e v i c e s a n d c o n n e c t i o n s T h i s

m a k e s s e c u r i n g t h e m m o r e d i f f i c u l t a n d i n c r e a s e s t h e s i z e o f t h e

a t t a c k s u r f a c e U p d a t e s c a n b e h a r d e r t o m a n a g e , l e a v i n g

v u l n e r a b i l i t i e s u n p a t c h e d f o r l o n g e r a n d g i v i n g a t t a c k e r s m o r e o p p o r t u n i t i e s . L a r g e r s y s t e m s a r e a l s o m o r e p r o n e t o h u m a n e r r o r t h r o u g h m i s c o n f i g u r a t i o n .

H u m a n D e p e n d e n c e : A l l t e c h n i c a l s y s t e m s d e p e n d o n h u m a n m a n a g e m e n t . H u m a n s d e s i g n , c o n f i g u r e , a n d m a i n t a i n s y s t e m s , m e a n i n g h u m a n a c t i o n s c a n e x t e n d v u l n e r a b i l i t i e s o r c r e a t e n e w

o n e s , e v e n w h e n t h e o r i g i n a l i s s u e i s t e c h n o l o g i c a l .

C O N C L U S I O N

H u m a n e r r o r p o s e s a g r e a t e r r i s k t h a n

t e c h n o l o g i c a l f l a w s d u e t o i t s f r e q u e n c y a n d

d i f f i c u l t y t o c o n t r o l . W h i l e t e c h n o l o g i c a l

v u l n e r a b i l i t i e s c a n o f t e n b e f i x e d w i t h

p a t c h e s o r s e c u r i t y t o o l s , h u m a n b e h a v i o u r

i s h a r d e r t o m a n a g e E v e n s o , r i s k s c a n b e

r e d u c e d t h r o u g h t r a i n i n g , a w a r e n e s s , a n d

s t r o n g e r s y s t e m s , s h o w i n g t h a t b o t h h u m a n

a n d t e c h n o l o g i c a l f a c t o r s m u s t b e a d d r e s s e d

t o g e t h e r .

Where to Watch

To watch Formula 1, you can stream races across Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, visit a specialised viewing venue, or experience the action live at the track. If you would prefer a documentary, the popular Netflix series ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ is produced in collaboration with the sport and offers behind-the-scenes access to the highly competitive world of F1 drivers, managers, and team owners. The series is already in its eighth season.

Introduction to F1

Formula 1, more commonly known as F1, is the highest class of international racing for openwheel, single-seater cars. Governed by the FIA, the sport features 10 teams and 20 of the world’s most elite drivers, competing in a global calendar of races for the World Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. F1 is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious sporting competitions in the world and the pinnacle of motorsport. Read on to explore its unique blend of cutting-edge engineering, high-stakes human drama, and global sporting theatre.

Feature by Eleanor F & Mollie E

Summary

Latest In F1

Under the 2026 technical regulations, this year’s F1 cars feature 50–50 petrol-electric hybrid engines and active aerodynamics instead of the traditional DRS (Drag Reduction System), which was used from 2011 to 2025.

On the track, following the latest round at the Canadian Grand Prix, rookie Kimi Antonelli has extended his lead in the World Drivers’ Championship to 43 points, claiming four wins in a row. While he secured a dominant victory in Montreal, his Mercedes team-mate George Russell suffered a power unit failure and retired from the race. Lewis Hamilton took second place for Ferrari and was closely followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in third. For more updates, you can search for the latest F1 race results or standings.

In conclusion, the transition from traditional DRS to the 2026 system of active aerodynamics marks a fundamental shift in F1’s approach to racing. The sport has moved from aerodynamic manipulation towards power-based overtaking, replacing a mechanical rear-wing flap with electrical power systems and full-car performance modes. This ensures that the spectacle of high-speed, wheel-to-wheel racing remains central as technology continues to evolve and improve efficiency.

Feature by Eleanor F & Mollie E

Feature by Eleanor F & Mollie E

MUSICALS AGUIDE

HowmanyWestEndMusicalshaveyouseen? Many,ornoneatall?Ifirstfellinlovewith musicalswhenIwassevenyearsold,watching ‘JosephandtheAmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat’attheLondonPalladium Thethrill ofseeingliveactorsonthestage,with colourfulcostumes,spectacularscoresand catchytunes SincethenIhaveseenmany brilliantshowsandinthisarticleIreviewthe fourmostrecentmusicalsthatIhaveenjoyed Hopefullythiswillencourageyoutoseea showortwo!

AGUIDE

Ayoungorphanwhowantsmore.Oliverrunsawayfromaharsh workhousetoVictorianLondon,wherehemeetsFaginandhisgangof pickpockets.BasedonthenovelbyCharlesDickens,LionelBart’s productionof‘Oliver!;isfilledwithcatchytunes,includingmypersonal favourite,‘WhoWillBuy?’,whichissomethingofanearworm.Shanay Holmes,asNancy,packsapunchwiththepowerhouseballad‘AsLongas HeNeedsMe’.SimonLipkinalsomakesforanamazingFagin;his performanceof‘ReviewingtheSituation’isamust-see. MyfamilyandIthoughtthestandoutperformancesbySimonLipkinand ShanayHolmeswerethebestpartoftheshow.AlthoughOliveristhe titularcharacter,hedoesnotactuallyhavealargeroleinthemusical.It wouldhavebeennicetoseemoresolomomentsforOliverandforhimto havemoreopportunitiestoshine.Allinall,aprettygoodwatchifyouenjoy amoderntakeonaclassictale,withsomecomedymomentsandahintof darkness.Notsuitableforyoungchildren!

Myscore:7.9/10

Anex-convictseekingredemption.JeanValjeanisPrisoner24601who breakshisparoletobuildanewlife,allthewhilebeingrelentlessly pursuedbyInspectorJavert.BasedonthebookbyVictorHugo,this spectaclehasbeenrunningforover40yearsandcontinuestothrill audienceswithitssensationalscoreandclassicstory,setin19th-century France.Myfavouritesongsare‘DoYouHearthePeopleSing’(agreat ensemblenumbersetatthebarricades,buildinguptowardsthefight)and ‘OneDayMore’,which,inmyopinion,isthebestendingtoActOneofa musicalever.‘BringHimHome’isanemotionalandpowerfulsong,an appealtoGodtosavethelifeofafriend;ithasthelongest-heldfinalnote I’veeverheard!

Wesawthisshowwhenithadaspecial40thanniversarycast,withallthe actorsdeliveringamazingperformancesfullofenergyandpower.Bradley Jaden,asJavert,wasparticularlygood,andJacYarrowwasanexcellent Marius.Thisismymother’sfavouritemusical,andIagreewithher.This must-seeclassicispackedwithmovingmomentsandstrongsongs.This showhassomematurethemes,soIwouldrecommendittoUpperSchool studentswholoveclassicmusicalswithagreatstoryandmemorable songs.

Myscore:9.2/10

AGUIDE

AFoundingFatherdeterminednottothrow awayhisshot.AfighteratGeorge Washington’ssideintheAmerican Revolution,AlexanderHamiltonisan immigrantfromtheWestIndiestryingto makeanameforhimselfinthelate18thand early19thcenturies.Basedonthebookby RonChernow,‘Hamilton’ismostfamousfor thetitularsong‘AlexanderHamilton’and otherbignumberssuchas‘TheRoomWhere ItHappens’and‘WaitforIt’.InActOne,my favouritesongwas‘MyShot’,apowerful numbernearthestartoftheshowwhichsets uptherecurringthemeofHamiltonnot wantingtothrowawayhisshotatmakinga difference.InActTwo,myfavouritesongs were‘Hurricane’,‘OneLastTime’, ‘WashingtononYourSide’,and‘BlowUsAll Away’.Onething‘Hamilton’doesreallywell ishavingavarietyofstylesofsongsand musicacrosstheshow.

MyfamilyandIfoundthesecondactmuch betterthanthefirst.InActOne,thereisalot offast-pacedrapping,andsomeactorswere lessclearvocally,meaningwehadtofocus hardonwhatwasbeingsung.ActTwohas slightlyslower-pacedsongswhichareeasier tofollow.Wewereimpressedbytheset design;thesetwaslargeandusedvery effectivelytocreatedramaticmoments, particularlytowardsthedenouement.Iwould recommendthisshowtostudentswholove rappingandfast-pacedsongsandare interestedinthestoryoftheFounding Fathers.

Myscore:7.5/10

AmaskedgeniushauntingtheParisOpera House.ThePhantomobsessesoverayoung singer,ChristineDaeé,ashedesperately attemptstomakeherfallinlovewithhim.

ThePhantomoftheOperaisfilledwitheerie tunesandclassicalopera-stylesinging,as suggestedbytheshow’stitle.Theiconicsongs ‘TheMusicoftheNight’and‘ThePointofNo Return’havechillingmelodiesandcreateintrigue andmystery.Myfavouritesongis‘Masquerade’, whichisapowerfulstarttoActTwo;itisafull ensemblenumberwithgreatcostumesand foreshadowsthedramaticscenesthatfollow. Thesetincludesthefamouschandelier,whichis usedtocreatedramaticimpactandhelpimmerse theaudiencefullyinthestory.Lightingisusedto greateffect,fromtherousinglightsequencewith thechandeliertothemoodylightingofthe Phantom’slair.Iwouldrecommendthisshowto fansofAndrewLloydWebber,opera-stylemusic lovers,andthosewhohavenotyetexperienced thejoyofaclassicWestEndshow.Agood introductiontotheworldofmusicals.

Myscore:8.6/10

The Proms celebrates the summer season with a wide range of musical concerts, from the Traitors soundtrack to Mozart and Tchaikovsky 2026 marks the 131st year of the Proms, highlighting its historical significance, remarkable origins, and enduring popularity.

The word ‘Prom’ is short for Promenade Concerts, which were originally outdoor concerts held in London’s pleasure gardens The audience was free to roam the gardens while listening to the orchestra play Promenade Concerts featured in the musical life of the mid-18th century. However, indoor Proms became more popular by the 19th century. The Promenade concept continues in modern-day Proms, with much of the ground floor of the Royal Albert Hall cleared of seats for over 1,000 standing (promenade) listeners The Proms is sometimes nicknamed the ‘Henry Wood Promenade Concerts’, referring to its most influential conductor. The original Proms idea came from Robert Newman, a man who often ran shows at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London Newman’s intention was to cultivate a wider audience by offering lower prices and a more informal atmosphere, which included eating and drinking while listening to the orchestra. A doctor called George Cathcart gave financial support to Newman in 1895, with the condition that the 26-year-old Henry Wood would be the sole conductor of the Proms Wood developed the “Queen’s Hall Orchestra”, which was initially dedicated to performing at the Proms. He was also responsible for building the repertoire each year, including classical works and introducing pieces by contemporary composers His devotion to the Proms series was recognised with a knighthood in 1911, and his statue still watches over the Proms each year.

MUSIC: THEMIRACLEMEDICINE

Designed by Izzah S

Written by Grace W

Music is also important in the treatment of degenerative diseases such as dementia. Research suggests that musical memory can outlast other types of memory, meaning that people can recall songs from their past This can help them connect with others and give a sense of purpose Patients with Parkinson’s disease, who may find walking difficult, can sometimes move more easily when following a steady beat, which helps guide their movement.

Being part of a music group or ensemble can also be highly beneficial It can bring a strong sense of achievement and help to build confidence when meeting new people and performing in public. Playing a musical instrument, while enjoyable, also encourages discipline and perseverance through regular practice Singing in choirs can further support wellbeing by releasing oxytocin, which is linked to positive emotions and helps people bond with others and form lasting friendships through music.

Finally, music plays an important role in shaping our individual identity It influences what we enjoy and how we spend our time, helping us to express our unique personalities through different genres and styles. All of this shows how powerful music can be in supporting many aspects of our lives, helping us to become healthier and happier It highlights how music truly can feel like a kind of miracle and invites us to consider what life would be like without it.

‘Six of Crows’ - A Review

The Main Six

Kaz Brekker: The ruthless, cunning leader known as “Dirtyhands”, driven by a need for revenge against a rival gang leader.

Inej Ghafa: A former indentured acrobat and master spy known as the “Wraith”.

Nina Zenik: A Grisha Heartrender who manipulates bodies and has inside connections.

Matthias Helvar: A Fjerdan prisoner and former Drüskelle (Grisha hunter) who harbours a complicated history with Nina.

Jesper Fahey: A sharpshooter and gambling addict who secretly hides his own Grisha powers.

Wylan Van Eck: The merchant’s runaway son, acting as the crew’s demolitions expert.

Why I Love This Book

Personally, this is one of my absolute favourite books, and I have far too many reasons to praise it. However, if I listed all of them, this article would be thousands of pages long. So instead, here are just a few main reasons for its brilliance:

The amount of diversity within it – The main six characters are all different from one another and are beautifully diverse, featuring different cultural backgrounds, disabilities, and inclusive LGBTQ+ representation that feels natural and well integrated into the story. This makes the novel much more inclusive, which I love.

The morally grey characters – Rather than having flawless heroes as the main characters, the main six consists of six traumatised outcasts: a gambler, a spy, an assassin, a convict, a runaway, and a gang leader, each with deep and compelling backstories. This makes the characters far more relatable than the average perfect hero (taking away their criminal backgrounds).

A Few Minor Drawbacks

The found family trope – I personally love the found family trope, especially in this book, because it unites the six outcasts and allows them to offer each other the unconditional love and safety that the rest of the world seems to deny them.

Symbolism – There is a lot of symbolism within ‘Six of Crows’; however, the symbolism of ‘the crows’ is the most cleverly written. The title and the crew’s namesake symbolise intelligence, adaptability, and underestimated resilience. Like crows, which are known to recognise faces, scavenge, and protect their own, the crew are outcasts who rely on their wits and loyalty to survive the brutal world.

Although I love this book greatly, like any other book it is not without flaws. Here are just a few minor things that I think could be improved:

The beginning – Although the majority of the book kept me hooked, I think the first 50–100 pages (of around 500 in total) could have been shortened slightly, as they were a little disorienting. It felt like being thrown into a completely new world without enough explanation.

Flashback chapters – Although the flashback chapters add necessary background, they are very frequent and could have been better placed, as some of them disrupt the momentum of the main heist.

The ages – I loved that all the main characters had flaws; however, they are written as being 15–17 years old, which did not always feel believable, as they often act much older. It might have made more sense for them to be in their early 20s instead.

Overall Judgement

Overall, I would rate this book 4.5/5 because it has an engaging and well-written plot that, for the most part, kept me hooked throughout. For anyone who loves fantasy, or just a suspenseful story, I would highly recommend it. If you decide to read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Thank you for reading!

by Isla

A HAND DRAWN, ATMOSPHERIC METROIDVANIA THAT MIXES QUIET MELANCHOLY WITH BRUTAL PRECISION, REWARDING CURIOSITY, PATIENCE, AND STUBBORNNESS.

‘Hollow Knight’ is one of the most elegantly crafted indie games ever made, a quiet epic that trusts you to explore, fail, learn, and ascend. It’ s beautiful, brutal, and strangely comforting - like being gently punched by a watercolour painting. In a good way.

World and Music

With an atmospheric score composed and written by Christopher Larkin, each piece of music is crafted to perfectly suit each area of the world, from monumental ruins to a small, fly-filled arena, every boss battle you face from the challenging to the somehow even harder, without distracting from the rest of the game.

The world is intricately hand drawn in a deceptively simplistic style. From moss-covered and life-filled Greenpath to barren and desolate Dirtmouth, the range of atmospheres is shocking. Occasionally, you ’d stumble upon a bench. Benches act as save points, usually nicely decorated; each bench is unique to the area it’s in!

One point worth mentioning is that the game never tells you where to go, leaving you to wander at your own pace, exploring and uncovering snippets of lore, finding new friends and building up your experience.

C-J

Photo Credit: Hollowknight.com

games, it encourages well-timed attacks and swift dodges as opposed to spamming attacks and praying you don’t die, despite that being a perfectly acceptable tactic. With a useful energy format called Soul, you can use a powerful attack or heal your ‘Masks’ (health) and recharge it by attacking enemies or bathing in hot springs dotted about the map. Bosses are fast, unforgiving, weirdly cute, and like marmite – you either hate them or you love them. There is a large range of bosses and mini bosses that offer you a large amount of Geo (in-game currency), upgrades, or access to new areas.

Story

If you ’ re looking for a game with miles and miles of lore, then this is the game for you. Don’t worry - uncovering the lore is completely optional! Read on if you want, but there will be spoilers, so feel free to skip this section. The basic story is: Hallownest was a thriving, underground insect kingdom, ruled by the Pale King (a ‘wyrm’ , theorised to be part fork). All was peaceful until an ancient deity, angry at being forgotten, created a mind-bending infection that slowly spread around the kingdom. The Pale King created a ‘vessel’ in an effort to contain it, but it failed. He continued to create and discard vessels into the void until he chose one strong enough. You play as a discarded vessel who managed to escape the void.

Characters

NPCs are friendly and unique characters that will help you in your quest by selling you items, offering upgrades, objects called ‘charms’ , maps, advice, side quests, or simply encouragement.

Occasionally, you might meet a Boss that will converse with you (multiple times) and give you information about the story and lore before proceeding to obliterate you approximately twenty times and cause you to possibly destroy your console. Occupational hazard.

Conclusion & other information

‘Hollow Knight’ is an enchanting Metroidvania that effortlessly combines strategic battle, challenging platforming, intricate worldbuilding, and an atmospheric soundtrack to create one of the greatest indie games of all time. It is available on PC (Windows, macOS, Linux), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It is also playable on next-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2) via backward compatibility or native versions, with special editions available from Fangamer.

Introduction to Hamilton

Musical

the

On 17 February 2015, Hamilton premiered Off-Broadway and officially opened on Broadway on 6 August 2015 Since then, the smash-hit musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also starred as Alexander Hamilton on Broadway, has become hugely popular. The show blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B to tell the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton It famously reimagines historical figures to represent “America then, as told by America now.”

An Overview of the Show

SPOILER ALERT: If you plan to see the show, skip this section.

The story follows Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant arriving in America during the fight for independence from Britain, determined to build a legacy. A talented writer, he quickly forms a rivalry with Aaron Burr He meets other revolutionaries, including John Laurens, Marquis de Lafayette, and Hercules Mulligan

During the American Revolution, Hamilton becomes George Washington’s right-hand man, although he is kept away from battle. He meets and marries Elizabeth Schuyler, and they have a son, Philip. Eventually, Hamilton joins the battlefield and helps secure victory at Yorktown

After the war, Hamilton and Burr return to New York to practise law as the United States forms its government Hamilton becomes highly influential, helping to establish the Bank of New York, championing the U.S. Constitution, and becoming the first Secretary of the Treasury. However, he gains powerful enemies, including Thomas Jefferson

The show ends with Hamilton’s death in a duel with Aaron Burr, in the same place and manner as his son’s death. Their rivalry reaches its peak as Burr decides the world is not wide enough for both of them It is a must-see, and if you have not listened to the songs, you should!

Popular Songs and Characters

The show is filled with almost constant music. Some songs are especially popular: Alexander Hamilton – the opening track and most streamed

Satisfied – structurally impressive

Wait for It – Burr’s emotional centrepiece

You’ll Be Back – King George’s memorable solo

My Shot – the show’s key anthem

There are also strong opinions about the characters. A popular ranking includes:

Aaron Burr – the ‘friend’ and rival, often seen as the strongest character

Eliza Schuyler – Hamilton’s wife and emotional core

Marquis de Lafayette – a crowd favourite in Act One

Thomas Jefferson – an entertaining Act Two presence

Angelica Schuyler – admired for her intelligence and sacrifice

Conclusion

We both love Hamilton; while it is not perfect, it is an engaging and memorable way to bring history to life, and we would definitely recommend seeing it

Other Opinions

Opinions on Hamilton are mixed On one hand, it is considered brilliantly written, combining history with engaging music On the other hand, some argue it simplifies issues such as slavery and uses a fast-paced style that can feel overwhelming

Why People Like It

It blends rap, R&B, and traditional show tunes in a fresh way

Fast-paced lyrics and storytelling engage audiences

Themes of legacy, time, and grief resonate widely Streaming on Disney+ has made it accessible worldwide

Strong female characters like Eliza and Angelica add emotional depth

Why People Dislike It

It presents Hamilton as more progressive than he may have been It simplifies harsh historical realities

Some criticise Lin-Manuel Miranda’s vocal performance

It has historical inaccuracies and takes creative liberties

The constant fast pace gives little time to absorb key moments

Written by Isla CJ

Designed by Izzah S

‘The Amazing Digital Circus’, produced by Glitch Productions, has rapidly become one of the most talked about indie animated series online and for good reason What begins as a neon bright, circus themed comedy quickly reveals itself to be a layered psychological narrative about identity, fear, and the absurdity of being trapped in a world that refuses to obey logic

The premise is deceptively simple: Pomni, a newly arrived “player,” finds herself trapped inside a chaotic virtual circus overseen by the unpredictable and hilariously random ringmaster, Caine and his counterpart Bubble. But beneath the colourful and childish surface, designed to mimic a classic dren’s TV programme, lies a story about existential dread, coping mechanisms, and the desperate search for meaning in a place where nothing stays stable for long.

Good points:

Strong Character Writing

Each character is distinct, memorable, and emotionally grounded despite the absurd setting. For example, the main character is a standout protagonist — her panic spirals are portrayed with surprising empathy, and her reactions feel painfully human. Additional characters bring sharp comedic timing with a chaotic, unpredictable edge, but also a relatable yet sad backstory, as well as antagonists who make you question who the real villain is

Visual Style & Animation Quality

The show’s visual identity is one of its strongest assets The art direction blends rubber hose animation influences, hyper expressive facial acting, glitch effects, and surreal, shifting environments The result is a world that feels both playful and deeply uncanny The circus setting is constantly morphing, bending, and glitching — a perfect metaphor for the instability the characters face. Every frame is packed with detail, making rewatching genuinely rewarding.

Tone Balancing: Comedy vs. Horror

The series excels at balancing absurd humour, slapstick, meta jokes, psychological tension and existential dread

This contrast is intentional — the bright, cheerful aesthetic makes the darker emotional beats hit harder.

Bad points:

Short Episode Length

Episodes are extremely dense but very short This means that pacing feels abrupt, emotional beats resolve quickly and worldbuilding feel teased rather than explored

It’s not a flaw so much as a limitation of the format, but some viewers may crave longer, more developed episodes

Limited Release Schedule

Because the show is produced by a small team, episodes take time This leads to long waits between releases, cliffhangers that linger for months, and chaotic fan theories filling the gaps

For some viewers, the slow rollout can be frustrating though the quality often justifies the wait

Tonal Whiplash (Intentional, but noticeable)

The rapid shifts between comedy , horror, emotional breakdowns and slapstick chaos can feel jarring to viewers expecting a more traditional narrative structure. For fans of surrealism, it’s a strength — but it may not be for everyone.

Photo Credit: IMBD

CONCLUSION

‘The Amazing Digital Circus’ is one of the most distinctive animated series of the decade A bold blend of surreal comedy, psychological tension, and heartfelt character storytelling Its vibrant art style, expressive animation, and unpredictable humour make it instantly memorable, while its deeper themes of identity, fear, and coping give it emotional weight far beyond its chaotic and childish exterior

Despite its short episodes and slow-release schedule, the series delivers an experience that feels fresh, inventive, and genuinely original It’s the kind of show that sticks with you - not just because of its visual flair, but because of the humanity at its core

Whether you ’ re drawn to its comedy, its horror elements, its mystery, or its emotional resonance, ‘The Amazing Digital Circus’ is absolutely worth watching It’s a digital circus unlike any other - strange, vibrant, unsettling, and unforgettable

Written by Isla C-J - Designed by Shreena RK

‘The Chosen Series’ is an original long‑form Scratch novel by @PusheenEcool, and it’s one of the most ambitious storytelling projects on the platform. While most Scratch stories use default fonts, short chapters, and simple code, this series uses a rare format first introduced by Scratcher @PetalsSilverSteam: the entire book inside a single project, complete with chapter menus, lore, art, credits, and dynamic character references that update as you read. It feels less like a Scratch project and more like a digital novel.

Scratch is known mostly for games and animations, but hidden among the trending projects are under‑appreciated works of art, music, and writing. ‘The Chosen Series’ stands out because it pushes Scratch’s limitations in both storytelling and coding. Despite this, it remains underrated, with a small but dedicated fanbase — which is exactly why it deserves more attention.

Summary: The story follows Eiko Yamada, an ordinary girl whose life changes instantly when she becomes “chosen” to stop creatures of Hell from upsetting the balance of the universe. Within minutes of the opening chapter, she’s thrown into a world of angels, monsters, rebellion, and cosmic consequences. She must decide who to trust before the world decides for her. Book 1 and 2 are fully released, with Book 3 having been shared very recently. In addition, there’s also been hints of multiple spin-off books following dropped subplots.

Photo Credit: Scratch.mit.edu

Good Points: One of the strongest elements of ‘The Chosen Series’ is its pacing. Readers who enjoy action‑heavy stories will feel right at home battles erupt quickly, consequences hit hard, and the plot rarely slows down. Despite the speed, the writing doesn’t feel empty. Scenes are described with vivid detail, especially the fight choreography and atmospheric settings. Many readers have commented on how easy it is to visualise the world, from eerie hell‑creatures to shifting landscapes. Character development is another highlight. The cast grows quickly, but each character has a distinct voice and purpose. The dialogue feels natural and often witty, balancing darker themes with humour and humanity. Eiko’s emotional arc in particular evolves steadily across the chapters, giving the story a sense of progression even during high intensity moments.

The format itself is a major strength. Housing an entire novel inside one Scratch project is already ambitious, but ‘The Chosen Series’ goes further by including character references, art, lore, and bonus material all in one place. The dynamic character reference system — which updates as you progress — is especially impressive and shows a level of planning and coding rarely seen in Scratch literature. The worldbuilding is richer than you’d expect from a Scratch‑based novel. The mythology, the rules of the universe, the hierarchy of hell creatures, and the moral dilemmas around being “chosen” all contribute to a layered narrative that rewards attentive readers.

Bad Points: ‘The Chosen Series’ is fantastic, but not flawless. Some subplots vanish mid book like they’ve been kidnapped by off‑screen goblins. Fans cope by assuming every abandoned thread is secretly being saved for a spin‑off. Character identities can also shift suddenly – especially a character named Vex, formerly Frank - whose gender and name change faster than readers can update their mental notes. It’s not confusing in a bad way, just in a “wait, who are you again” way. There are also occasional formatting quirks, like chapter titles suddenly appearing halfway through Book 1 as if the author remembered they exist and rolled with it. These elements give the book a slightly unpolished vibe, so readers who prefer ultra edited prose may find it chaotic.

Contents:

Content Notes: Book 1 ‘The Star Made of Stone’

• Mild gore, no strong language

• LGBTQ+ characters

• Light romance, war themes

Suggested age: 10–12+

Book 2 ‘The Seraphim’

• Mild gore, implied strong language

• Horror adjacent creatures

• LGBTQ+ romance

Suggested age: 12–13+

Book 3 ‘Daughter of Heaven’

• Horror, nightmare imagery, fear

• Violence, injury detail, war

• Skinwalkers, death, “double death”

Suggested age: 12–13+

Conclusion:

If you haven’t explored ‘The Chosen Series’ yet, search for PusheenEcool on Scratch — the indexing system has been unreliable since late 2025, so going directly to the profile is easiest. What you’ll find is a project that stands apart from typical Scratch literature: ambitious, fast paced, emotional, and boldly formatted. Whether you’re drawn to the worldbuilding, the characters, or the innovative presentation, there’s something here worth experiencing.

CATS!

DIFFERENT SPECIES OF CATS

From their incredible senses to their mysterious origins, cats are far more fascinating than they first appear. Read this feature to be amazed!

BY LARA D

DESIGNED BY ANGELA N

There are around 41 different species of cats. These cats have an average lifespan of about 12–18 years. Cats also tend to sleep for 12–16 hours a day.

Some species include:

British Shorthair

Scottish Fold

Sphynx

American Shorthair

American Bobtail

What Colours Can Cats See?

Cats can see the world in shades of yellow, blue, and green, with a limited ability to distinguish reds and pinks They are best at seeing blue-violet and yellow-green light wavelengths However, they struggle with red, orange, and pink colours, which often appear as shades of grey, brown, or other dark colours

TheDomesticationofCats

Catsbecamedomesticated petsnearly10,000yearsago, descendingfromtheNear Easternwildcat Unlikedogs, catslikely“self-domesticated”, drawntohumansettlements bythepresenceofrodents As humansbeganfarmingand storinggrain,rodentswere attractedtotheseareas,which inturndrewwildcatscloserto people.

Didyouknowthatallmodern domesticcatsdescenddirectly fromtheAfricanwildcat(Felis silvestrislybica)?

ACATʼSSENSEOFSMELL:

Acatʼssenseofsmellisupto14 timesstrongerthanahumanʼs, meaningcertainscentscanbe overwhelmingorunpleasant.

Examplesinclude:

Citrus:Oranges,lemons,limes, andgrapefruits

Strongherbsandspices: Peppermint,eucalyptus, lavender,rosemary,andthyme

Householdcleanersand chemicals:Vinegarand cleaningproducts

Coffeeandspices:Coffee groundsandstrongspicessuch asmustardorchillipowder

Staleorspoileditems:Dirty littertraysandoldfood

FUNFACTS:

Catsareoneoftheonlymammalsbelievedtolackthe abilitytotastesweetness.Asstrictcarnivores,they havearound473tastebuds,comparedtohumans, whohavearound9,000.

Catsdonothavecollarbonesconnectedtoother bones;instead,theseareembeddedintheirshoulder muscles,allowingthemtosqueezethroughspacesas smallastheirheads.

Acatʼskidneysarehighlyefficientandcanfiltersalt, meaningcatsareabletodrinkseawaterin emergencies.

Conclusion

Fromtheirpowerfulsensestotheiruniqueevolution, catsareremarkableanimalsthatcontinuetosurprise andintrigueus.

R E A T N E S S

G

FEATURE BY OREN S

Got 5 minutes to spare? Have a go at some of these games! I hope you enjoy them.

SCIENCE TRIVIA

1. What part of the cell is responsible for producing energy? A Nucleus B RibosomeC Mitochondria D Cell membrane

2. Which gas makes up most of Earth’s atmosphere? A Oxygen B NitrogenC Carbon dioxide D Argon

3. What force keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?

A. Magnetism B. FrictionC. Gravity D. Radiation

4. Which of the following is an example of a chemical change?

A Ice melting B Water boiling C Salt dissolving D Iron rusting

s u d o k u s u d o k u s u d o k u

G R E A T N E S S

ANAGRAMS-Metal

LUTAPNIM CKLEIN

This is the fourth instalment in a creative writing piece I have been running for the past few issues of ‘The Castle’ I hope you enjoy!

I was staring into the face of Dr. Jones.

“What are you doing here?”

He knew me. He recognised me for who I really was. “Ami?”

“No, no.., you can’t be.” I stared hard at the weather -beaten face. I stared into those cold, isolated eyes. I could see them filling with hate, or awe. I wasn’t quite sure what it was, but it seemed to paint his face with the upmost care, so as no facial feature was left untouched My heart seemed to freeze as I looked great attention at the supposed Dr. Jones standing before me.

My uncle.

The only family I have left who abandoned me. The very man who, not knowingly was the reason I ended up working for MI6 He had led me to the side I was sure he was opposed to.

Then what X said was true. If he was here, that meant...

That meant that he. That meant that he was allied with Dr. Armstrong. The very reason I had been sent here. The only reason MI6 wanted to constantly cast eyes on him Because Dr Armstrong was the villain in this mad narrative of life. And my uncle was his second in command, his, his ...accomplice? These thoughts and questions raced through the wiring of my brain, filling every thought, blocking every feeling. Why? How? I was almost relieved when he spoke; my mind craved answers, and I feared my brain would only focus on him that I would be paralysed, stood there, while my brain danced round and around in my head forever.

The uncle I loved so dearly, who had looked after me for 16 years was him? This man? Who went and fled to the side of destruction and terrible plots and plans? My mind could not comprehend what to, but my legs had already decided. My feet paced down the dark metal steps, and onto the soft grass which covered the area around the complex. I ran but didn’t dare stop. I kept running and running, not stopping when I reached the unyielding steel fence that circled the research building, not daring to look back when I bundled over it, almost injuring my arm in the process

My heart raced and the instinct in myself that I trusted led me away, past the iron fence that attempted to slow me, through the light flooded forest; with shadows that danced around the path, illuminating the marks my feet left on the dry, dusty ground. The breath that was sucked out of me came in short, fast bursts, and fought to escape my ever-tiring lungs

I I found myself standing on the edge of the mountain, with a crystalclear river running fast at my feet I took a deep breath My whole body was shaking, but I had to be sure I had to keep moving. He was close, I knew it. I could feel his mind racing. His heart pulsing. The same rhythm as my own. He was as determined to find me as I was to get away. I looked at my reflection in the gleaming river, distorted by the rushing flow of the water I found myself taking a deep breath My legs leapt before my mind did, but it soon followed suit. My body hit the cool, rushing water and my head dipped deep below the surface, into the dark depth of the river.

The sheer shock of the dive was soon overcome by the sensation of the freezing water, surrounding me and pulling me down to the depths of the darkness beneath.

***

MI6 Headquarters, Southbank, London

“I can assure you we had no idea that he was your father.” I was back, back, once again in the cold, heartless, bleak office of X I sat, staring into space , utterly destroyed by what his mission had revealed to me. The truth raced round and around in my head. I was broken.

“Are you sure ?” I replied. I was certain he knew. It was certain of him to lie like this, manipulating anyone and everyone who sat in this exact position, in this exact office. I stared out the window, just as I had done before I was sent to discover the worst truth my life had ever known. He ignored my question.

“We have been able to send a team in and neutralise Dr. Armstrong and his complex There is now no threat ”

“So why am I here? You already know the full details of the mission, so let me walk away from this and let me get on with my life.”

“I’m afraid we can't do that. There is one more thing. We need you again.”

edition15 castleteam

PHOTO CREDIT: CANVA

Designed by Eleanor F