The Castle Magazine Edition 4

T H E T H E

C A S T L E C A S T L E

WELCOME BACK

Welcome to the December 2022 edition of 'The Castle'.

Dear Reigatians,

Welcome to the fourth edition of RGS’ ‘The Castle ’ With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, our talented young writers have been busy creating reviews, recipes, and quizzes. There’s something for everyone, as topics range from Steve Carrell and The Office to the launch of Artemis I.

As we usher in a new year, we leave behind one that’s been filled with uncertainty and change. The magazine is an opportunity to keep up to date with current events, reminding us that we all have a voice. Articles focusing on mental and physical health are especially valuable as we navigate an often unpredictable world.

Good luck to those with January exams, and well done to all the new students for settling so quickly into school life!

If you’d like to submit an article for our next edition, contact Ms. Harvey or come along to our lunchtime meetings on Monday in Room 4 at 1.40 pm. Everyone is welcome! Enjoy the holidays,

From the Sixth Form Editing Team - Sofia, Iris, Amelia, Demi, Kanika, Georgia & Cristiana.

OPINION PIECES TRAVEL FASHION REVIEWS TRIVIA

If you want an entertaining, light read, check out our trivia, reviews, and baking section

Are you interested in politics? Check out some of our more serious news articles that are guaranteed to make you think. Are you someone who likes to engage in debate? Read some of the opinion pieces in this feature

American

BACK TO THE MOON

B Y C L A R A B E L M

This will be the largest rocket launch in history and the programme hopes to land the first woman and the first person of colour on the Moon. Artemis will explore more of the lunar surface than ever before and, using this knowledge, plans to contribute to the Mars exploration project NASA’s most powerful rocket (called Artemis) will be needed in order to escape the Earth’s gravity and push

There will be two initial phases to the new space programme Artemis 1, which launched on 14th November 2022, is an unmanned mission carrying Shaun the Sheep and Snoopy toys, who sit in the crews’ seats Shaun will be making history by becoming the first English sheep to fly to and around the Moon! However, Snoopy will be a zerogravity indicator that will demonstrate the moment the crew and spacecraft reach weightlessness Artemis 1 will travel more than a million miles before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean six weeks later.

Artemis 2 will be the first crewed mission of the Orion spacecraft, currently planned to be launched by the Space Launch System (SLS) in May 2024 Orion will perform a lunar flyby test and return to Earth. This will be the first crewed spacecraft to travel beyond low Earth orbit (an orbit around Earth with a period of 128 minutes or less) since Apollo 17 in 1972 If that is successful, Artemis 2 will then send a crew to land on the Moon

space agency NASA has created the Artemis programme aimed at putting astronauts back on the Moon by 2024.

a spacecraft (called Orion) towards the Moon

This will be the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years The very first crewed mission was in 1969 on board Apollo 11, when humans initially set foot on the Moon. Only 12 American men have ever walked on the lunar surface

The last manned mission...

The last manned mission was only a few years later aboard Apollo 17 in 1972 and was the most recent time humans have walked on the Moon or travelled beyond low orbit On board that spacecraft was Harrison Schmitt, the only professional geologist to walk on the Moon Apollo 17’s mission emphasis on science included a number of new experiments, one of which was a biological test involving five mice orbiting the Moon for a record-setting six days and four hours The Apollo manned missions to the Moon were “astronomical” in price, costing $258 billion (around $257 billion in today’s cost), so NASA stopped sending humans to the Moon

NASA are going back to the Moon now because they hope the knowledge they obtain will help them to also then land on Mars Studying more of the lunar surface than ever before could also have an impact on what we know about Earth, the Moon and even the solar system The mission further aims to find out what it is like to live on another celestial body The Artemis camp will be located in the South Pole of the Moon, much further south than previous missions, which will help us to explore the mysteries of the Moon like never before NASA also hopes to inspire a new generation and encourage careers in STEM.

If Artemis 2 is successful, then a further phase, called Artemis 3 will become a continuous programme aimed at transporting humans to space regularly (planned for once a year)

Would you go to space in the future?

News report by Anya P

Grief is the Price We Pay for Love

DECEMBER 2022

On the 19th September, the country united in mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

After the tragic deaths of 9/11, Queen Elizabeth II sent a message to the President of the United States of America at the time, George Bush, reminding us all that “Grief is the price we pay for love”.

After the upsetting death of Her Majesty, the UK and the entire world remembered this historic quote which could not be more relevant.

After a 70 year long reign, Queen Elizabeth II, the longest serving British monarch, died in Balmoral at the age of 96 on the 8th of September 2022. She died peacefully in her Scottish estate where she spent many summers. From 1952 to 2022, the Queen witnessed enormous social change through her roles as Head of State and the Commonwealth.

Her father, George VI, died in February 1952 due to health issues meaning Princess Elizabeth was next in line when she was only 25.

Many thought that she would not become monarch because her uncle was heir, but he abdicated from the throne in 1936. She was crowned on the 2nd of June 1953, a year after her father’s death. Queen Elizabeth was the thirty-ninth monarch to be crowned at Westminster. In total, 8,251 guests attended the Queen’s coronation ceremony, and 129 nations and territories were represented at the service.

Featured articles

Two of her children were alive at the time of her coronation: Prince Charles, born in 1948, and Princess Anne, in 1950, yet the princess did not attend because she was thought to have been too young Following this, Prince Andrew was born in 1960, and Prince Edward four years later

When doctors became concerned for the Queen’s health in September, several senior royals gathered at Balmoral after she had been placed under medical supervision The rest of her children and some of her grandchildren also came to support her While awaiting updates on the Queen’s condition, huge crowds formed outside Buckingham Palace News of her death was communicated by an official notice pinned to the gates of the Palace There were tears in the crowd as many looked up to Her Majesty as a grandmother figure. As a sign of respect for the Queen, the Union flag was lowered to halfmast Following her death, Prince William and his wife, Catherine, became the new Prince and Princess of Wales

The Prime Minister at the time was Liz Truss, who had been appointed just two days before She addressed the country declaring that “with the passing of the second Elizabethan age, we usher in a new era in the magnificent history of our great country” She also claimed that the monarch was the rock on which modern Britain was built, providing us with the “stability and strength we needed.”

On the 19th of September 2022, a state funeral service was held for the Queen at Westminster Abbey where world leaders, foreign royalty, and dignitaries joined King Charles and the Royal Family to pay their respects Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the coffin being transferred to Windsor Castle where she has been laid to rest alongside her late husband, her mother, and her father.

Conclusions

As life continues after her death, we can all learn from how she lived her life She was dutiful, she was constant, and she was steadfast We will miss her

Thank you for reading

King Charles III commented that the death of his mother was a “moment of great sadness” and he said that “her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms, and the Commonwealth”

EVENT

ByTyraL IssueNo 4|December2022

RGSSchoolNews

You may remember that on Friday 14th Octoberwehadanon-schooluniformday. As you handed in your money, I wonder how much you knew about the cause you weredonatingmoneytowards

I have been recently raising money for my brother’sspecialneedsschool,Woodfieldin Merstham Woodfield is a school for childrenfrom11-19andmycharityisaimed at helping young pupils who have Learning andAdditionalNeeds(LAN),languageand communication difficulties, as well as students with a broader complexity of needs

Woodfield School has only 150 students and helps children learn life skills It is an amazing school with fantastic teachers and I am determined to help the school as they have helped us so much with my brother James. James has Dravet Syndrome; although he is 16 years old, he has the mentality of a 4-year-old Despite his mental disability, he is developing and flourishing because of his outstanding school

LifehasnotalwaysbeenlikethisforJames Times have been extremely hard and, at some points in his life, we were sceptical if he would even develop because he struggled to form simple sentences. However, James has accomplished so much thanks to Woodfield and is progressing enormously each day which gives us so much hope for the future Woodfield School has been one of the main contributors to James’s accomplishments and since the first day thathejoinedWoodfield,hehasalwaysfelt welcomedandloved

I have also met many of James’s classmates and know many of them on a personal level; I have witnessed how much Woodfield School has benefited all their lives Many of the pupils have very different disabilities and struggles and the school needs funding so that students continue to feel comfortable and safe. This is very challenging as all the students are on different learning levels and have an array of difficulties that can affect the way that theylearn

Even though Woodfield School has many facilities and teachers who help the students progress each day, there are also many things that they need for the school. Forexample,theyneedbenches,accessto more school trips, more musical instruments, and a new minibus So far I have been able to raise around £6100 on my JustGiving page thanks to many neighbours and friends and the school for helping me organise the Krispy Kreme doughnut event I have also contacted the MayorofReigateandBansteadandhehas donated £1000 towards buying some new benches for the school. I am hoping to raise £10,000 for the school and this would help them get new facilities and contribute totheirfundingofanewminibus!

ANINTERVIEWWITHTYRAL

Tyra has been fundraising for Woodfield, both inside and outside of school, with the aim of further improving experiences for children Woodfield School provides education for young people with Learning and Additional Needs (LAN) Their main aim is to “improve the long-term outcomes for our pupils and the families who support them ”

Q. Why do you fundraise?

The main reason why I fundraise is because my brother attends Woodfield School, so I know a lot of the other students who go there on a personal level, and I am able to see first-hand how Woodfield School helps them to thrive and develop life skills for the future

Q What have been your main methods of fundraising (so far)?

In the past, I have adopted methods such as selling cupcakes and cakes and also holding events. However, I recently organised a fair at my house with raffles and games I also organised the Krispy Kreme event at school on nnuniform day and donated the profits to Woodfield.

to see first-hand how Woodfield School helps them to thrive and develop life skills for the future.'

Q Could you describe the importance of this cause in a couple of words?

For me, this cause is extremely important as Woodfield School helps students with any disability learn valuable skills that they can carry with them for life. These skills can also help them to flourish when they are older I think that what they do highly impacts each and every one of the students’ lives.

Q What is the main message that you would like people to take away from this article?

I hope that it helps people to understand a bit more about the extent of the impact that Woodfield School has on its students, and also to know why I am so passionate about this cause!

Q – Is there anything specific within Woodfield School that you are fundraising for?

A – I am raising money for a new school minibus, more benches, sensory toys for students, access to more school trips, and musical instruments

Q Do you have any other (fundraising) plans for the near future?

Yes! I want to arrange an event such as a concert or an auction at the town hall, as the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead has offered the town hall for a future event!

By Ruth C

Please donate here:

'I think that what they do highly impacts each and every one of the students’ lives.'

Foyle's Young Poet Winner

' P L U V I O P H I L E ' B Y N I T H Y A S

Nithya entered the prestigious Foyle's Young Poet of the Year Competition and has been named one of 100 winners out of an astonishing 13,500 entries!

pluviophile noun; definitiona lover of the rain. i love the rain am i a pluviophile? what is it that makes the crystal-like drops falling from the sky comforting? maybe it’s the soundi’ve never liked the silence. the quiet makes the voices start to talk insidehaunting, louder and louder, the absence of emotion terrifying. or perhaps it’s the beauty that comes from the swirling streaks running like the tears down my face, the liquid drops that can change within a second to become lashing showers hurtling onto my bare skinsharp and cold. in an odd wayit makes me feel less alone and more alive the sudden cool upon my cheeks, slowly dripping from my hairit helps me forget. the sun can’t do that, nor the wind or the snow or the fog it is the majestic rain that falls from above, holding the power to heal and erase. i think i am a pluviophile. a lover of the rain. a person who derives joy from it not because its poetici’m rather a person wanting to feel.

ARE SCREENS THE NEMESES OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT?

AN OPINION PIECE

By Anna G

From streaming the latest Netflix programme day delivery, it’s safe to say that life is made technology is involved The best advocates advances are today’s children, growing up in an iPhone and not merely a fruit The que children into a society where reliance on scre we hindered children's social development b become dangerously invasive in their lives fr

Out with the old patience and focu short attention spans...

As our world becomes more media driven, th with the old, in with the new.’ Children’s toy the likes of iPads and Nintendo Switches M at this easily accessible, non-stop entertain giving them a breather from the stresses of p the press of a button! While electronics hav much time spent on screens has been development in children. Studies show that ages 5-7 spend an average of 4 hours in front of a screen per day; this rises to 6.5 hours for teenagers.

It has also been found that children aged 5 or younger who experience 2 or more hours of screen time per day are a cond provi gratif throu This as ou retain outsi brain Disne their will o such readi unde This abilit the t stimu much we expect future adults to struggle with focusing on tasks that require long attention spans? It almost seems as if we are contributing to our own devolution, as we now rely on devices that are harmful to our focus and patience

An unhealthy amount of time spent on electronics also interferes vastly with child empathy, as technology drives children away from face-to-face social interactions. It is even believed by some experts that the rate at which children express empathy has declined by as much as 25% in the past decade. This raises a concern, as an inability to understand others' emotions hinders a child’s success in making friends at school

During lockdown, virtually all social interactions were replaced with screens, and the rate of screen time accelerated significantly. For adolescents, this has had a huge impact on their social skills, as interactions with people on the outside world were little to none, and so there was little room for emotive relationships to be built at school.

It almost seems as if we are contributing to our own devolution.

It has also been said that children who started school in lockdown have been robbed of the empathetic skills needed to sustain genuine connections with their peers. Charles Nelson, a Harvard neuroscientist who studies children’s brains, stated that, “until babies develop language, all communication is non-verbal, so they depend heavily on looking at a face and deriving meaning from that face” Therefore, children’s fixation on screens reduces their ability to understand and interpret non-verbal cues, such as realising if someone is upset. The more time we spend in front of a screen, the less time we spend building relationships with those around us; exposing babies to electronics has the potential to limit their enjoyment of human interaction

Is the media the ‘reaper’ of empathy?

WHY DESENSITISATION IS THE NE GENERATION’S WORST NIGHTMAR

It also becomes increasingly challenging to restrict what children view o new platforms, such as YouTube, allow exposure to unlimited conten having access to such a vast pool of entertainment is wonderful, it also the chances of young children viewing graphic content Many vide involve a level of violence that is unsuitable for young ages, and so expo cause desensitisation to the reality of such violence Doesn’t it seem st allow children to play warfare video games, as opposed to playing w friends outside? Children have been thought to learn through experie external stimuli, and so watching a programme with aggressive them cause them to replicate these violent behaviours, especially if they e programme’s action-packed plot There is concern that when in circumstances, children may turn to and imitate the aggressive behaviou they have witnessed on television Avoiding this desensitisation of content is difficult, but not impossible. There are age limits that can be p many media platforms, restricting content that could be harmful fo children to view.

Although many problems arise from allowing children access to electro cannot ignore how easy Google makes it for us to learn new informat minimal effort. Instead of eradicating screens altogether, it is important balance between the media and the real world Whilst overindulgence in will only hinder children’s focus and social skills in later life, if used in mo we can utilise technology for our benefit, and not for our downfall

IF USED IN MODERATION, WE CAN UTILISE TECHNOLOGY FOR OUR BENEFIT, AND NOT FOR OUR DOWNFALL.

DO WE STILL NEED FEMINISM?

fight for equality, the effort to remove the disparities between men and women and give all genders equal opportunities in society In my opinion, this perception is representative of the true qualities of feminism However, to decide whether feminism is still necessary, we first must establish what it is The Oxbridge dictionary defines feminism as: “Advocacy of the rights of women (based on the theory of equality of the sexes)”. Feminism offers so many benefits to society. It's not about men. It’s not about women. It’s about creating a society where everyone is seen as equal, and subsequently given equal opportunities, which is not yet a reality, demonstrating why feminism is still necessary

Firstly, feminism is still necessary to help women in the workplace excel, and not be limited by traditional opinions on what a woman ’ s place is within society Women are still being limited by other people trying to dictate what their role should be. That’s the thing, it’s not about women working, or staying at home, it’s about other people telling us how we should run our lives, and more specifically what we should do on a day-to-day basis

benefits to society. It's not about men. It’s not about women. It’s about creating a society where everyone is seen as equal.

This needs to stop.

Another prominent argument is the gender p gap Currently in the UK, for every £1 a m makes, a woman earns only 90p Britain saw th issue disputed in 1968 in the Dagenham stri when many female workers went on stri when they discovered that they were earni considerably less than their male colleagu The sad fact is that 54 years later this is still t reality for many women. Whilst women position in the workplace has undoubted evolved since the 1960s, this parallel is a cle display that changes still need to be made help women to continue establishing careers male-dominated fields

These changes are made by feminism Feminists are working to remove the expectations of what field of work women and men should go into, allowing women to go into a job role that they feel suits them, instead of one that they feel they are expected to go into. However, the fundamental cause of the gender pay gap and the factor that feminism has the greatest effect on is discrimination against women in the workplace Feminism is helping women to pursue careers in leadership roles, such as CEOs and management positions This change within the power dynamic in the workplace will help to confront the inequality that women face when being hired and promoted. This is a significant problem that women frequently face, and a clear display of why feminism is still necessary, especially in the workplace Feminism is allowing women to push the barriers in the workforce, and advance their careers, because it works to remove the obstacles that women face, simply because they are women

Another reason that people believe that feminism now seems unnecessary is that it seemingly has no real impact on men; therefore, what is the point of advancing one half of society, but not the other? Whilst this is a valid claim, it is important to recognise that feminism does have a significant impact on men and is undoubtedly improving the lives of men around the world. After all, equality for one is equality for all. Feminism takes the gender roles which have been around for many years and tries to deconstruct them This gives people the freedom to live without being tied down to traditional stereotypes This includes men as they are undoubtedly still subject to unwritten rules, which can have a significant impact on how some men are able to live their lives By removing the societal expectations that are placed on men (and women), and creating a gender-equal society, men ’ s mental health will continue to improve, potentially lowering the rate of depression and suicide amongst men

Another very prominent issue is the stereotypical representation of men (and women) in film and television, which can have detrimental effects on a person's body image and mental health These examples show why feminism is still necessary to improve the lives of both men and women Feminism gives both genders a chance to rewrite the unspoken rules that dictate how both genders should act; this means that things such as careers and emotions are not labelled as masculine or feminine, but rather as human, which will undoubtedly have a significant impact on many men, as well as women

Another example of why feminism is still necessary is the issue of microaggressions

Women are constantly on the receiving end of microaggressions, which are defined as: “ an act or remark that discriminates against one or more members of a minority group in a subtle manner ” . This can result in extremely damaging things like low self-esteem and feelings of exhaustion A common example is the double standards that women face daily, which are consistent in the workplace, in public, and in the home Double standards are defined as: “ a rule or principle which is unfairly applied in different ways to different people or groups ” Some examples are, “A man who speaks his opinion is strong and passionate A woman who speaks her opinion is malicious and shrill”, and “A woman who gets angry is irrational. A man who gets angry knows and gets what he wants ” It seems that in all situations men are already given the advantage of being perceived in a positive light while women are perceived in a negative one Society has created an environment where women always seem t come second, simply because they are wome This is a clear indication that feminism is st needed to change societal systems to allo women to be treated with the same respe that men are treated with, but are still viewe as unique and individual

However, the argument has been raised tha the impact of feminism is limited by the initi perceptions that people have of it Misogynis have labelled feminists as “ angry ” and “irrationa (yet another example of casual sexism) whic has affected the overall perception of th ideology. This means that for feminism to reac its maximum efficacy, more people need to be made aware that feminism is not equivalent to misandry

It is instead the fight for equality, that has the intention to benefit all women and all genders

Conclusively, I believe that feminism is still necessary for today’s society, as women are still at a disadvantage The intentions of feminism cannot be fulfilled until all people are given equal opportunities regardless of their gender Feminism is about creating a society where people are viewed as unique, but always equal, without exceptions This currently is not the reality, so something needs to change, and feminism is the way to do that

Society has created an environment where women always seem to come second, simply because they are women.

Howto saveyour local area...

ByChloeW

Climate Change is a global crisis that is affecting us currently and will continue to affect future generations. Many countries, cities, towns, and villages are doing what they can to help, but some are doing more than others Surrey has been known to be named one of England’s least eco-friendly areas, although many of the smaller towns within Surrey are surprisingly green

Many things can make a city ecofriendly or not, such as:

-Carbon emissions

-Plastic usage

-Air pollution

-Recycling

For a city to be eco-friendly, there may be solar panels on the rooves of houses, buildings made from more sustainable materials such as timber, recycling programmes, and lots of vegetation Many cities have put bans on polluting vehicles, while others have enhanced transparency and set goals to reduce their carbon footprint Have you been to any countries or cities that you think might rate among the most sustainable places?

Theworld’smost sustainablecities:

-Wellington, New Zealand -Zurich, Switzerland -Copenhagen, Denmark -Madrid, Spain -Canberra, Australia

These 5 cities have all used varied methods that have been highly successful at keeping their city ecofriendly during a time of global crisis. Wellington has a low population, which helps maintain clean air and reduce air pollution. On the other hand, Zurich generates 80% of its electricity from renewable energy sources, and Copenhagen has set a goal of carbon neutrality by 2025.

What about you?

There are around 466 towns and villages in Surrey, and there are 11 boroughs. According to SurreyLive, when these boroughs were ranked based on C02 emissions, percentage of efficient homes, renewable energy, and waste, Guildford ranked third in the borough and 104th in England. Reigate and Banstead ranked 5th and 206th in the country, and Epsom and Ewell ranked 6th and 214th

Whatcan youdo?

There is always a way to improve a town or city’s sustainability, no matter how sustainable it already is. You can...

Reuse and Recycle

Single-use plastic is a major cause of pollution and can be managed by using reusable containers and water bottles and always recycling even when it is inconvenient

One football field of trees is cut down every two seconds As a result, trees need to be planted quickly in order to provide habitats, ecosystems, and oxygen

Plant Trees Catch Rainwater

1154mm of rain falls in the UK every year This water is wasted and transported through the water cycle Coincidentally, litres of water are wasted in households every day. However, if we were to catch the rainwater and use it ourselves, we would solve both of these problems.

Switch off the lights

41% of the UK’s energy comes from fossil fuels While this may seem surprisingly low, the C02 produced is still endangering the climate even further. Additionally, many households across the UK are suffering from the rising prices of energy, and we cannot afford for more fortunate households to waste energy Therefore, something as simple as switching off the lights is very useful

Report by Emma M

Fashion’s Moral Dilemmas

December 2022

In the increasingly developing fashion industry, sustainability and transparency have become buzzwords. Fashion brands now should disclose information about the social and environmental impacts of the brand. However, a shocking figure from the Fashion Transparency Index portrays how the largest 250 brands still aren’t disclosing their environmental and social performance, which results in a concerning case of how the

companies are acting behind closed doors…

Only 45% of brands use sustainable materials, only 37% provide information on what those “sustainable” materials actually are and only 27% have agreed to cut carbon emissions. We need these numbers to significantly rise, otherwise the fashion industry will continue to harm the planet and the workers who manufacture these products. Progress is still needed! The research coordinator of Fashion

Revolution states “there’s no sustainable fashion without fair play,” which supports the idea that more brands must disclose the number of workers they employ and their living wage to help increase the level of workers' social welfare and keep them out of poverty. The lack of equality in the fast fashion world between the people who produce the garments, and the consumers is outrageous and needs to be widely recognised to put a stop to the injustice of the workers.

Are the brands you love telling the truth about sustainability?

Featured articles

A staggering 95% of brands don’t disclose information on the workers in their supply chain, which begs the question, what do they have to hide?

Earlier this year, The Fashion Act in New York proposed that they will require brands to disclose information about their energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, plastic usage, and wages for workers. This is because transparency is the bare minimum and this information can be highly useful in solving the issues surrounding the industry. With this information out in the open, brands will hopefully change their attitude towards becoming more ethical, environmentally friendly and accelerate the change in the fashion world.

However, on a positive note, Gucci is the first luxury brand to want to become circular and they even became a strategic partner with the Ellen MacArthur foundation. A circular company requires using sustainable materials and the recycling of garments to prevent them from ending up in landfill. This would be a dramatic movement in the fashion world and a highend brand like Gucci would certainly help promote the shift toward a circular industry. Gucci has already begun its sustainable movement, which is exemplified by their ‘Off The Grid Collection’, a launch in 2020 of garments made from 100% bio-based recyclable materials, animal-free leather, and sustainably sourced wood.

On the other hand, we are a long way from achieving a circular fashion industry because this other new buzzword ‘circular’ is being falsely used by greenwashing brands and therefore goes against the crucial need for transparency. Greenwashing is the false portrayal of a sustainable brand as they produce a small amount of its product ethically and leach onto the title of being a conscious, environmentally friendly company. Will we ever become a circular fashion industry?

To work towards achieving the ideal goal of sustainability, we need to put a stop to the culture of overconsumption. We all love clothes and it’s frightening to see how much, with a total of 100 billion new fashion products produced globally each year! For this to decrease and to save precious recourses, we need to start to reuse our wardrobes. We need to download apps like Depop and Vinted or buy from charity shops to prevent the detrimental growth of landfill. Even though it’s potentially more expensive, look at what clothes are made of and if you can steer away from polyester, this can prevent the pollution produced if you end up throwing it away. Try cotton or linen which are naturally biodegradable and may even be locally made. After all this, is a circular industry possible? We need a just transition, which the BFC reported, needs to aid the livelihoods of workers affected by a switch to sustainable fashion. However, everyone must help to make conscious decisions when shopping and be conscious of where clothes end up when they are no longer wanted!

...brands will hopefully change their attitude towards becoming more ethical, environmentally friendly and accelerate the change in the fashion world.

REFRAME YOUR THINKING AROUND GLASSES

AN ARTICLE BY BEA M

AN OPINION PIECE

Why the stereotypes around glasses wearers needs to change.

Can you conjure up a ‘nerdy’ face in your head? Close your eyes and picture it. I expect I can describe exactly what you ’ ve imagined: a person with protruding teeth, acne, and, of course, a pair of thickrimmed glasses. And yet, have you ever thought about why? More than half of people in the UK wear glasses Glasses come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colours Glasses define nothing about a person, except perhaps that they don’t have perfect vision And yet there are still long-standing negative stereotypes around glasses that can make people self-conscious and unhappy about having to wear them

A study has shown that wearing glasses can increase a child’s chances of being bullied at school by up to 37% Bullying and stereotyping can be damaging to children's self-confidence and can make them feel upset about wearing glasses, even though they need them to see properly! It is not a surprise that many young children don’t feel comfortable wearing glasses. Would you love your glasses if none of the people that you saw on TV wore them? Would you have enjoyed wearing your glasses growing up if none of your toys had them? Most people don’t maliciously enforce the negative stigma around glasses, they are just ignorant of how comments can really upset people I remember once being asked: ‘Can you take off your glasses so I can see how pretty you are?’

'THERE ARE STILL LONG-STANDING NEGATIVE STEREOTYPES AROUND GLASSES THAT CAN MAKE PEOPLE SELFCONSCIOUS AND UNHAPPY ABOUT HAVING TO WEAR THEM.'

Out of over 3660 official Apple emojis, there are fewer than 15 that wear glasses: teachers, grannies, and the so-called ‘nerd face’ Most people who wear glasses are none of these things, so representing themselves with emojis becomes a challenge Technology is one of the most fastmoving, progressive industries in the world, so why should they reinforce century-old stereotypes which are believed to date back to the Middle Ages? However, there is someone who has identified this issue, and she is 13-year-old Lowri Moore. She campaigns for glasses to be represented positively in the media, and her campaign is called #GlassesOn Moore sent a letter to the company that makes all the decisions about emojis, asking them to create the option to add glasses to any emoji, the same way that you can change the skin or hair colour of them. Lowri has also written a book called ‘Princess Rose and the Golden Glasses’ which is a story about self-acceptance and embracing differences 30% of the profit from each book goes to charities that provide eye tests to children who don’t have access to them.

When she was nine, Lowri even prompted Disney to create their first ever glasses-wearing ‘Disney Princess’ with Encanto’s Mirabel After her mother posted the letter that she had written online, it very quickly went viral There was an overwhelming response from the public, and Lowri was interviewed on both BBC Breakfast and BBC Radio in her hometown of Nottingham She was also invited to appear at the BAFTAs by Jared Bush, who directed Encanto

Obviously, glasses can also be used as stylish accessories, and there are increasing amounts of ‘prescription-free glasses’ being used as a fashion statement The fact that anyone can put on and wear glasses should serve as a reminder of how little glasses tell you about a person

The perception of glasses as normal, and even cool, is growing massively However, there is still a long way to go So, if you are lucky enough to be reading this with perfect eyesight, please remember that it’s not just academics, elderly people, and ‘nerds’ who wear glasses – in fact, it's over 50% of the population For those of you reading this through your glasses, I hope you feel happy to embrace the things that let you see the world clearly

WHAT IS WRONG WITH FAST FOOD?

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE C

TRY AND IMAGINE A MACDONALD’S BURGER IN YOUR MIND. PICTURE IT SITTING THERE IN THE BOX, THE SAUCE DRIPPING DOWN THE SIDES AND A BURGER SITTING IN BETWEEN THE FRESH, WHITE BUN. MAYBE YOU’RE LICKING YOUR LIPS ALREADY AND ITCHING TO ORDER ONE.

There is a growing market for fast food, due to its widespread popularity. In 2021, 81% of consumers ordered takeaways for home delivery, with 80% ordering drive-throughs and in-person, and 77% for collection. Cancer Research UK estimates that at least 22 million fastfood and takeaway meals are eaten weekly by adults in the UK Fast food is cheap, easy, and delicious What could possibly be wrong with it?

What are the effects of fast food?

Occasionally having fast food is fine, but consuming high quantities can have lasting, detrimental effects on one ’ s health Firstly, fast food can cause headaches because of the high amounts of sodium, increasing blood pressure Acne is another consequence due to the carbohydrates in French fries and burger buns, which can cause an increase in sebum production and clog pores. Consumers are also susceptible to dental issues, as the carbs and sugar produce acids that can destroy tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

MILLION FAST-FOOD AND TAKEAWAY MEALS ARE EATEN WEEKLY BY ADULTS IN THE UK

AN

In some cases it can increase the chances of depression; fast food often contains trans-fatty acids, which, besides the risk of clogging arteries, have been shown to affect mental health. Significantly, a more serious long-term effect could be heart disease; having higher cholesterol and higher blood pressure, due to the amounts of sodium in fast food, are the main factors that cause this. If combined with an inactive lifestyle, the weight gain often linked to fast food can be a major health concern.

Is fast food addictive?

Eating fast food can cause you to lose control over regulating hunger. All that fat, sugar, and salt make it taste delicious, which activates the release of the pleasure hormone dopamine. However, this then makes the dopamine receptors less sensitive to high levels of dopamine, so you need to eat more to gain the fast-food high, perpetuating this cycle

which understandably accounts for why so many people rely upon it After some time, these restaurants become quite profitable.

Did you know that it costs more to buy a vegan “Impossible Burger” than a beef burger in the same restaurant? In other words, trying to make an effort to eat more sustainably can be harder than it seems. This may seem ridiculous, but it is more effort for the factories to find the right vegetables and then try and make it taste like a meat burger.

Furthermore, fast-food restaurants use a lot of packaging Wrappers, straws, boxes, bags and other disposable packaging counts for approximately 40% of all litter, with styrofoam (which takes 900 years to break down) being the most common form of waste For example, if you were to order a takeaway from Wagamama, it’s almost like playing Pass the Parcel, unwrapping each layer of plastic one by one!

Other impacts...

It has been proven that a reliance on fast food and take away meals had led to a rapid decrease in the number of time families spend preparing and eating meals together According to Stanford Children’s health, “When families sit around a table to eat, it is proven that it helps strengthen family relationships, improve self-esteem, and improve communication skills in the family ”

Of course, there are reasons why many people consume fast food, as it is the most affordable option for some people and not everyone has the time to prepare meals from scratch.

Politicians don’t often mention the fast-food industry when they debate climate change questions But they should This is why Most of the products sold in fast-food restaurants contain meat, as large-scale production can be inexpensive MacDonalds sells more than 1 billion pounds of beef a year

The companies can then sell these products at a very affordable price and therefore many people eat fast food often because it is so cheap, a factor

Eating fast food is not something we should be ashamed of. Your body does need fat and sugar, and fast food is cheap and quick so if you are in a rush, it can be a good option and sometimes a nice treat. However, it is advisable to do this in moderation because if eating this becomes part of your daily routine, it becomes a problem for your body

How does fast food impact the environment?

News article

Stand With Ukraine

By Elliot D-G December 2022

Ukraine has long played a critical and often overlooked role in the global security order Today, the country is at the forefront of a revived great-power struggle, which many observers believe will dominate international relations in the coming decades

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 stood for a significant escalation of the eight-year-old conflict between the two countries and a critical turning point in European security After six months, many defence and international policy professionals saw the war as a significant strategic error by Putin, the Russian President, jeopardising his long-term control

Many people have lost their homes, families, and even lives, yet they continue to stay strong and fight against this dreadful war crime It is amazing how Ukrainians have not lost morale, but they should not go through this alone, which is why we need to do as much as we can to help them!

HOW CAN I HELP?

There are many ways to help, and some include donating money to the ‘Red Cross Ukraine Appeal’, but we can also make new Ukrainian residents feel at home and welcomed! One way to do this is to know these key phrases! Hello! = Добрий день (dobri den) Welcome! = Ласкаво просимо (Laskavo prosimo!) Please = Будь ласка (Bood laska) Thank you = Дякую (Dyakuyu) I need to make a phone call = Мені потрібно подзвонити (Menee potreebno podzvoniti ) Is your family with you? = Ваша сім’я з вами?(Vasha seemya z vami?) Do you have relatives/friends here? = Чи є у вас тут родичі/друзі? (Chi ye u vas tut rodichee/druzee?)

Please speak slowly = Будь ласка, говоріть повільно (Bood laska, hovoreet poveelno ) Could you repeat? = Повторіть, будь ласка ( Povtoreet, bood laska ) Do you take any medication? = Ви приймаєте якісь ліки? (Vi primayete yakees leeki?) Please write me if you need something = Будь ласка, напишіть мені, якщо вам щось потрібно (Bood laska, napisheet menee, yaksho vam shos potreebno )

Small acts of kindness can make a big difference!

-FORMEREDUCATION SECRETARY

AfeaturebyEvieW

Iwrotealetterto parliamentand receivedareply...

Two Prime Ministers and four Education Secretaries ago*, on the 26th of March 2022, I wrote to Nadhim Zahawi (as the current Education Secretary) to convey my concerns about climate change and creating greener school environments to work and teach in, as featured in the summer edition of the magazine. Two months later, I was excited to receive a reply from his department The letter addressed each of my points and explained both what the government and departmentarecurrentlydoingtohelpand whattheirfutureplansare

The response expressed how pleased ministers are to receive letters from young peoplebecausesuggestionsandfeedback inform the government of current feeling and therefore help them to shape future policy I think that, for this reason, it is important for more young people to share theirviewswithrelevantMPs

Whilst I sincerely hope that the points that were made in the response regarding future change come to fruition, I fear that, during a time of much political change, issues, such as the impacts of climate change on schools, may have fallen lower down the list of priorities Clearly, this is a shame but should not stop us from continuingtomakeourvoicesheard

AreplyfromMrZahawi

DearMissEvieW,

I am writing on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education to thank you for your letter of 22 April, regarding your concerns about climate change and creatinggreenerschools

Ministersarealwayspleasedtoreceivecorrespondencefromyoungpeoplelike you who take a keen interest in the education system. We are grateful for suggestionsasfeedbackinformsministersofcurrentfeelings

I have read your letter with interest and would like to take this opportunity to thankyoufortakingthetimetowritetouswithyourideas.

Firstly, I would like to reassure you that the department acknowledges the impact climate change has and will have, on the education and children's social care sectors. We also recognise the contribution the department can make to help create a sustainable future through education, developing the skills needed for a green economy, and supporting our sectors to reach net zerotargets.Wewillbeambitiousandaspiretoleadoursectorstowardamore sustainable future, as well as being active contributors to cross-government priorityoutcomes,strategies,andprogrammes.

You may already know that the department has set out a Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for the education and children's services systems Youcanreadaboutthisstrategyonourwebsitehere:

https://vwwv.gov.uk/govqrnfnentlpublicatio.ns/qustainabilitv:and-climAtechanoe

Thank you again for taking the time to write to us Evie I hope the information I have provided is useful and I would like to take the opportunity to wish you everysuccessinyourstudies

Yourssincerely,

Zahawi

TIPSAND TRICKSTOBE AWAREOF CONCERNING YOURTEETH

ThingsIlearnedduringmywork

Formostofus,theoneswhoareundereighteen, our oral healthcare is completely free and provided to us by our National Healthcare Service. In comparison, half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services like dental care. You might be wondering ‘dental care can’t be essential; it’s nothinglife-threatening.....’Well,I’llstopyouright in your tracks. Oral healthcare is essential and the lack of it can be very dangerous. So, in this article,Iwillprovideclearandconcisefactsthat could save your teeth or keep you from visiting thedentisttoooften.

Doyoueverwakeupinthemorningwithheadachesandasorejaw?You might be grinding your teeth. 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth, and 10%oftherestofthepopulation.

Grinding of teeth, also called bruxism, is often related to stress, anxiety, depression, sleep apnoea, and tobacco or alcohol use Although lots of people grind or clench their teeth occasionally, when it becomes a frequent habit, itcanseriouslyimpactyourdentalhealth.Aftereffects of bruxism can be headaches, earaches, facial pain, jaw pain, damaged teeth, sensitive teeth, broken teeth, or broken fillings. Now, after scaringyou,I’lltryandhelp.Thesolutiontothisis a mouthguard. This does not mean that simply having your impressions taken and getting a mouthguard back and then leaving it on your bedside table will fix everything. Consistently wearingone(andhopefullycleaningitafteruse) will help. Nothing that has been done can be undone; however, we can prevent any future effectsfromhappening.

Haveyougotacompromisedimmunesystem?Givethedentistavisit!Inmost cases, there will not be any problems and you can continue as normal. The immunesystemdoesessentialworkinkeepingusaliveandhealthy,butwhen itmalfunctionsitcancauseproblemsandnewevidencesuggeststhatoneof those problems could be dental cavities. Researchers have found that tooth decay is potentially partly caused by bacteria enlisting the unwitting help of immune cells known as neutrophils, with cavities and damage to fillings showingasthecollateraldamageofthebattlebetweentheseneutrophilsand bacteria.Neutrophilsaredeployedthroughthegumstofightoffinfection–but while they cannot damage teeth on their own, they do appear to cause bacteria to release an acidic self-defence mixture. In turn, that acid causes damagetoourteeth.

N f th t t i l d k h b hi t th d ’t

ELECTRIC VS NON-ELECTRIC CARS

MY THOUGHTS ON THE DEBATE, BY SMAYAN P

With electric cars rapidly increasing in popularity over traditionally fuelled cars, the time has come to finally conclude which is better!

MOST POPULAR ELECTRIC CAR

Electric cars are relatively new to the industry Due to the rather large batteries on the bottom of the car, you may not expect them to act as smoothly and elegantly as they do However, Elon Musk’s Tesla has defied all the technological odds: the most popular electric car is a Tesla (particularly ‘Model 3’) It is one of the most advanced cars, (only competing with other Tesla models) though hideously expensive at £47,000!

MOST POPULAR NON-ELECTRIC CAR

It isn’t quite that easy to isolate the most popular non-electric car as they have been around for a long time and are not so limited in choice. For the sake of the article, we’ll say it is the Mercedes 300 de; like the Tesla model 3, it is fairly new to the market, but this car comes in at £50,280, surprisingly more expensive than the Tesla. Mercedes E 300 de also comes with a vast range of modern tech and intriguing features.

HOW FAR DOES THIS CAR GO?- MILAGE

The average annual mileage for an electric car is 6431 miles, and surprisingly, the average mileage for a diesel car is 6700 miles per year! The lowest distance drivable for a Tesla is the Model 3, which lasts for 267 miles, whilst the longest can be driven for 405 miles, which the Tesla Model S offers

Feature by Smayan P

Elon Musk’s Tesla has defied all the technological odds.

NON-ELECTRIC ELECTRIC VS

CHARGING

There are 8,378 gas stations in the UK that supply Diesel On the other hand, there are 34,637 electric vehicle chargers, as of the 1st of October 2022 6,395 of those were rated rapid and an additional 19,746 were considered fast There has been an 8% increase in electric chargers in the UK, and a total of 2,626 since 1st July 2022 (421 of those are rapid chargers) In the UK, there are more rapid electric chargers than in any other nation with the exceptions of Japan, China, and South Korea Most of these vehicle chargers are free, which is a definite advantage to fuel prices (as of the 26th of October 2022, diesel costs 189.83 pence per litre). You can charge your car whilst you go somewhere or overnight. However, diesel cars can fill their tanks in a matter of minutes. On average, Tesla car batteries last for 336 miles on a singular charge.

PRICE

The average electric car is £47,456 in the UK, and it goes down to £46,679 when you include electric vans and minivans

As of right now, electric cars are probably the way to go, because the government will ban diesel cars in 2030 The European Union is doing the same and will stop selling diesel cars by 2035

FEEL

The familiar sounds that some of the diesel supercars make are some of the most impressive, but electric cars definitely have the smoothest sound A major difference in the looks of the interior of each car is that the electric car doesn’t have the rear tunnel whereas every diesel car has This is because of the roaring engine in the diesel car that takes up that space In the electric car, there is no engine but a battery on the bottom, therefore there is no need for the rear tunnel

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Overall, I much prefer electric cars for the following reasons:

·Firstly, they are more environmentally friendly ·Secondly, they are cheaper to charge and occasionally free (slow charging is almost always free)

·And finally, because the government is going to ban Diesel cars

THE JOYS OF WALKING

A L O O K I N T O T H E E N D L E S S B E N E F I T S O F W A L K I N G

Studies show that just a brisk 10-minute walk does a lot to boost both your mental and physical health, whilst also counting towards the NHS-recommended 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) of weekly exercise Walking at a fast pace was associated with benefits for all outcomes such as dementia, heart disease, and cancer. The study also found that every 2,000 steps lowered the risk of premature death incrementally by 8 to 11%

Furthermore, researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Southern Denmark found that 10,000 steps each day are the “sweet spot” to help lower the risk of disease and death If you don’t have the time for 10,000 steps, don’t worry at all! It was discovered that a fasterpaced ‘ power walk’ is almost as advantageous as walking across longer distances

How often do you consciously step out into the woods for an afternoon wander? You would not be alone in thinking ‘not often at all!’ The average person only walks 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day. Moreover, very few make the decision - instead of watching that movie or going back to that computer game - to actively go out for some brief but beneficial exercise.

However, walking through nature offers greater benefits than simply walking on a treadmill; it’s the secret to a longer life with a lower risk of disease and has countless other benefits for mental health too Japanese studies show that Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing or absorbing the forest atmosphere) was reportedly effective for depression, anxiety, stress, and anger in both clinical and non-clinical samples, especially for anxiety The results reported in the selected studies were in line with relevant theories: spending time in nature increased relaxation This study determined that a ‘forest-bathing’ programme helps to significantly lower pulse rate, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure after a 2-hour walk In addition, reduced tension, anger, fatigue, depression, confusion, anxiety, and improved positive emotions were reported. Forest bathing is now even prescribed as a treatment for those who struggle with poor mental health by therapists, which has led to a healthier lifestyle for people of all ages

So, next weekend or an afternoon this Christmas holiday, why not take a break from the world of work to step out into nature and walk? Embrace nature’s possibilities and the benefits of exercise, and allow yourself time to heal in the calm of the countryside.

When was the last time you went for a decent walk?

BANNED BOOKS!

BySofiaL

This year, Banned Books Week was held from the 18-24th of September Raising awareness about the censorship and controlofliteratureworldwide,theevent aims to increase the availability of banned books so that readers can develop their own conclusions. Books can be banned by schools, governments, and libraries - for a variety of reasons. Here are some examples of books that are often challengedorcensored:

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

Following the life of Winston Smith in a London controlled by the totalitarian group ‘the Party,’ Orwell’s dystopian novel introduced phrases such as ‘Big Brother’ and ‘doublethink’ to our vocabulary. Josef Stalin interpreted the novel as a satirical commentary on his leadership, and in 1950 it was banned in the Soviet Union for being anti-communist. Interestingly, the novel has also been banned in areas of the United States (such as Jackson County in the 1980s) for being procommunist. In the novel, Winston works in the Ministry of Truth, altering articles and documents to rewrite history It’s perhaps ironic that a book that focuses heavily on government censorship and indoctrination has been so frequently edited and banned.

Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H Lawrence

Lawrence’s 1928 novel depicting the relationship between the married Constance Chatterley and the gamekeeper Mellors has been banned for obscenity in Canada, Australia, India, Japan, the UK, and the USA! In November 1960, the novel was put on trial after Penguin published an uncensored edition An account of the trial is given in Sybille Bedford’s The Trial of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, where she described authors such as E M Forster being brought to the witness stand to defend Lawrence’s use of ‘obscene’ language and explicit scenes. The jurors first had to agree on whether the novel was ‘obscene.’ They then had to decide if the use of obscenity could be justified in being ‘for the public good ’ They ultimately voted ‘not guilty’ which resulted in greater freedom for publishers in Britain Penguin’s second edition of the novel was published in 1961, and contains this dedication: "For having published this book, Penguin Books was prosecuted under the Obscene Publications Act, 1959 at the Old Bailey in London from 20 October to 2 November 1960 This edition is therefore dedicated to the twelve jurors, three women and nine men, who returned a verdict of 'not guilty' and thus made D H Lawrence's last novel available for the first time to the public in the United Kingdom.”

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

by Maya Angelou

The autobiography of poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou discusses identity, racism, assault, and the power of language. Chronicling her life between the ages of 3 and 16, the autobiography has also been classed as a Bildungsroman, a coming-of-age story. Despite accolades and praise from her contemporaries – such as James Baldwin who referred to it as a book that ‘liberates the reader into life,’ Angelou’s work has been banned across the USA I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was banned from a school district in Virginia, after complaints that it ‘encouraged profanity.’ Members of the Alabama State Textbook Committee wanted the book to be rejected from school curriculums – claiming that it contained ‘bitterness and hatred towards whites.’ Elsewhere, in Maryland, the autobiography was removed from secondary school reading lists because protestors believed it was ‘likely to corrupt minors ’ Between 1990 and 2000, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings ranked third on the American Library Association’s list of the USA’s most banned books. When discussing this censorship, Angelou pointed out that her novels are often banned by ‘people who never read two sentences [of them].’ In spite of this censorship, the novel’s content spoke for itself, and in 2011 it was included in Time Magazine’s list of the top 100 non-fiction books The same year, Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol

This children’s classic describes the nonsensical adventures of a little girl in a bizarre, fantasy wonderland Featuring anthropomorphic characters such as the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the March Hare, and (for some reason) a lizard called Bill, the novel remains popular and has never been out of print. However, in 1931 Alice in Wonderland and its sequel Through the Looking- Glass were banned in a Chinese province called Hunan, for their depiction of animals Officials believed that ‘animals should not use human language,’ and that portraying them with the same intellectual abilities as humans were insulting. There were also fears that the novel taught children to view humans and animals on the same level.

.

This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson

A PSHEE guide focusing on the experiences of LGBTQ+ teenagers, This Book is Gay has been banned and ‘challenged’ in areas of the USA, such as Alaska, Texas, Florida, and Wyoming. In 2021, the Republican politician Matt Krause included it in a list of books he believed should be banned from schools 62% of the 850 books he listed mentioned LGBTQ+ people Historically, laws controlling the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in literature have been established worldwide. For example, the 1988 UK law known as Section 28 greatly restricted the material that could be published and taught in schools. The removal of this law in the early 2000s prompted many authors, including Dawson, to write novels and campaign against censorship

Do you notice any patterns in these books – and can you think of any others that have been banned? Should governments, schools, and libraries have the right to control what we read? Luckily, all the books listed are available in the school library or on the RGS e-platform*

*Please check the reading age recommendation first*

TRIP ACROSS EUROPE

DECEMBER 2022

STOP 1: PARIS

OVER THE SUMMER, I WENT ON A THREE-WEEK TRIP FROM CENTRAL LONDON TO THE BEAUTIFUL COSTA BLANCA, VIA PARIS, BORDEAUX, AND SAN SEBASTIAN

Paris has so many landmarks to visit, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe The history is so interesting and the views are stunning I thought that the view from the Arc de Triomphe was better than the view from the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, as the view from the Arc de Triomphe was not obstructed by metal. However, I did have an extremely tasty pretzel on the Eiffel Tower I stayed in a tiny apartment on Rue La Condamine, an area just outside the city’s centre The Paris Metro was an efficient way of getting around the city, and I even managed to travel on one of the double-decker RER trains (I wish we had double-decker trains in the UK)! I was pleased to find that announcements onboard both trains came in many different languages, which you do not get in the UK. Walking down the Champs Elysees was amazing, especially when lots of military planes including the Patrouille de France (the French red arrows) flew over! The only downside is that nearly everyone in Paris smokes, so the air was almost toxic!

LEG 1: LONDON - PARIS

To get from London to Paris, I took the Eurostar via the Eurotunnel, which is the only direct rail link between the UK and mainland Europe I took one of the newer, more common Eurostar e320s (class 374), as opposed to the older, now rarer Eurostar e300s (class 373). The journey was quick, around 2 hours and 15 minutes The Wi-Fi did not work at the start of the journey, but I then managed to get it working! I travelled in standard class, and the seats were very comfortable and spacious

LEG 2: PARIS TO BORDEAUX

To start our journey to Bordeaux, we had to go to Paris Montparnasse station In other words, Hell Central The station was too big It had three ‘halls ’ Hall One was at the front, super simple, but our train was not boarding from there Hall Two operated on the same platforms as Hall One, just from above. This was used as different operators had different boarding processes The only way to get to Hall Two was to walk about halfway down

one of Montparnasse’s unnecessarily long platforms and go up the stairs Hall Three was all the way down the platform and that was where we thought our train was leaving from I was unsure about this and ended up being correct We were actually leaving from Hall Two! We had to run halfway back down the platform and rush to the ticket gate, where we finally boarded our train.

The TGV Ouigo is a low-cost French high-speed train service As you would expect with any lowcost travel service, paying for baggage was expensive The train itself was moderately comfortable, but the colour scheme was dreadful The main colours are light blue and pink, and the walls inside the train were clashing black Apart from that, the journey was satisfactory Bordeaux St. Jean station was the complete opposite of Montparnasse. It was beautiful, historic, and easier to navigate.

LEG 3: BORDEAUX TO SAN SEBASTIAN

2: BORDEAUX

Upon arriving in Bordeaux, we took the tram to our accommodation on the main street of St Catherine, a pedestrianised road full of shops The tram is very helpful for getting around, and once you get your head around the ticket system, it works very well All trams were efficient, and most were on time Bordeaux is situated on both sides of the river Garonne, and you can take a tram along the banks of the river Some of the other cool features in Bordeaux include the water mirror which is super fun for kids to play in When the water drains out, the shiny ro the reflection of the beautiful b behind it. Along the banks, ther Vin, and its questionable archi other side of the river, there is which is a modern redevelopm theme of nature and art Finall beautiful cathedral, and we went

We went back to Bordeaux station, which was, of course, a good experience The TER train that we caught was comfortable and had a relaxing colour palette inside. The train had to go at an extremely slow pace because of the hot weather and we, therefore, got delayed whilst on the train. Once we made it to Hendaye, which had a simple but elegant structure, we changed onto the Euskotren, which literally translates as ‘Basque Train ’ The Euskotren trains were sleek and modern, but some of the stations along the line were slightly on the outdated side San Sebastian Amara station was easy to navigate and even had a museum inside one of their old trains on a disused platform!

SEBASTIAN

San Sebastian is one of the most perfect places in Spain The weather is never too hot or too cold The Old Town is stunning, and the restaurants are top-quality In Basque Country, there is a special type of tapas known as Pinchos or Pintxos Pinchos in Spanish translates as skewers, referring to the skewers that you eat them on In Basque, it translates as snacks, referring to how small the dishes are. Pinchos are small bits of tapas on a stick, like a skewer but better!

Going back to the two translations, San Sebastian has two languages: Spanish and Basque Spanish is more commonly used, so, when talking to any natives, it is better to talk in Spanish The highlight of San Sebastian is the bay that it is situated in The views are picturesque, and the sea is like a bathtub Definitely a place for everyone, and I would recommend visiting if you are looking to go abroad.

On one of the days, we went to Zarautz on the Euskotren The waves there are perfect for surfing as it is situated outside of the bay The restaurant that we went to served excellent food, and we had a delicious meal When coming back, we went to the Mount Igueldo amusement park, a traditional country park, and we had to take a funicular train to get to it, which was an experience to remember.

LEG 4: SAN SEBASTIAN TO BILBAO AIRPORT

LEG 5: BILBAO AIRPORT TO ALICANTE AIRPORT

The San Sebastian Coach Terminal experience was not so good for us. It was hot and stuffy inside, and our coach driver arrived late. Once we got on the road, the experience was relatively good Despite being dark inside the coach, some of the scenery outside was beautiful There were palm trees scattered around some of the roundabouts, which were nice to see When we got to Bilbao Airport, we stayed the night at the Holiday Inn Express, but, seeing as we have those in the UK, I don’t think I need to comment on it!

Our experience on Vueling Airlines was as good as any other airline The flight was efficient, and the airport had good facilities The one thing that we did not expect was having to show our passports, as it was a domestic flight. The Alicante Arrivals process was as quick as ever, and we were out sooner than we thought We then took a taxi to La Manga Club

STOP

4: LA QUINTA AT LA MANGA CLUB

I have been to La Quinta many times, and it is a wonderful place for a holiday. There is a lovely pool and classical villas, and at La Manga Club there is so much to do There are so many restaurants and golf courses, including ones for the kids Being there with family is even better, as I met my grandparents there In terms of food, I recommend Paimans for Asian, El Torro in Los Belones for Tapas, and Cañonero for seafood, steak, and more Also, in La Quinta, there is La Solana as well which is their restaurant, which does lunches for people staying there. On a Monday evening, there is a barbecue night with live music. Near La Quinta, there is Bellaluz town, which consists of a beautiful square and some restaurants

FINAL THOUGHTS...

To sum it up, the trip was really fun, but also quite tiring Travelling so much took up a lot of energy: who knew? I did notice a lack of dairy-free food along this trip for my brother, but we found alternatives for him Overall, my favourite place was Bordeaux, because of all the beautiful scenery and top-quality restaurants I would definitely do this trip again!

WINTER WARDBROBE STAPLES

Fashion Edit by Emma M

As the weather changes, so does your wardrobe! Are you in desperate need of a clothing upgrade? These winter essentials are must-haves for this year and I’ve picked them perfectly to accommodate the latest trends and styles.

FROM SCARVES TO SHOES

As well as keeping you warm this winter, bright and colourful scarves cater as the perfect accessory. Layering a bold statement scarf over a minimal outfit will brighten up your image and transform any simple outfit. From affordable options like Zara to expensive, trendy brands like Acne Studios, a scarf is a necessity for creating a winter look.

You may have seen Uggs making a comeback since the early 2000s and rightly so! They are a comfortable boot and are perfect for a winter walk. I especially love the grey colour, a simple contrast to the standard yet classic brown shoe. Pair them with a pair of jeans, a knit jumper, or a casual blazer to create an uncomplicated but timeless outfit.

KNITWEAR

To keep warm yet stay away from drowning in a puffer coat, a knit jumper, either simple or with a statement, will illuminate a casual but elegant outfit If oversized, pair with a mini skirt and those boots I mentioned earlier. A jumper is versatile and never a purchase you will regret With turtle necks making an appearance this winter, you can get your hands on some comfortable and stylish sweaters from places like Zara, Pull and Bear, H&M, Ralph Lauren, and Bershka. I recommend an oversized look because comfort is key and essential in your winter wardrobe.

DR. MARTENS

I can’t forget the versatile chunky black boot If you have a pair, you will understand how much a platform black boot can salvage an outfit. However, if you don’t fancy the splurge on Dr.Martens, Zara do a dupe just as good for half the price! These will compliment any day or night outfit and will never be a shoe to stay hidden in the cupboard for long

TIMELESS CLASSIC

If a heavy jumper is too much or you fancy layering your clothes, try a blazer to elevate your outfit. Simple colours like black, white, or beige will portray your style as put together and can even make a dress look more casual when worn over the top. Sadly, blazers can be on the pricier side but they are worth every penny They can be worn all year round and will definitely be in your winter wardrobe this time next year

However, if your wardrobe is craving an item to keep you warm yet not cover your hoodie or jumper underneath…you need a gilet! As the temperature drops, you can’t handle the cold in just a jumper, even if you want to show it off. A gilet is the perfect option if you want less coverage than your usual puffer coat or blazer. From amazing ones at The North Face to Urban Outfitters and Zara, you can still find the perfect gilet in time for the upcoming winter months.

BAGS & BRANDS

This isn’t necessarily a winter necessity, however, these are the bags I think you should buy Starting with a simple black baguette bag, you can’t go wrong, can you?

SHOP THIS LOOK

After reading this and hopefully imagining what items are on your wish list, make sure to look at Pinterest for ideas and experiment with your style. If you can, buy from places like Depop and Vinted to stay sustainable and try to limit yourself or steer away from fast fashion brands. You can even sell your old clothes to clear a space for your new ones after Black Friday and an influx of presents on Christmas Day!

I would suggest buying a tote bag and you can even double this up for school as it’s perfect for carrying all your books With winter being complimented by colours such as brown, black, red or white, it’s definitely worth purchasing a shoulder bag in one of these colours to complete your outfit and act as a highly practical accessory.

Brands to look out for this winter are Zara, Bershka, Subdued, Motel Rocks, Stradivarius, H&M, NA-KD, and Pull and Bear.

CHRISTMAS INSPO

BY EMMA M

Got any great outfit ideas?

Want to get involved in the fashion section of 'The Castle'?

Get in touch with Emma M!

REVISITING 'THE OFFICE': HOW A SMALL PAPER COMPANY TOOK STEVE CARRELL TO STARDOM

The Office: A Review by Sam C

Three months after the UK release of Best in Show, Ricky Gervais and his writing partner Stephen Merchant dazzled the public with their own take on the mockumentary A mockumentary is a fake take on facts, an account of a false truth, and a dreamed-up version of reality More simply put: a fake documentary With its harsh humour and robust realism, Gervais and Merchant's hit show The Office was enough of a success to earn him a ticket to the land of stars. Nevertheless, Gervais and Merchant decided it was time to start all over again, this time in Scranton, Pennsylvania with a small paper company called Dunder Mifflin Sticking to tradition, they cast upcoming star Steve Carrell as the boss, along with a relatively unknown supporting line-up of, as Dwight would put it, subordinates. Little did these subordinates know that they were about to become internet phenomena

The Office opens much like its UK counterpart, with boss Michael Scott vexing his co-workers with his insensitivity, obliviousness, and an ego that makes Iron Man look like Kirk van Houten. Over time, however, it is clear that The Office has America in its blood, with its hilariously funny and charming jokes that encapsulate US comedy as a whole Another similarity with the States’ other comedies is larger-than-life characters like Dwight (Rainn Wilson), a radical reinvention of Gareth, who lives for power and discipline, who contrasts well with the quiet but prank-loving Jim, played by future director of A Quiet Place John Krasinski, whose charming relationship with receptionist Pam (Jenna Fischer) adds a touch of light to Dunder Mifflin’s darkness.

One thing that separates The Office from other US comedies like The Simpsons is that the story does not reset each episode. The line-up of The Office changes over time, with departures, arrivals, heartbreak, and new love Season 2 sees a dramatic change in characters that switches the tone of the story permanently, turning Season 3 into what felt like more of a serious drama than a silly drollness. Season 3 is at the apex of the audience’s rooting for characters, with romance, disappointment, and a story you cannot pause Michael seems to fade into the background a little as we watch what happens to Jim, but still remains a welcome break in these turning-point years of Jim's life. If you get this far, savour the magic as much as you can, because once Season 4 kicks in, it vanishes forever

BJ Novak and his crew managed to churn out another five seasons, but it is clear that from this point, it’s well past its prime Nevertheless, with fresh ideas, an entertaining story, and a full investment in American style-comedy, viewers must have been uncertain at the time as to when and why the show would eventually end Deep into the second half, however, it’s clear why the show suddenly dropped in quality. During this point in the show, it's hard to find any love for the characters, and the finale leaves you with a disappointingly bland taste in your mouth, like a food you really love but have had too many times

Immortalisation, however, is the only word that can describe the actors’ reward for such a lengthy burden. Steve Carrell, previously known for his much more obscure performances as Evan Baxter (Bruce Almighty, 2003) and Andy Stitzer (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, 2005), channelled all his energy into Michael Scott, always refusing to be anything but his best. His leadership of The Office propelled him to eternal fame, leading to perhaps his most famous role - Gru from Despicable Me

From March 24, 2005, to May 16, 2013, this lengthy epic of a mockumentary has made little-known dramatists into paparazzi-making artists With the popularisation of the smartphone, it was the perfect time for the actors’ characters to turn into viral sensations, with Kevin Malone and Stanley Hudson being just a few accidental GIF legends.

Despite its occasional dips in quality, The Office sustains its outrageously funny yet warm-hearted humour. It may not have the political impact of District 9 or the realism of its British equivalent, but, nearly ten years after its ending, The Office still remains just as alive as it was nine years ago The main cast is charming and the sub-cast, with a few exceptions, is just as much so. Scranton, Pennsylvania will be remembered for its show for years to come (if, as I seem to be hinting here, a zombie apocalypse has occurred) and Gervais and Merchant have successfully inspired an incredible work of comedy; a plethora of memes, a vastly well-known TV show and a steppingstone for the lesser known to join the stars of Hollywood

THE SHOW THAT RUINED KIDS' GAMES FOREVER: SQUID GAME

(2021)

*NOT SUITABLE FOR THOSE UNDER 15*

Are you a fan of competitions? Are you a fan of fun and games? Are you a fan of the looming threat of death as you compete for a handsome handful of hard-earned cash? Well, you're in luck Having browsed through the barren and tumbleweed-bearing Netflix menu, it came clear to me that although the once sought-after streaming service calls itself Netflix, being short for Internet Flicks or Internet Films, is not about films at all it's a broad range of binge-able box sets, one of which has gained a surprising but somewhat understandable amount of popularity with the recent trend of South Korea in UK fashion. I am almost 100% certain that this is the first thing I have watched with the word 'Squid' in the title, but despite its weird name, the critical acclaim and the mysterious poster of the show was more than enough for me to decide: Squid Game was the show to watch next

Having fallen into debt, the divorced father Seong Gi-Hun, who has resorted to gambling for money, encounters a mysterious man who plays a game with him called Ddakji for money As a result of his win, he is invited to a bigger game for an even handsomer cash prize. After signing up, however, Gi-Hun begins to realise that something isn't quite right With 455 other players and being player 456 himself, Gi-Hun and his new companions watch in bafflement as guards dressed in pink coats and scary masks inform them about the games Although the players gradually begin to calm down, they are soon greeted with a gruesome surprise: not only can they never stop playing the games, but players who are eliminated will be... you know, eliminated Stop taking the rule book so literally, guys!

you a fan of mpetitions? Are a fan of fun games? Are a fan of the ming threat of th as you mpete for a dsome handful ard-earned h? Well, you're uck.

Squid Game embraces one of the key parts of horror: an inappropriate environment to complement dialogue and sound, or vice versa Joyful jazz music plays as we watch the players struggling in vain as 'It', a giant robotic child with eyes that move independently, causes their deaths in a game of Red Light, Green Light, while The Blue Danube can be heard while the players socialise in the comfort (or should I say discomfort) of their prison-like home Seeing guns on a backdrop of cheerful kindergarten colours is both incredibly creepy and strangely pleasing stylistically, perhaps due to the plethora of colours that can be seen on screen at one moment, before being spattered with red lots of red The first four games are exceptionally strong, bringing a different challenge to the table every time, and dramatic irony concerning the players and the game's staff adds an extra level of excitement Although writer (and director) Hwang Dong-Hyuk occasionally throws in some twists and turns that never quite seem to explain themselves, the show has done very well in thinking itself through; the hierarchy of the guards, the order of the games and the 'confidentiality' that the guards maintain to keep the games a secret from the wider world

My knowledge of Korean culture has not been particularly enriched by this slaughterhouse of a show. Apart from the appearance of an instant, dried food called Ramyeon (not to be confused with Japanese ramen noodles) which I would love to eat one day, the inequality of Seoul and a few hints concerning fact vs fiction of foreigners' views of Korean customs, Squid Game spends too much time in the game arena for us to learn that much about South Korea

Squid Game embraces one of the key parts of horror...

itself: the main thing you will learn is that your next trip to the supermarket will be for Ramyeon

The ending managed to achieve the impossible, leaving me both disappointed and amazed Without spoiling it, the ending uses both the conventional and the unconventional to leave its audience as uncomfortable as possible, and perhaps unsure how Netflix has managed to secure a three-season deal with such a franchise What Squid Game commentates best on, however, is that the most valuable thing to us should not be any sort of possession or eyewatering bank account, but life itself Life is a cruel game, which is reflected not only in the children's games but in the adult's games, both in the players taking part and the safer (yet seemingly less safe) souls engaged in the humdrum (or occasionally chaos) of the outside world With all its bloodshed and bullets, the best weapons that I thought Squid Game had to offer were the smaller losses which, so to speak, brought the tears rather than the fears At one point, Sae-byuk has a conversation with a player not too dissimilar from her: private, untrusting, and toughened by past torment It's this past torment in particular that makes this moment moving and it also proves that while mass murder has a fair amount of impact, personal misfortunes are the ones that hit the audience hardest

Overall, true to form, Squid Game is the best thing I have seen that has 'Squid' in the title, and on a more serious note is a strangely enlightening first-rate drama, and though it does not compare with Band of Brothers or I, Claudius, its 8/10 score on IMDb and 78% on TMDb is something I can sympathise with. It is definitely something for your TV bucket list, but make sure to prepare your own bucket for when things get nasty!

Best Christmas Films of ALL TIME

Each year, as December rolls around, there are few things more enjoyable than watching your favourite seasonal movie. Whether your Christmas spirit begins to defrost just in time for the winter holidays, or even if you started listening to Wham’s Last Christmas in August, it’s safe to say that there simply isn’t enough time to watch the endless number of festive films that we are spoilt for choice with. This struggle is universal, and so here is a compiled list of the public’s top five Christmas flicks to save you from missing out on some of the all-time favourites

Embrace the Christmas cringe!

Love Actually

With an IMDB rating of 7.6/10 and 159,000 monthly UK searches, this film is arguably the public’s favourite festive movie. And we can see why! Love Actually owes much of its success to its highbrow cast, including the famous faces: Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Kiera Knightley, Liam Neeson, and Alan Rickman From its unapologetically British characters to its undeniable hilarity, this film captures every essence of light-hearted British humour. All in all, it’s a relatable, feelgood family favourite with a spectacular cast. What’s not to love?

Nativity

Released in 2009, this heartwarming film follows a group of primary school children who face the challenges of putting on an annual Nativity play. Mr. Poppy, a fan-favourite, brings hilarious moments of insanity to this nostalgic movie, reminding us of what it is like to have limitless ambitions, as there isn’t a single moment where he doubts the talents of these young children. If you’re up for a laugh, this film is definitely worth the watch; it teaches us not to take life too seriously, with its silly and utterly ridiculous plot line

Elf

Set mostly in the bustling festivities of New York, Elf follows the comedic story of a man from the North Pole, who has been raised by Santa’s elves Receiving a review of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, this film’s contagious humour has spread across the globe. From Will Farrell’s use of Christmas sweets in spaghetti to his enthusiastic snowflake decoration of a popular New York toy store, this film covers every aspect of Christmas spirit. Many say that this film brings out the child-like positivity in adults, as the vivacity of each scene reminds us of what it’s like to let go and just have fun.

Arthur Christmas

Coming in 4th place, this underrated Christmas film deserves all its glory. This witty cartoon displays a long line of Santa Clauses and the problems faced when Arthur, Santa’s youngest son, attempts to deliver a gift to the girl that Santa forgot. Laced with a timeless message of perseverance, this film touches the hearts of all ages and captivates audiences with its humorous, feel-good atmosphere. Audiences have rated this contemporary classic 4.7 out of 5 stars. Seriously, you don’t want to miss out on this one!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Last, but certainly not least, this 2000s classic takes the final spot on the podium. With several remakes, this film is one that many consider an automatic annual festive watch, each time Christmas rolls around Based on Dr Seuss’ Christmas tale, first published in 1957, this movie captures the surrealist elements of ‘Whoville,’ its unusual yet fascinating nature drawing in audiences worldwide. A popular comment about this favourite is (spoiler!) the heartwarming feeling that sits with the audience, due to the happy ending. After all, it wouldn’t be a Christmas classic without the Grinch’s admirable character development!

NONSENSE OR NOT?

B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y H U G O J

Fake news is everywhere, and it can be hard to tell the difference between what is real and what is not Sometimes articles can sound completely bizarre but be true, so even if it does sound ridiculous, it may be worth rethinking your way of spotting fake news.

Follow these top tips:

Does it come from a trustworthy source? Does the headline/information seem too good to be true?

If it's online, is the URL unusual? Is it recent? Could the information be ‘out of date’?

Is it formatted correctly with correct punctuation and spelling?

Does it seem like it could be a joke? Does the picture look photoshopped?

Now for a test! You can use these tips to spot which of these articles is fake and which is real!

Article 1: Sellafield Raided

Last night Sellafield the nuclear power station was raided 90% off the nuclear weapons had disappeared The delusional train station manager says that nonbranded helicopter The helicopters had electromagnetic devices on the bottom which attracted the nuclear weapons The location of the weapons is currently unknown, and the government is telling the public to be ‘cautious ’

REALORFAKE?

Article 2: Real or fake? News or nonsense?

Fare Evading Swan Gives Staff the Runaround at a Busy Railway Station

The “cheeky" bird was seen ruffling feathers at Salisbury railway station - by evading capture and a tempting cheese sandwich Claire Sheppard, a photographer, was returning from a trip to Bristol on Saturday, September 24, when she witnessed the bizarre scene She said: "Waiting on the platform, I saw there was a lone young swan ” "There were two guards who weren’t quite sure what to do They were trying to entice the swan away from the tracks with bits of a cheese sandwich.”

“The guard said he had never seen anything like it in his 30 years working there."

Sheppard uploaded the humorous pictures to Twitter in a tweet that read: "I’d just got off the Bristol to Salisbury train yesterday and saw this poor chap! The guards were trying to entice him away from the track with bits of cheese sandwiches Let’s hope the RSPCA comes to the rescue "

After the stand-off the bird was finally rescued by a local swan sanctuary

Did you guess correctly?

So which article was fake? It was article 1! You may have spotted that ‘of’ was spelled as ‘off’ on the first line On the second line, the source was ‘the delusional train station manager ’ Do you think that that is a reliable source? Also, the sentence it was in didn’t make sense! Did you get it right?

It is worth noting there are two kinds of fake news: 1 2

False stories that are deliberately published or sent around in order to make people believe something untrue or to get lots of people to visit a website These are deliberate lies that are put online, even though the person writing them knows that they are made up Stories that may have some truth to them, but they're not completely accurate This is because the people writing them - for example, journalists or bloggers - don't check all of the facts before publishing the story, or they might exaggerate some of it

Keep an eye out and remember to check your facts Don't believe everything you read!

HOW DO PEOPLE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD?

Many people in the UK think of Christmas as gathering around the fire, eating mince pies and fruit cake; for others, it’s attending a church service and feeling absolutely stuffed after a huge Christmas dinner! But what else do people do if they’re somewhere else in the world?

Australia

Australia is on the other side of the world, right? So surely they don't celebrate Christmas at the same time as we do, because when we celebrate Christmas here it's midsummer there! But of course December falls at the same time for everyone, so they do Even in the blazing midsummer heat, they enjoy many of the same traditions as us such as eating turkey and ham (but cold!) and eating Christmas pudding, draping Christmas lights all over their houses and Christmas trees and even carol singing on Christmas Eve Australian children (like British and American children) leave out cookies for Santa, but instead of milk, they leave out a cold, refreshing glass of beer They also leave out a nice crunchy carrot for the reindeer

A N A R T I C L E B Y C H R I S T O B E L P 5 things you didn't know about Christmas in Australia!

Sweden

Up north in Sweden things are different again Swedes celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December instead of the 25th due to the old Swedish tradition: to celebrate things on the day before! The person who brings presents to Swedish children (on December 24th like us) is Jultomen (the Swedish Santa) or sometimes he is known as just Tomen Also like us Swedish children leave out things to keep Jultomen awake during the long night However instead of the classic English mince pie whisky and carrot for the reindeer they leave out coffee Yes coffee Sweet, hot, rich, caffeinated coffee After celebrating Christmas in a very traditional way by going to church ceremonies, they return home to a huge buffet dinner, called a smörgåsbord This usually consists of a variety of courses, the first three being mainly fish courses, the fourth course being cold cuts of meat (the most important cold cut of all is the Christmas cut: a cured, then boiled or baked ham, coated with an egg, breadcrumb and mustard mixture before being browned in the oven) The fifth course consists of hot dishes, including small, fried hot dog sausages (prinskorv) and Swedish meatballs (köttbullar) The sixth and seventh courses are cheese and dessert plates

Japan

On December 13th Swedes enjoy an early Merry Christmas when they celebrate Saint Lucia’s Day

They build up the anticipation until Christmas Everyone watches the same television programme EVERY YEAR Their presents are handed out after dark Their Christmas is 20 days long!

Travel across Asia and you will find some amazing traditions in Japan! Christmas is a time for friends and couples to make plans to meet up and celebrate You may have heard about some Japanese people eating KFC for Christmas Well, if you like KFC, head on over there for Christmas Day! Yes, about 3 6 MILLION Japanese people enjoy a KFC Christmas dinner Not quite what people expect others to be doing on Christmas Day, but it's popular in Japan It is more of a time to spread happiness than to have a religious celebration, but that does not stop some people from going to church on Christmas Day Japanese children also leave out refreshments for Santa, (which is seemingly a tradition in most countries) but they leave out a sample of whatever the children have been eating for Christmas – if he s lucky!

Sometimes celebrate Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day Think of Christmas Eve as a romantic celebration

Call Santa either Mr Santa or Santa San They really like decorations and lights!

Some crazy facts about Christmas in Sweden!

At Christmas, Japanese people…

Ireland

Our next-door neighbours Ireland love doing something rather unusual at Christmas –fundraising! From sponsored swims and runs to dressing up in festive clothes they all do their bit to help support people less fortunate than themselves while enjoying the fun spirit of Christmas Like us Irish people celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December For them the 24th of December is a day to travel back to family and friends and meet up either at home or at a pub More unusually (or so it may seem to British people) the day after Christmas Day is known not as Boxing Day but as St Stephen’s Day Their Christmas lasts from Christmas Day to the Feast of Epiphany on the 6th of January Irish children leave out a glass of beer for Santa (or Santy as some Irish people call him) and eat very similar Christmas food to British people

Final thoughts...

1) Their Santa dresses up in green, and, in keeping with Irish tradition, carries a pot of gold decorated with a shamrock.

2) Lots of people enjoy lighting a candle and putting it in their window on Christmas Eve.

3) Nollaig Shona Duit means Happy Christmas to Irish people

4) Irish people enjoy decorating their houses using a mixture of natural and man-made objects

5) Their Christmas traditionally starts on the 8th of December!

So, there you have it! Christmas around the world is celebrated in many fun and fascinating ways, but that does not mean that a traditional English Christmas is not very enjoyable as well However you celebrate, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Cool facts about an Irish Christmas!

What's inside this holiday issue:

LUXURIOUS CHOCOLATE LOG

CHOCOLATE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREE

LUXURIOUS CHOCOLATE LOG IN 10 EASY STEPS

CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE LOG

Recipes by Hugo J

For the chocolate sponge:

4 large free-range eggs

100g caster sugar 65g self-raising flour 40g cocoa powder

For the chocolate ganache topping:

300ml double cream

For the cream filling:

300g dark chocolate (around 35-40% cocoa solids), broken into small pieces 300ml double cream, whipped

To decorate:

Icing sugar, for dusting A toy robin or a sprig of holly

BAKING CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO REDUCE ANXIETY

HOW TO BAKE:

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Lightly grease a 33x23cm/13x9in Swiss roll tin, and line with non-stick paper or baking parchment, pushing it into the corners.

2. For the sponge, in a large bowl whisk the eggs and sugar using an electric hand whisk until the mixture is pale in colour, light, and frothy Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the bowl and carefully cut and fold together, using a spatula, until all the cocoa and flour are incorporated into the egg mixture (Be careful not to beat any of the air out of the mixture)

3 Pour the mixture into the lined tin and spread evenly out into the corners Bake in the middle of the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until well risen and firm to the touch and the sides are shrinking away from the edge of the tin

4 Place a piece of baking parchment bigger than the Swiss roll tin on the work surface Generously dust with icing sugar Carefully invert the cake onto the paper and remove the bottom lining piece of paper

5 Cut a score mark 2 5cm/1in along one of the longer edges

Starting with this edge, begin to tightly roll up the sponge using the paper Roll with the paper inside and sit the roll on top of its outside edge to cool completely

HOW TO BAKE CONTINUED:

1. While the cake is cooling, make the ganache topping. Heat the cream in a pan, until it starts to bubble a little. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate, stirring until it is melted. Cool to room temperature, then put into the fridge to firm up (Note: this icing needs to be very thick for piping)

2. Uncurl the cold Swiss roll and remove the paper. Spread the whipped cream on top, and re-roll tightly Cut a quarter of the cake off from the end on the diagonal. Transfer the larger piece of cake to a serving plate and angle the cut end into the middle of the large cake to make a branch

3. Put the chocolate icing into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle Pipe long thick lines along the cake, covering the cake completely so it looks like the bark of a tree. Cover each end with icing or, if you wish to see the cream, leave un-iced Alternatively, just use a palette knife to spread on the icing and create a rough bark texture with a fork.

4. Dust with icing sugar and (optional) garnish with fresh holly to serve.

5 You are done! Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!

YOU WILL NEED:

2 x 320g Jus-Rol Chilled Ready Rolled Puff Pastry Sheets

4 tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread (preferably palm-oil free)

1 egg, beaten

Icing sugar, for dusting

HOW TO BAKE:

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C for fan-assisted ovens), Gas Mark 6. Line a baking sheet with baking paper.

CHOCOLATE PUFF PASTRY CHRISTMAS TREE

2. Unroll one of the puff pastry sheets and place on the baking sheet. Spread the chocolate-hazelnut spread over the puff pastry sheet. Unroll the second puff pastry sheet and place on top of the first one.

3. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a star from one corner of the layered pastry and set aside. Cut the remaining layered pastry into the shape of a Christmas tree (triangle) with a wide base and trunk. Pull away the excess pastry.

4. Lightly score 2 lines down the middle of the triangle to form a tree trunk approximately 3cm wide. Using the trunk as a guide, cut branches into the sides of the triangle, approximately 2cm wide. Leave the top 5cm as this will be covered with the pastry star.

5. Starting at the top, twist each branch away from you, giving two turns to each branch.

6. Place the pastry star on top of the tree, securing with a little beaten egg Brush the star and tree with beaten egg

7 Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until risen and golden brown Cool for a few minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool Transfer to a serving plate or board and dust with icing sugar to serve

Christmas Puzzles

The countdown to Christmas has begun...

THANKS TO THE CASTLE TEAM!

Thank you to the following students for their work on this edition:

Amika S - illustrator

Amelia S - editor Iris M - editor

Sofia L - editor & contributor Kanika K - editor

Demetra M - editor Georgia R - editor Cristiana H - editor

Hugo J – contributor Ruth C – contributor

Anya P - contributor Sam C - contributor Elliot DG - contributor

Evie W- contributor

Chloe W - contributor Sophie C - contributor Bea M - contributor

Clarabel M - contributor

Tyra L - contributor

Anna G - contributor

Emma M - contributor

Smayan P - contributor

Electra M - contributor

Christobel P - contributor

Photo credit - Canva.com

Merry Christma