The Seaside Standard - the Student Magazine - Issue 4 external

The Seaside Standard

TALES OF A LEARNER DRIVER

3 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE LEARNING TO DRIVE LIFESTYLE

By Marina (Yr12)

ISSUE 4 EASTER 2021 The magazine of the students

Since late October last year, I have been so grateful to be able to start learning to drive, and with the relatively quiet roads during lockdown my mum has been brave enough to endure the task of teaching me. I have learnt a lot in the process, and that’s why I am here to share with you, 3 things I wish I knew before I started learning to drive.

The first thing; Mother does NOT always know best.

Bacteria: our BFFs SCIENCE

By Lucy (Yr12)

YOU PROBABLY ALL THINK OF BACTERIA AND MICROBES AS ‘BAD’, WELL SURPRISE THEY ARE NOT ALL BAD! THERE ARE ONLY ABOUT 100 SPECIES OUT OF THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS THAT ARE PATHOGENIC. IN FACT, THEY ARE OUR BEST FRIENDS, AND WE ARE THEIR HOME, MOST IMPORTANTLY IN OUR GUT. The greatest influence on the framework of our gut microbiome is our diet. The composition of our diet will inevitably affect the growth of our gut bacteria. At the end of the day, you are what you eat. The gut microbiota consists of approximately 1,000 different microbial species.

In order to maintain a healthy ratio of microbes in the gut it is important to eat the right foods. A Western diet which is high in fat and sugar but low in fibre leads to a less diverse gut microbiome and an increase in organisms related to cell inflammation.

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My mum has been very kind to sacrifice her time to teach me, and with the experience she has gained over her years of driving, she really is the ideal teacher. That is until her road rage kicks in. A perfect example of this was during a drive a few days ago when it was getting quite dark.

Suddenly a car drove up close behind and proceeded to blind me with their lights on full beam reflecting in my mirrors. My mum cleverly advised me to pull over and let them go past so I would not be distracted by their dazzling lights, and for that I agree that this was a good idea. Where I disagree however, was when she quickly urged me to pull out behind them after they had passed, put my full beam on and blind them just as they had CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 »

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From page 1 IN THE SKIN OF A JIHADIST

Lactobacillus bulgaricus

Inflammation has been found be a great affect in developing chronic diseases including diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. To contrast this a Mediterranean diet which is high in fruits, nuts, vegetables and fish enriched with a number of organisms that produce small metabolites that are associated with mental wellness. Metabolites are produced when the microorganisms in the gut grow and intake the nutrients from our food. Examples include amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins.

The body receives the metabolites, some are used for energy but the rest we use for signalling around the body. This forms a feedback loop which stimulates our metabolisms, physiology and immune system.

Therefore, in order to create a positive feedback loop, it is important you eat the right balance of foods to set off our digestive chain in the right direction. Most importantly the body responds by promoting growth of the microorganisms in the gut and reducing the growth of others, depending on which ones are being ‘fed’.

Recent studies have revealed the effect of vegetarian and vegan diets on gut microbiota. It appears to be more beneficial for human health and boosts the development of

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more diverse and stable microbial systems. Vegans and vegetarians have a significantly higher count of certain Bacteroides-related units in comparison to omnivores. In addition, fibres, which are non-digestible carbohydrates and are solely found in plants increase lactic acid bacteria, which are important in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. High fibre intake promotes the growth of species that ferment fibre into short chain fatty acids (STFAs). The benefits of STFAs include improved immune system against pathogens, supply of energy substrates and regulation of vital functions of the intestine.

Plants are also rich in polyphenols which increase Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus which have anti-pathogenic and antiinflammatory effects. In one study the bacterial composition between Indian and Chinese adults was compared.

The Chinese diet which consists of more animal fat and protein in contrast to the Indian diet which includes whole grains and plant-based foods.

The results of the study showed that the percentage of Bacteroides in the Indian participants diet was four times greater than that of the Chinese,

16.39% to 4.27% respectively. It was hypothesised that the increase in Bacteroides was due to the reduced consumption of meat.

All of the studies showing conclusive evidence that what we eat, fundamentally changes the microbes in our bacteria. Having an unhealthy gut microbiome has been linked to many chronic illnesses such as diabetes and obesity. Damage done to the microbial community can be reversed by taking supplements and eating the right things again, causing the ‘good’ bacteria to flourish again!

From page 1 TALES OF A LEARNER DRIVER

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL MUSIC By Megan (Yr12)

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y favourite artists of all time are the 60s duo, Simon & Garfunkel.

Well-known for their biggest hits ‘Sound of Silence’ and ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, the pair are among the best-selling artists in history with their 1981 Concert in Central Park attracting more than half a million people.

I am, however, more drawn to their lesser-known songs, especially those that comprise their debut album Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. The album sold badly when first released, perhaps because its songs such as Benedictus, in which Simon & Garfunkel harmonise in Latin to a sixteenth-century hymn, are a far cry from the protest songs of Bob Dylan that so accurately captured the public mood at the time.

Yet the album’s songs are some of their most beautiful, featuring their gorgeous harmonies and Simon’s articulate, finely wrought song writing. The album’s song Bleaker Street is perhaps the first glimpse of the instantly identifiable Simon & Garfunkel sound that would capture the world with its lyrics and rhythms not often heard on pop radio. For me, the album represents the start of the duo’s rise to stardom as it establishes nature as one of Simon’s favourite themes through the song Sparrow. The album was the start of something truly special and revisiting the genesis of one of the most important musical pairings in history is a wonderful gift.

The pair are known as much for their fractious relationship as they are for their music. Throughout their whole career, they envied the other’s place in the duo.

Paul thought that the audience saw Art as the star as he was the featured singer, but Art knew that Paul wrote the songs and thus controlled the future of the pair.

However, for me, it is this push and pull that so tightly binds their

voices together, both vying to be heard and appreciated in equal measure.

It is America, from the album Bookends, that is my favourite of all the duos songs. For me, it is hard to find a lyric more beautiful and heartbreakingly retrained than “‘Kathy, I’m lost,’ I said, though I knew she was sleeping”. The song’s narrator yearns for a country that is just out of his reach and youthful recklessness and an inexpressible and profound sadness are wound ever so gently through the songs acutely written verses. The narrator admits to feeling “empty and aching”, yet the confession only emerges when the narrator knows no one is listening.

Simon & Garfunkel’s final album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, would prove to be their swan song and, as the duo limped towards the end, it was clear that their relationship was irreparably damaged. The smoothness of Simon’s voice veils a deep-seated bitterness, and, in the album’s title track, Simon steps back to make room for Garfunkel’s wavering falsetto, giving him the space and time to begin from little more than a whisper before sweeping up to a series of beautifully sustained high notes that allow his voice to soar.

I am jealous of anyone who has not heard their music before and I wish more than anything to hear these songs for the first time again as it is Simon & Garfunkel’s veracious musical vocabulary, beautiful lyrics and sweeping falsetto harmonies that lend the duo a timeless quality that transcends both genre and generation.

done to me, in order to ‘see how they like it’. I decided to ignore my mum with this second order.

The second thing I wish someone had told me, is to always have tissues in the car. Trust me, when I say it is nearly impossible to see when your eyes are filled with tears.

I have had my fair share of meltdowns while driving, particularly in the earlier days. The meltdowns were usually triggered when the stress was so overwhelming that the only thing left to do was to cry. I remember one time particularly well; during my first few days in the car, when my mum asked me to make a right-hand turn off a busy road. Which in hindsight was potentially the worst decision she could have made as I was nowhere near ready to do such a high-tech manoeuvre. I will skip over the technical part and just tell you that this resulted with me stalling in the middle of the road bawling my eyes out, with 10 cars waiting behind me to pass, a lorry trying to reverse out someone’s drive and 5 cars sitting in front also waiting for me to get a grip and clear the road.

The final thing I wish I knew, was that in the car, emotions can change faster than a sports teacher’s ability to put on 5 coats and tell us, ‘it’s not that cold’.

I could be driving along calmly chatting away to my mum, and the next minute we’re in a raging argument about how I didn’t look left before I pulled out, which I of course didn’t but would never have the shame to admit.

That is all the advice I can offer today, and the final thing I will say is that my current driver’s license does have the word ‘provisional’ on it for a reason!

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WHY SHOULD YOU CARE? Understandably, this has led to a huge refugee crisis both in neighbouring countries and internal displacement.

So, what has been done to combat all this? There have been multiple ceasefire attempts to little effect. The UN has condemned the past military juntas for the suppressive policies and rights violations; they have castigated the Rohingya genocide and the human rights violations against the countries ethnic groups.

A brief history of Myanmar’s troubles WSYC? By Lara (Yr12)

In recent weeks, Myanmar has seen unprecedented levels of protesting, police clashes with civilians and tragically civilian deaths. The spark of this is a military coup, beginning 1 February 2021, who have declared a year-long state of emergency, with the promise that they will have a “free and fair” election afterwards. Of course, this all sounds counter intuitive as it was declared by the UN that the election in which Aung San Suu Kyi won was free and fair yet once again, she now resides under house arrest, under weak charges, such as illegally importing walkie-talkies. She spent 15 years detained previously, during which she won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in trying to liberate Myanmar and press for democracy. However, despite being the face of the liberal and inspiring campaign against military dictatorship, she herself has faced severe criticism over the persecution of the Rohingya minority in the country.

The international reaction has not been what would be hoped. China has supported in the past communist and pro-China insurgencies and has been tied to backing the Northern Alliance and the Wu state Army, who share a common Han Chinese ethnic background. India has aligned itself with the Tatmadaw, providing training and weapons and very controversially outraged many with the forced deportation of Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar. Thailand has in the past supported rebel groups and condemned the previous military juntas, however, a large economic proposition with Myanmar was clearly too good to ignore and have, since signing a deal, remained quiet on the crises within the country. The US had a failed military operation within the country (big surprise there). Other foreign intervention has mainly come in the form of arms sales, from the likes of North Korea, Israel and Russia.

Now, 2021, it appears the long-suffering people of Myanmar might finally have had enough of oppressive military regimes and bigotry, but will these protests result in anything or be similarly as futile as those seen in Hong Kong in the last year?

Myanmar has some unique challenges that lie behind a lot of these as like India the country consists of lots of ethnicities; they also have a history of military rule like neighbouring Pakistan, but like on steroids. There is no proxy war and no foreign takeover, making this seem like quintessential scenario for the UN to go in and just sort it out.

Myanmar is, still to this day, in the longest ongoing civil war, currently at 73 years in length. It started after the country gained independence from the UK in 1948.

Since then, Myanmar’s political history has been defined by internal conflicts, centred around ethnic divisions, military brutality and desired autonomy in parts.

Factional struggles over the years have ranged: from pro-communist groups, anti-communist groups, Karen nationalists (the tribe not the mums!), coup d’états, antiChina riots, anti-government reformists, coups against democracy, student protests, multifarious factions (Karen National Liberation Army, Shan State Army, Kachin Independence Army, Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, etc.) against the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military), to list a few. And on top of that there is the wide-spread political unrest (including the detention of political prisoners) and a long list of human rights violations (including scorched earth tactics, use of landmines and slave labour).

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Medical staff carrying out peaceful protest against the military coup

Illustration: Aude Van Ryn for the Guardian

‘IN THE SKIN OF A JIHADIST’ THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION ON RADICALISATION BOOK REVIEW By Thea (Yr12)

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n recent months the news has been consumed by the Coronavirus pandemic; of course, this is natural and necessary, as information on such a life-controlling situation needs to be spread. However, it has meant that other issues of modern society have gradually vanished off the topical radar and are becoming less and less addressed, whilst remaining nevertheless present.

Over lockdown I read Anna Erelle’s In the Skin of a Jihadist, purely attracted by the French origin of the author in a hope to become more culturally aware of the francophone world. Yet, once reading the book my focus switched to that of the constant threat women face not just through vulnerability on the internet but vulnerability everywhere.

The book itself describes the true story of a journalist who, after having various decoy social media profiles throughout her career, gets virtually approached by an IS recruiter. Her career has been largely focused on recruitment networks and so she begins an online relationship with him. The book describes the months they spent chatting together online, with her adopting the character of Mélodie, a 20 year old Islam convert. It cleverly exposes how her fragmented life is pounced on by those wanting to manipulate her through attempting to corrupt her perception of Islam from that of a peaceful religion to a hateful campaign.

As the book progresses the author cleverly sets up situations where the

recruiter clearly contradicts the nature of Islam. At one point she forces him into justifying his hateful actions for oil money rather than religion, which she describes as a small triumph. This is incredibly important to an often ignorant world, as the reader becomes aware of the difference between Islam as a religion and the interpretation that some use to justify horrific acts of terrorism. With polarisation still remaining heavily present between Eastern and Western cultures this account becomes important in order to understand the aspects of Islamic culture without the stained reputation we, as willing listeners, often hear from media outlets.

Today, Muslims are too often depicted as derogatory stereotypes that Western outlets have created and it is important that we understand the difference between a small, horrific minority who attempt to justify Islam as a cause of terrorism and the vast majority of those who practice Islam who have no terrorist connections or hateful intent whatsoever, contrary to the prejudice many contribute to. Erelle orchestrates this understanding maturely, shining a light on the stereotypes we see.

Reading this book definitely allows for a more nuanced perception of prominent issues such as radicalisation but also renders important questions that simply aren’t being asked by modern society to a sufficient extent. Women still leave their countries with the promises of a better life in IS territories, to then find themselves forced into absolutely horrific situations. A

recent report by LSE states that by July 2018 an estimated 4,761 women have joined ISIS and suggests that this astonishing number could be down to ‘romantic optimism’ that recruiters have been taught. This method is verified by Erelle, with her contact referring to her as ‘my lioness’, cornering her into being brave for their ‘cause’. A worrying fact is that this sheer number is not often addressed by the media and many are unaware of this scary process. Not only is it arguably our duty to become aware of current events and what others experience, but recruitment is a frightening yet real issue of the 21st century that we need to become consciously wary of. If we do not know the methods used and just how this can happen then what’s to say that it will not happen to us? We need to be aware not just out of respect but out of knowledge, through enabling ourselves and our neighbours to become protected from real yet sad events, not just that of radicalisation.

The questions addressed here lead us to question what else we are unaware of; there are many problems the world face yet too often I find myself having to specifically research them rather than being informed by mainstream media. Some might say that an overload of ‘doom and gloom’ can become pessimistic to readers, yet ultimately someone out there experiences such stories and we need to become aware through respect and knowledge.

The book is a harrowing read but allows readers to become more aware of a prominent problem in our society, and also aware of how much ignorance we really have.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this book are not reflective of the author of the article. This is an opinion piece, and we welcome any feedback.

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Common Myths about the Covid-19 Vaccines...

These can’t be true, can they?

SCIENCE By Bella (Yr12)

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poiler alert: they aren’t. Over recent years, the spread of misinformation through social media and the rise of anti-vaxxer organisations has led to the public being overall more dubious about receiving vaccinations. However, with the current pandemic, it’s crucial that as many people are vaccinated as possible for the purpose of herd immunity, among other things.

It is, of course, natural for people to be cautious about what is being put into their bodies, especially with events such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment causing a greater mistrust of physicians. That’s why in this article I will be quashing five commonly circulated myths about the covid-19 vaccine, in order to ease any concerns you may have about eventually taking it, or having family members take it.

MYTH 1: Taking the vaccine if you are immunocompromised or have pre-existing conditions is unsafe Considering pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, actually increase one’s risks of developing more severe symptoms, this myth is particularly harmful as it’s especially important this group receive the vaccine.

There’s no existing evidence suggesting that people who fall in these groups are more likely to have adverse reactions to the vaccine. The one exception is, of course, if you are allergic to an ingredient of a vaccine. And as for those who are immunocompromised, the vaccine is not actually infecting the vaccinee since the pathogen it contains is not live, so there’s no reason for concern.

There were even immunocompromised individuals involved in the trials of the vaccine.

MYTH 2: If you have already contracted Covid-19, receiving a vaccine is unnecessary This is a widely believed but, unfortunately, flawed argument. For one, there’s the possibility that people

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who think they have previously had the virus actually just received a false positive test. In addition, since it is possible to have the virus multiple times, it is still imperative that the vaccine is received in order to ensure future immunity.

MYTH 3: A potential side-effect of the vaccine is infertility There is currently no evidence to support this claim, nor to support the idea that future pregnancies will be affected by the vaccine. One of the reasons this became a belief is a protein that is coded for by the mRNAbased vaccines is linked to another protein, syncytin-1, which is what keeps the placenta attached to the uterus.

However, the link by no way means the immune system will confuse them, hence the vaccine will not cause any reproductive issues.

MYTH 4: The vaccine contains a microchip This belief, although it comes across as laughable to most, is still circulated a concerning amount. For starters, there’s absolutely no evidence to support this idea. Furthermore, why would the government have any need to do this? Like most people I know, my phone contains every detail of my life: my location, my daily habits and routine, the contacts of my friends and family, my banking information, medical information, I really could go on. This essentially renders any microchip redundant, since there’s not much information they could garner from this that they couldn’t already uncover from our digital footprints.

MYTH 5: The speed at which the vaccines were developed renders them unsafe Saving what is likely the most believable concern for last, the idea is that a vaccine created in a matter of months, as opposed to many years, cannot possibly be as safe. However, it’s important to remember how the vaccine was created in this record time: the unprecedented collaboration between many scientists globally, the generous funding from sponsors, and the wealth of volunteers for trials. Since these are factors which usually delay vaccine development, they meant the vaccine didn’t require as much time to be deemed safe and effective.

Overall, I hope reading this has put you at ease and that you now feel more well- informed about taking the vaccine. It’s extremely important to remember while reading things online or on social media that lots of the information is not fact- checked, and it shouldn’t discourage you from receiving medical care such as vaccinations.

Maths and COVID-19 (everyone’s least favourite two topics) SCIENCE By Sophia (Yr12)

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he Basic Reproduction number represents the number of people that one person is likely to infect. For example, if R0=3, 1 infected person is predicted to infect 3 other people. Then, each of those 3 people are predicted to infect another 3 further people, and because of this, we see an exponential growth in cases.

The R number is dependent on 3 variables…

• How long an infected person is infectious for.

• The frequency of contact between infectives and susceptibles.

• The likelihood of infection as a result of contact with an infected individual.

How can we use the R number?

If R0>1 then we know that the disease will continue to spread, as the number of people with the virus will continue to increase, and so measurements must be put into place. It is estimated that for COVID-19, the R number is anywhere between 1 and 4.

In this bar graph (center top) showing the estimated R number of COVID-19 compared with other viruses. You can see that COVID-19 has a relatively average R number.

The R number is possibly one of the most important statistics used by government bodies such as SAGE in terms of advising the government on community mitigation strategies. This is mainly due to the fact that it can be used

to calculate how fast the virus is spreading. The number of susceptibles is impacted by: • Social distancing, quarantine and isolation • Vaccination • Natural immunity • Deaths in the population Additionally, the R number is used to decide the point at which Herd immunity is reached. The higher the R number, the higher the percentage of a population that needs to be immune for herd immunity to be reached.

As you can see from the Figure, that roughly 0- 76% of the population will have to be immunised for herd immunity to be reached.

Mathematical modelling has been a massive driving force in the search for the understanding of COVID-19.

Using models, mathematical epidemiologists have been able to discover the reasons why COVID-19 spread so rapidly and has turned into the worst pandemic since the 1918 Flu Pandemic. Mathematics has helped governments worldwide to decide disease prevention policies which, when governments follow the advice, has helped save many lives. But it is not over yet, everyday Mathematics is helping to discover new things about the virus, and will probably do the same for at least a decade to come.

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SHAKESPEARE’S STAR-CROSSED LOVERS… PAST IT OR POP-CULTURE PRESENT? CULTURE By Jane (Yr12) Recently, we (or at least I…) celebrated National Shakespeare Week; a name which many of us will groan or roll our eyes at in class. But Romeo and Juliet, arguably the Bard’s most studied play, is actually a lot more relevant to us than just your Year 10 coursework! Here are some references to the archetypal young lovers that you can keep your eyes peeled for today!

WEST SIDE STORY This reimagination of Shakespeare’s play into another musical proves that the star-crossed lovers’ narrative is timeless, and this time it is projected onto the streets of 1950s New York.

It follows Tony and Maria, who have to lay aside their loyalties to their rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Set to be rejuvenated in December 2021, with cast members from the likes of Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, this is certainly a film to look out for.

TAYLOR SWIFT - Love Story ‘You were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles, and my daddy said, ‘Stay away from Juliet’” said Taylor, who is all the more phenomenal in her recent re-recording of the song. Swift later revealed that her 18-year-old-self wrote this song in just 20 minutes on her bedroom floor! & JULIET The recent smash-hit jukebox musical continues the narrative after Shakespeare’s play draws to a close, asking ‘what if’ Juliet hadn’t died at the end- if only.

THE ARCTIC MONKEYS - I Bet That You Look Good on the Dance Floor The lyrics ‘Oh, there ain’t no love no, Montagues or Capulets, just banging tunes and DJ sets,’ are a far cry from Swift’s fairytale-like allusion; instead Alex Turner offers an approach which reflects the teenage angst which has transcended centuries.

GNOMEO AND JULIET Something tells me Shakespeare wouldn’t be too pleased with the legacy he has left behind with this one…

I think we’ll leave the big screen to young Leo.

JAPAN HAVE LEGALISED SAME SEX MARRIAGE POLITICS By Lara (Yr12)

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apan were the only G7 nation not to fully credit same sex relationships, and since a ruling last week, this has been rectified, resolving that it was ‘unconstitutional’ not to allow same sex marriage, as it breached the right to equality. This is seen as both historic and symbolic.

Japan is more progressive overall, by Asian standards, and so is really pushing the Asian norm, where sexuality is a considered more of a taboo subject.

As a matter of fact, only Taiwan had previously legalised same sex marriage in the entire continent of 4.5 billion people.

As much as I would like to say that

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this decision was just the accumulation of good common sense, new progressive mindsets, and growing acceptance of alternative lifestyles, there are naturally other reasons for this. A crucial reason is that it has been said that some foreign businesses have struggled to maintain operations and keep highly skilled workers due to the nature of personal

freedom, the previous guidelines subdued. So, in reality, there is likely a competitive motive for Japan, especially in keeping up with neighbouring economic powerhouses, being the likes of China, India and South Korea.

It seems that there are only positives outcomes, however, for the people and the future of Japan!

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RETRO REVIVAL B

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News is in that the 60s is back on the runway, and its better, bigger, and groovier than ever.

With the resurrection of the decade of disco, defiance, and the insurrection of the youth, it is likely we will be seeing some throwback style on the streets. The 21st of June cannot come sooner, so when it does make sure that these 60s trends are on your style radar.

STYLE By Jane (Yr12)

Go-go boots, popularised in the 60s, burst into the 70s with full force, and hopefully 2021 too. If the classic white is too bold, then opt for these black knee-high boots £29; Pull and Bear A

Is roller-skating another lockdown fad? I hope not, because, whilst it may not be Venice Beach, just imagine the euphoria of rolling down Brighton promenade, hand in hand with friends this Summer. You can’t beat it. £90; Impala Skate B

A stand-out of the era for me has to be the loud floral prints and daring colour palettes, but these can be hard to get hold of.

Depop, eBay, and Vinted usually offer an array of authentic retro pieces, however, if the price tag puts you off, there are plenty of nods to these flamboyant prints in fast-fashion retailers, which you can always source from second-hand sites £19; One Above Another C

These delicate silver micro studs bring a celestial touch to any look, especially when stacked with multiple piercings £7; SilverRainSilver (Etsy) D

This velvet jumpsuit has taken Tik-Tok by storm, and doesn’t it look amazing? Forget the discos and roller-derbies, this jumpsuit will be worn around the house, in the bath, and on the weekly supermarket shop. £110; Peachy Den E

60s fashion wouldn’t be complete without a reference to the doe-eyed model, Twiggy, herself.

Following the teen model’s influence on the swinging sixties, Twiggy’s unique eye makeup caught on, and it can be easily replicated today using one of the many online tutorials. These vegan and cruelty free drugstore brands offer a budget-friendly option for this iconic look £4.50; E.L.F. £16; N.Y.X. F

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SKINCARE SIMPLIFIED IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHERE TO START WHEN FIRST GAINING AN INTEREST IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS. HOWEVER, HERE IS A GUIDE TO KNOW HOW TO TURN SPOTS AND SCARS INTO SMOOTH AND SOFT SKIN!

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BEAUTY By Erin (Yr10)

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STEP 1: Cleanser Cleansers are used to get rid of makeup, sun cream, oils, dirt and any bacteria that your skin may have collected throughout the day or night. You should wet your face, foam your cleanser of choice in your palms and GENTLY rub it into your face for 30-60 seconds. Then, wash off and pat dry. Make sure that the water is not too hot, so you don’t melt your face off.

MY TOP PICK: 1 CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser (£12) This is one of my favourites as it contains salicylic acid which is good for exfoliating your skin and clearing out blackheads! However, it is still gentle so does not over strip the skin, leaving it feeling too dry.

STEP 2: Moisturiser Moisturisers are important to rehydrate your skin after cleansing.

Even if you have oily skin, you should still moisturise to protect your skin’s natural barrier (use an oil-free moisturiser to reduce that greasy feeling). Squeeze a small amount onto your fingertips and massage into your face in upwards and outwards motions.

MY TOP PICK: 2 CeraVe Moisturising Lotion (£15) I like this moisturiser because it leaves my skin feeling really hydrated but not too sticky

STEP 3: Sun cream Used in the morning only, sun cream is arguably the most important step

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in a skincare routine. It protects against harmful UV rays from the sun which could lead to wrinkles!

On a serious note, not wearing sun cream could lead to skin cancer.

You should wear sun cream every day and try to reapply often, and don’t worry, you can still get a decent tan! Apply sun cream like moisturiser – add a small amount to your fingertips and massage into your face.

MY TOP PICKS: 3 COLORESCIENCE SUNFORGETTABLE Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 (£40) Although this one is quite pricey (you might have to ask Santa for it), it is easy to reapply throughout the day, even if you are wearing makeup. It also has a small tint to it as well, so you won’t look like a complete ghost.

4 The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with antioxidants (£8.90) This is the sun cream that I use and I’d recommend this one

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because it’s vegan and prevents water loss from the skin, however it does leave light a white cast on the skin.

OTHER: Serums, Treatments, Toners etc.

These are not an essential part of your skincare routine; however, it is easy to go overboard when it comes to these types of products.

It is best to stick to one per routine, as mixing too many ingredients can do more harm than good. Usually, these products are used before a moisturiser.

MY TOP PICKS: 5 Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (£28) This one is super good for acne-prone skin. It exfoliates your skin, but

The DON’TS of skincare:

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Avoid fragrance or essential oils in skincare products – they don’t add anything to the product and are often very irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin.

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Avoid scrubs – chemical exfoliation is much more effective than physical.

Scrubs have an uneven texture, so when massaged into the skin, different amount of pressure is applied in different areas. This is likely to cause micro-tears in the surface of the skin, which disturbs the skin’s natural barrier, leading to inefficient protection of the skin. Future complications are likely to arise, such as premature aging, dry and sensitive skin, or acne.

Avoid makeup wipes – as temping as it may be to just rub your face and call it a day, makeup wipes are harsh on your skin. Constant pulling and dragging on your skin creates… you know it…. wrinkles!

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again, it is not too stripping. Only use at night and use a good sun cream in the morning, as exfoliants can increase the risk of sun damage.

6 The Inkey List Niacinamide (£6.99) This can be used morning or night and it helps control excess oil and redness. Niacinamide is one of my favourite ingredients, as it is hydrating, and it reduces the appearance of acne scars.

7 COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (£6 for 24 patches) – if you buy just one product from my recommendations, it should be this one. I have tried a LOT of things to try and make my pimples go away and this is by far the most successful.

They draw the oil and dirt out of the spot and get rid of them like magic!

Avoid peel-off masks – if you haven’t noticed it already, they don’t work! Rather than pulling out blackheads, they only remove the sebaceous filaments which come back the next day. The pain is not worth it anyway!

Avoid popping your spots – we’ve all been there, and I’ll admit, it is satisfying. Resist the urge and save your skin! Popping your spots can cause permanent damage as a scar!

It will also cause the redness to stay longer, as bacteria often infects the pore.

Avoid using cotton pads to apply your product – they aren’t bad for your skin, just a waste of money!

They absorb more product than you are actually putting on your face – not to mention they are bad for the environment too! Instead, just pour the product onto your palms and spread around your face!

A note from the editors We hope that you have enjoyed reading our eclectic collection of articles. We, here at The Seaside Standard, pride ourselves on variety of articles on offer, with the hope that everyone can find something that interests them. If you read any article that you found particularly intriguing, or you have any questions regarding anything you read please contact our journalists and let them know (emails below), they would love some feedback. Additionally, should you, the student body, want to write an article on absolutely any topic you like, please get in touch, I know we look like scary sixth formers, but we’re not really, just very tall.

Lara and Jane

EDITORS: Lara (Yr 12) Jane (Yr12) JOURNALISTS: Marina (Yr12) Sophia (Yr12) Lucy (Yr12) Thea (Yr12) Erin (Yr10) Lara (Yr12) Jane (Yr12) Megan (Yr12)

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TAKE A LISTEN TO OUR TOP SONGS

PODCASTS ENTERTAINMENT By Lucy (Yr12)

If you feel like tuning into something light-hearted, Growing With the Flow is the podcast for you. Hosted by youtuber Nayna Florence, it covers ecerything around growing up, including uni, social media, and friendships!

The High Performance Podcast is all about the stories of high-achieving people who have excelled in their field whether it be sport, business or writing. The guests talk about their journey to success sharing their tips and also the hardships along the way carrying valuable lessons.

Jessie Ware hosts Table Manners; a podcast about all things food, family and life all whilst having a good chat around her own dining room table. With the help of her mother, cooking all the delicious food, this podcast exposes the hilarious, witty and entertaining conversations Jessie shares with her guests from around the world including many famous people including Sam Fender, Kylie Minogue and John Legend just to name a few. If you want something to lift the mood you while you tidy your room, cook or go on a walk, this is the one for you.

WIN CHOCLATE! Can you answer these fiendish questions? The person to email Lara at ls40@roedean.co.uk with the most right answers wins a bar of Dairy Milk!

QUIZ By Lara (Yr12) 1.

What

is the capital city of Turkey?

2.

Who

was the British monarch before Queen Elizabeth II?

3.

In

what country would you find the Sistine Chapel?

4.

Name

a Spanish artist associated with cubism.

5.

What

language do they speak in the Netherlands?

6.

Which 7.

What

football club are known as ‘Spurs’?

is the only country beginning with O?

8.

Name a country that the Andes mountains pass through.

9.

Which

former Leader of the Opposition has returned to the Shadow Cabinet?

10. Which

Canadian singer had the most streamed song of 2020? Bonus point if you can name the song!

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