The Crown Winter Edition 2023

T H E

CROWN ST MARGARET’S SCHOOL MAGAZINE

WINTER EDITION 2023

A Day in the Life of

Year 7

St Margaret’s takes on the mighty ‘Les Misérables’

Critical crisis; saving our planet

Not Just A

Barbie Girl…

Thank you for picking up the latest edition of The Crown. This term our aspiring writers have been working incredibly hard on their unique articles, with the support of our phenomenal editorial team. This term’s edition of The Crown expresses a wide range of interests which our journalists have individually chosen with everything from ‘Moving on and moving up’, explaining the differences between the junior school environment and the commonly feared shift to senior school to ‘Feminist icon or cynical businesswoman’, delving deep into the intentions of one of the worlds biggest names, Taylor Swift.

The Crown is entirely edited and written by a team of senior school pupils, ranging from the newest starters of Year 7 to the inspiring Year 12 students. We are very proud of our contributing pupils who write freely about their most enjoyed topics. The diverse spectrum of articles we receive are fascinating and we hope you will discover this as you explore the many articles in this term’s edition of The Crown.

Sit down, relax, and enjoy the writing!

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Iman and Theo - Editors

Contributors

Critical crisis; saving our planet

Contents

Editor’s Note

Dear Reader,

As ever, the magazine would not be possible without a lot of help from a number of contributors. Many thanks to the following students for their contributions:

Editing Team

Lana Patel (Year 7)

Iman Mirza (Year 12)

Arjun Singh (Year 7)

Theodore Wolstenholme (Year 12)

Ryan West (Year 7)

Heart Joshua (Year 11)

Aran Sarangdhar (Year 8)

Monisola Olaide-Agboola (Year 11)

Shaheer Shiraz (Year 8) Heart Joshua (Year 11)

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Should public examinations be scrapped?

List of Contributors

Monisola Olaide-Agboola (Year 11)

Amy Abrahams(Year 7)

Ogo Kingsley-Anyanwu (Year 11)

Naomi Daudu (Year 7)

Daniella Godwin-Etim (Year 11)

Eluka Fleming (Year 7)

Lily Davidson (Year 11)

Emine Kiamil (Year 7)

Masooma Syed (Year 11)

Grace Killick (Year 7)

Iman Mirza (Year 12)

Ari Landy (Year 7)

Theodore Wolstenholme (Year 12)

Our Toxic Affair with Neglecting Chaos

Page 4

A Day in the Life of Year 7

Page 6

The World of Gaming: The Journey Begins Here

Page 8

Should We Ban Mobile Phones in Schools?

Page 10

ULEZ: Do We Need Them In Our Life?

Page 11

Not Just A Barbie Girl…

Page 12

Natural Disasters - Unnatural Responses

Page 14

Is It Possible To Make Easy Money In 2023?

Page 16

Taylor Swift - Feminist Icon or cynical businesswoman

Page 18

Critical crisis; saving our planet

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Moving on and moving up, Year 6 to Year 7

Page 21

Getting to know you: Mr Walsh

Page 22

Is it the end of the beginning or beginning of the end?

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St Margaret’s takes on the mighty ‘Les Misérables’

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Self care - Make time for yourself, you deserve it

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Should public examinations be scrapped?

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The game that changed Women’s football, but why is it so interesting now?

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Should We Ban Mobile Phones in Schools?

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The game that changed Women’s football, but why is it so interesting now?

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Taylor Swift - Feminist Icon or cynical businesswoman

Taylor Swift

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of St Margaret’s School.

Natural Disasters - Unnatural Responses

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Our Toxic Affair with

Neglecting Chaos Chaotic actions occur in our everyday world. It’s seen in traffic, climate and even heartbeats. Chaos, according to the Merriam Webster dictionary, is a state of utter confusion. A state in which most students find themselves at least once in their academic life. As humans - as well as students - our first instinct is to usually ignore the chaos that surrounds us. Is it a bad coping mechanism?

Yes. Do we know this? Very much, but is there still a high percentage of students who do this? Also, yes.

Every teen can admit that there have been days when we’ve laid on our beds with our airpods in, listening to our favourite playlist, fully aware that we have a mountain of homework waiting for us, but we can’t find a positive way to deal with it.

So we students make every excuse under the sun to avoid doing something we don’t know how to approach. As teenagers, we have a natural reaction to chaos: we ignore it. ‘I really have to watch all nine seasons of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ before I complete this homework,’ says Ogo before tackling her Computer Science homework, which takes her 30 minutes with the full knowledge that watching the show will take her hours. Ogo’s admission demonstrates the extent we would go to disregard the mess that is weighing us down, but we must remember that removing it only intensifies the overpowering feeling we had in the beginning; therefore it is best to confront the problem head on.

Approaching work with a positive mindset

After our 4+ years in secondary school, we’ve decided to share our secrets into maintaining a positive attitude when approaching work in order to keep the chaos under control.

Complaining does nothing to make your situation better. In fact, it might actually make it worse because your words will make you constantly feel like you’re being pulled down by an imaginary weight. If you think about it, you are the one prohibiting yourself from succeeding.

Yes, we are aware that you undoubtedly hear this regularly from a variety of people on a daily basis, including your parents, teachers and even friends, but there’s a good reason it’s repeated regularly: it works. Having a positive attitude enables you to enjoy the task you’ve set for yourself. We urge you to let go of negative energy and have an optimistic outlook because nobody wants to be in a position where they are forced to do something they don’t want to do.

Productive people = Productive mind Surrounding yourself with friends who share your goals and passions is the key to approaching chaos. Eventually you will need someone to pull you up when you feel yourself falling short.

Stop complaining

Creating a routine/checklist Not enough is talked about having a good routine that works for you. We believe that routines make it much easier to solve challenges. Personally, we prefer to use routines on a regular basis, but not everyone finds it possible to remember every detail of their routine, which is why we recommend utilising a checklist. When you use a checklist alongside your routine, you are more likely to complete it faster, more efficiently, and successfully. Dreammaker. co.uk reports that 92% of successful people in our community today follow a routine. However, getting into a habit is unusual because it must be done several times initially. So, don’t expect to master a decent routine in the first couple of tries; but remember it’s better to try than not to try at all.

Taking a break Hold on! We know we’ve spent the majority of our article telling you to stop pushing everything away, but one thing we’ve realised is that most people neglect their chaos because they believe that when they eventually have to deal with it, it will be a massive weight on their shoulders, but that is not true.

Everything takes baby steps and everyone needs a break.

Although it is going to be hard changing the mindset that we have on chaos, it will be beneficial to every aspect of our lives.

As students in Year 11, we can say with almost certainty that neglecting and procrastinating will only lead to unfathomable stress and this will be extremely detrimental to your physical and mental health. Some people may again decide to ignore the purpose of this article as they believe that they can continue to cope with the chaos, but to anyone willing to listen, our advice will be: Find support from family, friends and any older figure around: teachers, doctors or therapists and make sure you approach your problems with a positive mindset and we promise, the ten season run of F.R.I.E.N.D.S will still be waiting on Netflix for you.

Having a SMART go al

Our goals do not have to be extravagant in order for us to succeed, but they must be SM ART. SMART is an acronym that he lps us set attainable goals that we believe we can achieve.

S - Specific M - Measurable A - Achievable R - Relevant

By Daniella Godwin-Etim, Heart Joshua, Ogo Kinglsey-Anyanwu, Moni Olaide-Agboola

T - Timebound MindTools.com has a really good article of how to set SM ART goals and we encourage you to go check it out.

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Year 11 5

A Day in the Life of Year 7

Spanish - Spanish class is with Senora Alonso, in Spanish we have been learning about some colours. We can now list the colours of the rainbow for you! Rojo as red, naranja as orange, amarilla as yellow, verde as green, azul clara as light blue, azul oscura is dark blue and morado as a lovely purple. It is impressive how much we could learn in such a short period of time. Spanish lessons consist of lots of fun activities, games to help us memorise words and educational videos which are very funny.

Amy Abrahams & Grace Killick Year 7

Lunch - Usually every Friday, fish and chips is our hot lunch option. There is also the vegetarian option which may include a vegan sausage roll. Additionally, the pasta bar usually offers two different types of pasta per day with a lovely puttanesca sauce.

To add to this already large range of options we also have access to a sandwich bar. Lastly for our desert options there may be the option of Eton mess, a delicious hot raspberry brownie and a range of fruit.

“A delicious hot raspberry brownie”

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Homework, a massive step up from Year 6. In Year 6 our homework consisted of simple tasks to do such as spelling activities or designing colourful posters for geography. The main cause of stress towards the idea of senior school was the leap between the amount of homework. We feared receiving four or five assignments a night leaving us with around 1 hour of sleep, but this was far from the reality. In Year 7 we are limited to a maximum of three pieces of homework a night and if we ever feel overwhelmed the teachers are always more than happy to provide us with help. The last piece of information we want to provide you regarding homework is that if you have missed some school days whether it be for sickness or a family gathering such as a wedding, there is no need to stress. Teachers will allow for extensions to be made in regards to this. However, if homework is completed without a sufficient excuse then sanctions would be imposed.

ello everyone, buenos dias or tardes to whoever is lucky enough to be reading this.

Throughout this article we will share some of the key moments we experience whilst being a Year 7 pupil at St Margaret’s. Our names are Amy Abrahams and Grace Killick, we have been in the school since Reception (circa 2016) and have just begun our 7th year at this school. Let us tell you about all the fun experiences we have had along this journey, such as in Year 1 making egg cress sandwiches and lovely chocolate gummy bears with Haribos along with other delicious treats. Every Christmas we would have our own farm come to the school. Continuing on from this, we hope this article will give you some insight into the sort of experiences which come with being in Year 7.

More opportunities. In Year 7 we step into a world of all kinds of different opportunities. St Margaret’s will support you with any career you could possibly think of. There is much more freedom when walking to lessons, but this entails the pressure of having to make sure we arrive on time, without teachers necessarily guiding us. To indulge in a more detailed discussion of what a day in the life of Year 7 looks like we shall take you through some of our lessons and experiences.

Whilst Year 7 is deemed to be far stricter than Year 6 with a specific system in place involving sanctions, we would like to provide you with some reassurance. If you make a small mistake, calling out in class, forgetting a piece of homework at home, you will not automatically be given a detention. When actions like these are repeated then detentions may be given out but usually the teacher will provide support to prevent these mistakes from being made. This system is important for ensuring all students and staff are working in a safe and kind environment.

Additionally, the school has an opposing system to show the hard work of our students. These are commendations and head’s awards to ensure our hard work is acknowledged.

Overall the purpose of our article is to show any students or parents that may be anxious about senior school life that they will not be alone and will have constant support from members of staff and pupils around them.

Science - One of our lessons is Science with Ms Cromie. Most Fridays we will do a science practical, for example, the separation of saltwater and sand, which was extremely fun. The opportunity to do an experiment every week is very exciting and has many of us looking forward to what we will be doing next. Since we have started senior school our love for science has blossomed thanks to the amazing teaching which Ms Cromie provides. Science has become one of our most loved lessons, along with maths of course.

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The World of Gaming:

Ari Landy

The Journey Begins Here

Year 7

This is a great starting point for gamers who prefer the creative aspect of freedom alongside those who prefer the combat and action side. Minecraft is constantly evolving and is becoming more and more challenging which only builds the excitement for players.

Furthermore, due to it’s cross-platform gaming it means that you can play with your friends even if they don’t have the same device.

Many gamers enjoy posting their content on YouTube and often are provided with pre-release games which may help you find which game is best for you. Some of the most popular games in the world are Minecraft, Fortnite and Roblox with a combined total of over 97 million daily players.

Minecraft is an open sandbox game where you can design and structure almost anything you want. There is also lots of combat with different mobs and the goal of advancing to defeat the Ender Dragon. There is even the option to play with friends online in different realms, multiplayer servers or a private map and it is said to be ‘the most adventurous game you will ever play.’

Fortnite is often known for the joy it brings by playing with friends, competitive rivalry, and incredible victories, Fortnite is a remarkably popular game where you compete in a battle royale against other world players. You can play in solos, duos or squads, taking down enemies as you go. Advance to the centre, avoiding the storm that closes in around you, it is also incredibly captivating and competitive. The mystery of new updates of chapters and seasons keeps players engaged and only builds on the fun.

“There is not a set in stone ‘best way to game’ but rather a wide range of options for the best way in which you want to game.”

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here is a high chance that many of you like to play video games. Whether it’s one of the classic Mario games, the new Zelda or Jedi Survivor, you might have once wondered whether you should have picked a different game, controller, or even a different console to further advance your gaming style.

Roblox, whilst also being very popular among the video game world, holds thousands of different games created by designers. Some of the most popular games inside of Roblox are Arsenal: Where you attack enemies with weapons, striking them down and winning the game. You can also play on different maps holding secret hiding spots and rooms. Bedwars: Collect iron and emeralds, make armour and, most importantly, defend your base! Attack others and break their bed, staying alive, all the while trying to win the game.

Jailbreak: Escape prison and be on the run! Don’t get caught by the police, else you will be sent straight back to jail. There is also the option to choose to be part of the police team as well, catching the escaped convicts in action and sending them to prison whilst guarding the jail day and night.

What is the best console?

Beginning a new or different gaming life can be tricky, deciding which games to pick or which console you want. To a new player it may be rather confusing when considering the wide range of options. For most individuals when imagining a console; Nintendo, Xbox and the Playstation five or (Ps5) may have come to mind. But which one is considered to be the best? If you’re looking for a beginner controller, the Nintendo Switch’s joy cons are the best choice. Their smooth grip and easy controls would definitely help in starting out a gaming journey. On the other hand, whilst the Ps5 may be viewed as complex, its gaming abilities are incredibly advanced, allowing you swift movements in PvP (player versus player) games and strong access to any server all the while giving you incredible graphic design. Following on, the XBox is not only a great console, but a good partner, leaving almost no lag in games and providing great graphics. Its controller is similar to the PlayStation but it varies in different controls in certain games.

To summarise, there are hundreds of different ways to game, and one of them will be right for you. Down to the last game, controller or very core, it’s important that you are comfortable with your gaming style and how you play. It is important to not forget about the game you saw in the store, or the controller you saw online and go ahead and play.

Overall there is not a set in stone ‘best way to game’ but rather a wide range of options for the best way in which you want to game.

What are the best games?

There are many different genres in the gaming industry, for example; adventure, sports or combat. It is a good idea to keep your gaming varied and have an open mind towards new games which may not initially come across as suiting your style. When feeling conflicted or unsure as to what game to choose, asking a friend what they enjoy playing or simply searching it on the internet is a good option.

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My name is Lana Patel and I will be exploring the issues around allowing students to have unlimited access to mobile phones.

Should We Ban Mobile Phones in Schools?

In 2022, the UK government introduced guidance to support the ban on using mobile phones in schools. This scheme received different opinions from many people and here are some interesting points of view about phones being banned.

Views on why phones should be banned:

Views on why they shouldn’t be banned:

1. It could distract students from learning.

Over the pandemic, people have become addicted to their phone as they weren’t allowed to go outside. This addiction has increased over the years as the pandemic is no longer a major issue. Students can’t resist the temptation to look at their phones in the classroom now that they are allowed outside of their homes.

1. Instituting the ban on phones will not stop students from using them. Students might use their phone to do inappropriate or even illegal things in secret because they aren’t allowed to use their phones in public during school times. This can lead to multiple problems with their phones such as viruses but also problems with the person as they will feel like they can’t talk to anyone about it.

2. It could risk pupil privacy.

If students are allowed on phones, they could take pictures of other students or teachers without consent, message people without permission, gain access to each other’s confidential passwords or go on illegal or inappropriate websites.

2. A lot of schools all over the world allow phones such as China, France, Greece, USA and much more. These countries have advantages over the UK due to their students being allowed to use their phones, such as better communication between the student and teacher and easier access to their parents when they are in need.

3. It could lead to cyberbullying.

Students could be rude if they see a picture of another student or see private messages. This could lead to students being more distracted and not focused on their classwork.

3. Some schools can’t afford all the technology that they need, and phones can supply this. Some schools don’t have access to devices and gadgets and if students are allowed to bring in their phone they could more easily take part in certain classes such as: Computer Science and Design Technology.

Lana Patel

In my opinion, I think that phones shouldn’t be banned because I believe that multiple people need some form of relaxation during breaktime & lunchtime as not everyone is able to play around.

I also believe we have freedom to own our own devices and therefore we should choose when we want to use them or not.

Year 7

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ULEZ: DO WE NEED THEM IN OUR LIFE? ULEZ, or the Ultra Low Emission Zones, means that those who use diesel-fuelled vehicles are required to pay a fine of £12.50 per journey if they are travelling through those zones. A vast number of people are disapproving and frustrated about this law, whereas others feel this is a necessary action in improving the air quality in London.

Why is it so controversial?

Every area in London is way above the World Health Organization’s guidelines on the limit for air pollution. This places those living in London at risk, which is why it is vital to expand the ULEZ zone.

Sadiq Khan expressed his plan to cover the entirety of London with the ULEZ zone by August. A lot of citizens who live outside of London alongside those living in the capital are required to pay the ULEZ fee, this makes it harder for people to travel. Those who drive diesel-powered vehicles express strong anger towards this especially. This is due to the fact that some of the vehicles which were previously permitted to drive through these areas a decade ago, which were once considered to be efficient, are now being reconsidered. However, due to the introduction of ULEZ they would also be forced to pay the fine.

Negatives

Those who don’t have a vehicle which meets city standards would have to pay a fee to simply drive their car around the streets of London and this can be a bit inconvenient. The UK is currently in a cost of living crisis and even the fee could be unaffordable. The other issue is these people have to pay a larger amount to get a vehicle that is up to city standards. People without these vehicles have to create routes avoiding Positives these zones to prevent having to pay fees which can Some positives could be that this expansion can help Shaheer cause large traffic jams and worsen certain roads the environment even though it would result in a Shiraz & Aran due to the concentration of heavier duty cars passing large number of people needing to sell their diesel Sarangdhar through there. This causes great inconvenience. car to replace it with either a petrol, electric or hybrid Year 8 There is also a lack of notice to when certain status’ car. This would also be limited as it is unknown how of zones are changed which can result in people long it may be until petrol cars are eradicated as well. having large fines sprung upon them all due to a lack of The target is for the expansion to almost reduce 50% of toxic broadcasted information.

Nitrogen Dioxide emissions which are polluting central London.

This would be a phenomenal help to reduce global warming. This What we think is five times faster in terms of pollution reduction in London in We feel that ULEZ has both its positives and negatives. There comparison to the rest of the UK between 2016 and 2020. LEZ is far more pressure on people with diesel cars during the cost brought cleaner air to the streets of London and contributed to of living crisis and it becomes even harder for them to afford to a 4.5% reduction in health problems alongside an 8% decrease live in the city. However, ULEZ is also incredibly positive as it in breathing issues such as asthma and bronchitis. This shows reduces the toxins released into the air and will help reduce the the impact LEZ and ULEZ have had on the country linked to rates of climate change and global warming. We also feel ULEZ their achievement of raising £963 million in London as a result is good as it reduces the concentration of smoke in the air which of the charges. On a less bright note, each year air pollution is a overall prevents severe medical situations involving individuals contributing factor to the deaths of many Londoners by infecting with asthma. Overall, if there were to be more notice regarding them with life-changing illnesses like lung cancer, lung diseases, which areas fall under the ULEZ zone and accommodations causing early dementia and severe asthma. However, thanks to could be made for those unable to afford to simply purchase a ULEZ the number of Londoners either suffering or dying from new vehicle then the country’s view on ULEZ may be shifted. these horrible diseases are decreasing.

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Not Just A

Girl...

The debut of the infamous Barbie film in 2023 has recently captured the attention of the film industry. Many evaluations, comments, and, of course, newspaper pieces have been published in mainstream media to assess the impact of the Barbie film on our generation today, and I have decided to contribute my personal analysis of the film.

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When we left the cinema, it was evident that America Ferrara’s speech had spoken to my mum. Although sadly, the actress wasn’t there to discuss every minute detail with us, she had a way of touching the hearts of so many. The one thing that moved me because of the speech was not my mum’s tears as she watched it but why she was so moved by it. For most of her professional life, my mum has been in the competitive business. She’s worked in male dominated companies and in my eyes, had always climbed the success ‘ladder’ easily. Of course, I always thought of her as someone who worked hard for what she has and as a light of hope and a pillar that can’t be shaken but the few moments after watching this movie proved me wrong. She told me a story that changed my perspective on many things. She said that on the Monday the week before, she had gone to a meeting in one of the companies which was male dominated and although she was the highest ranked there, she couldn’t help but feel like she was constantly interrupted and getting mansplained. When she told me this, I was shocked.

ince its premiere, I’ve seen Barbie twice and each time I’ve left the theatre with a different take on the film. On July 22nd, my birthday, I saw it for the first time. I expected it to give me the nostalgic feeling I was hoping for, but I got much more. I got what the movie was trying to say, but I didn’t really understand it. I saw it again with my mother the second time. She was desperate to watch it with her daughters, so my sister and I granted her request. Each older than the other, we all had distinct, individual viewpoints on what we were watching.

With my friends, I understood a section of the concept. I loved how they wove feminism into the threads of the movie. I think so much of the time we overlook movie history in our current lives. For example, a movie like Barbie, while loved today, would never have been televised or made in the 1950s, and so I took it upon myself to commemorate that. I was pleased that the message of feminine power could be transmitted, but I felt that we still had a lot more work to do as a community to create more stories like that.

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To circle back to this incredible movie, a specific part of America Ferrara’s speech had a particular impact on me. It was a small section that said, ‘It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong’. The I’ve always had a large family and in that family we talk about a lot part that caught me was when she said, ‘We’re always doing it of things, ranging from interesting movie interpretations or actual wrong’. From an extremely early age, many women are shown political standing but the more I looked into it, the more I noticed what they are meant to be and how they are meant to act. Even that we never talked in depth about feminism or what it means though today progressive society has made it a priority to fight to us. It hurt me that a very important topic could be one that is against historical sexism, so many women are still faced with so frequently neglected. I didn’t want feminism to be an everyday microaggressions like being told to accept if a man is rude or topic, one that consumed us so much that we don’t find a life out of mean to you because it means ‘he likes you’. Absolute it, but I did want it to be one we felt safe in talking about. nonsense! This is just a small piece of a much larger picture but a prime example of the small things So many have fought for the rights that women that are overlooked and one of the key reasons have today and so many are still fighting and like Lily that this speech had such a big impact on me.

Winston Churchill said, ‘Those that fail to learn Davison from history are doomed to repeat it’. I believe it I would have to admit that commenting on is our responsibility to teach the next generation Year 11 the criticism that the movie Barbie has faced about the fights of their ancestors so they are is extremely difficult, mainly as the movie speaks constantly in a safe environment to talk about it. differently to everyone. To conclude this article, Barbie for me had the sentimental but true feel to a movie that every In 2021, we were all shocked at the brutal murder of Sarah woman needed to experience, especially that little girl we once Everard. However, her death shed light on the long forgotten had in us, as it revealed such simple yet hidden truths. Every issue at hand: sexism and how it affects a woman throughout woman can say at one point in their lives, they’ve been scared or their life. Many had responses to this and the public uproar afraid they won’t fit in and although this thought may be slightly was huge, overtime, this initial shock died down and things stereotypical, it was something that many young girls have to were sadly forgotten. Tragic crimes, like the ones committed face. To every girl out there reading this, just remember that you against Sarah Everard are repeated over and over again and don’t have to be perfect, pristine or anything special, sometimes unfortunately, we forget about them and move on. Although there is just ‘Ordinary Barbie’, a Barbie that isn’t out to impress we should not hold on too tightly to the past, it is important anyone but themselves. to remember we each have different positions in this world.

Whether it is being a woman or a man or being whatever you This movie meant a lot to me and to others who don’t feel the want to be, the main thing is understanding what our roles same, I would simply say watch it for the fun of it! in the society are and trying our best to right the wrongs we are presented with.

I was shocked by this mainly because I just didn’t think things like this happened anymore and I believed unfortunately, if it were to happen, it would never happen to someone as strong and resilient as my mum.

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Eluka Fleming Year 7

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Natural Disasters Unnatural Responses atural disasters are very dangerous things that can be caused by a multitude of things like tectonic shifts, lunar activities, deforestation, soil erosion, air pressure, ocean currents, pollution, global warming, mining, seismic waves, etc. Agricultural practices, mining, and deforestation can lead to deadly landslides. Natural habitats and plants can be damaged by wildfires and animals can also be seriously harmed.

Natural disasters can be on a smaller scale affecting little regions like the cyclone which hit Vanuatu in March 2023 or on a wider scale like the earthquake in Tokyo in 2011. Unfortunately, some countries aren’t able to respond to natural disasters quickly enough and this can affect the economic, political, environmental and social standings of the country.

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Why is it hard to rebuild after a natural disaster?

1. Financial Issues Most countries do not have the money to repair all the infrastructure damaged by the natural disaster. They are unable to get enough money to aid people who have been injured physically and mentally by the disaster. This could eventually lead to the country having to spend over their limited resources and be in debt to the numerous countries that might have helped.

2. Remote/Closed off Another reason could be that the country in need is very closed off. An example is Eritrea. Eritrea is a small country in the east of Africa. She faces difficult climate conditions and is very frequently affected by flooding. The countries in need may also be far away from the other countries that might be willing to help. This can limit the amount of help that the country can get as they might not be able to reach out for help or receive it due to reasons like transportation and communication problems.

In conclusion, not every country can pull themselves together after facing a natural disaster and they often rely on help from charities, which are funded through donations from people like us.. If you would like to help countries such as Haiti, Myanmar & Iran, you can donate to these following NGOs: • UNICEF • UNDP • UNHCR

3. Understanding their priorities

• WFP

A country’s priority should be its citizens. After a natural disaster, the country in need is most likely to try and get its citizens to a safe and healthy place. Since most countries prioritise this, they are unable to focus on other things such as rebuilding and refurbishment. Although, theoretically this might be the best option, not all citizens might agree with this as they believe that the country should focus on rebuilding its infrastructure first.

Or you can donate to a specific cause using one of the websites below: • Direct Relief - https://www.directrelief.org/ • Action Aid - https://www.actionaid.org.uk/ • Convoy of Hope - https://convoyofhope.org/

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Is It Possible To Make Easy Money In 2023?

Easy money, something in which many individuals crave. Whether this money would be used to save up for a new video game or possibly a new device, making money in the modern world is often perceived to be rather difficult. However, is ‘easy money’ truly easy? Here are the top five ways in which you can make ‘easy’ money.

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Creating a YouTube channel

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Part-time jobs Having a part-time job is beneficial for a person who is under the age of 18. Similar to a summer job where you may work at a camp with younger children, a part time job may be a small role in a lesser known business such as a local coffee shop. These are beneficial for many reasons as not only does it support local businesses who may be struggling but it also allows for money to be made.

This is a great starting point for those who desire the idea of ‘easy’ money as these roles often do not require as much work compared to a full-time job.

Creating a YouTube channel takes patience, a level of skill and determination to edit videos alongside time out from your daily life to create more videos, but the possibilities are endless in video creation.

It could be gaming, cooking, sports highlights, teaching or any other passion you may have. This also takes skill to edit your videos so it doesn’t become too long for people to watch. Once you get a certain number of subscribers you will make money but your account has to be managed by an adult to be monetised (collecting revenue).

Chores around the house/neighbour’s house.

Reselling second-hand items

Live-streaming and gaming competitions

Although this is not known to be one of the most enjoyable tasks to do alongside it being the least-paid method in this list, it is still a very valid way in which to make ‘easy’ money. The highest-paid chore is usually washing the car, which for a lot of teenagers amounts to around £12 The least-paid chore is often known to be washing the dishes at around £2.

Selling second-hand items is beneficial due to environmental factors, preventing what is known as fast fashion, and earning people money for belongings which they would have simply thrown away. This is possible by finding unwanted things to resell such as a pair of shoes that no longer fit or uncovering old games for a gaming console. Once these items are found they can be sold on websites such as eBay, Vinted, WeBuyBooks, Facebook marketplace, CEX, Etsy and Amazon. Selling items outside of on the internet can be done through car boot sales and second-hand shops, both of which are amazing options for selling.

Live streaming on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube can be some of the best opportunities for money to be made, depending on the commitment put into it. For example, there are features on these platforms to donate or purchase a subscription to someone’s content which you may enjoy. Furthermore, streamers whose main focus is on the gaming industry could be invited to join competitions for certain games with large grand prizes. There are also opportunities to join gaming and e-sport teams.

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Arjun Singh

Overall, the concept of ‘easy money’ depends on the perspective it is viewed from. All of the suggestions on this list may be considered easier ways to make money but work is still being made towards each of these and therefore could they truly be considered as earning easy money?

Year 7

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t f i w S r o l Tay

FEMINIST ICON OR CYNICAL BUSINESSWOMAN Taylor Swift is a name that has become synonymous with success, influence, and controversy in the music industry. With a career spanning over a decade, she has not only made a mark as a multi-award-winning artist but has also been at the centre of debates regarding her stance on feminism and her approach to her career but, is she a feminist icon or a cynical businesswoman?

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Furthermore, Taylor Swift’s “girl squad,” a close-knit group irst of all, let’s look at the Feminist Perspective. of female friends and celebrities, has had a notable impact on Taylor Swift actively works in order to achieve the perception of feminism in popular culture. Her formation empowerment through her music. She has of this squad, which includes influential women like Selena frequently been celebrated for her lyrics, which Gomez, Gigi Hadid, and Lena Dunham, was seen as a symbol often address issues of female empowerment, selfof female solidarity and empowerment. The public image discovery, and relationships. Songs like “ Mad Woman, “ Nothing of the squad challenged traditional stereotypes of female New” and “The Man” have been interpreted as anthems for women competition in the entertainment industry. By showcasing breaking free from stereotypes and societal expectations. She strong, supportive relationships between women, Taylor details in songs like “Change” how society builds ‘walls Swift encouraged a more positive narrative around that they put up to hold us back’. She finishes with “It’s Iman female friendships. This portrayal resonated with a revolution, the time will come for us to finally win.”

Mirza many fans and followers, emphasising the idea In songs like “The Man”, she details how if she was a that women can uplift and support each other man, “They wouldn’t shake their heads and question Year 12 rather than tear each other down. It undoubtedly how much of this I deserve” once again highlighting contributed to a broader conversation about female the unfair expectations placed upon women solely due empowerment in the context of feminism. The squad’s to their gender. message of unity and support has played a role in breaking down gender stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive and Taylor Swift’s advocacy for gender equality is a prominent empowering vision of feminism in pop culture. aspect of her public persona. Throughout her career, she has used her platform to address important issues related to gender On the other hand, Taylor Swift’s career has undeniably discrimination and women’s rights. She has been vocal about showcased elements of strategic decision-making, which have her support for gender equality as she takes a stand against led some to perceive her as a cynical businesswoman. Notably, discrimination and harassment, actively engaging in discussions her calculated moves, such as her decision to re-record her about issues like the gender pay gap and women’s rights. She used early albums to regain control over her music discography, have her platform to donate to sexual assault survivors and has been been seen as business-driven strategies to maximise her profits recognized as a strong advocate for these causes. Her support for and assert her dominance in the music industry. Swift’s public survivors of sexual assault, including her legal battle against her disputes with record labels and artists like Kanye West have often own assaulter, has made her a prominent figure in the #MeToo created significant media attention and controversy, drawing movement, highlighting the need for justice and accountability. attention to her brand and potentially enhancing her image.

Swift’s songs, such as “The Man,” critically examine double While it is entirely within her rights to protect her hard work and standards and expectations placed on women. By consistently make savvy business decisions, one may argue that the highly speaking out and engaging in initiatives that promote gender publicised nature of these moves suggests a strategic approach equality, Taylor Swift has become a significant voice in the ongoing that prioritises financial interests over artistic integrity. struggle for women’s rights and equal treatment in society.

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As with any public figure, it is crucial to consider both sides of the argument and make an informed judgement. Artists like Beyoncé and Harry Styles represent the evolving expectations placed on pop culture figures, challenging artists like Swift to adapt to a shifting cultural landscape. However, instead of trying to subject an individual into a box where she can either be one or the other, can’t we say she’s both? I believe that Swift can be a highly important figure in the feminist space whilst also putting the advancement of her career first. Being a savvy businesswoman shouldn’t take away from all the good she has done in the music industry.

Additionally, Taylor Swift’s advocacy for feminism has been perceived by some as selective, leading to criticism that she only embraces feminist ideals when they align with her image or interests. While Swift has used her platform to address important issues like gender equality, she has faced accusations of remaining notably silent on specific political issues and not consistently promoting a more comprehensive feminist agenda.

Some critics argue that Swift’s brand of feminism often centres on her own experiences and relationships, with a focus on themes like romantic relationships, body image, and public feuds. This selectiveness has raised questions about the authenticity of her feminist advocacy, as it seems to align with personal narratives rather than taking a broader, more systemic approach to feminism.

While Swift has undoubtedly been a powerful voice for many feminist causes, her selectivity in addressing certain issues has led some to question the consistency and depth of her commitment to the feminist movement. Artists like Beyoncé and Alicia Keys have championed issues related to race, gender, and social justice, making Swift’s brand of feminism and advocacy seem comparatively limited. The broader call for representation and inclusivity in the music industry highlights the need for artists to be more comprehensive in their approach to feminism and activism.

The debate over whether Taylor Swift is a feminist icon or a cynical businesswoman is far from settled. She has undoubtedly used her platform to advocate for important feminist causes and female empowerment, but there are also strategic elements to her career. Ultimately, whether you view Taylor Swift as a feminist icon or a cynical businesswoman depends on your perspective and interpretation of her actions.

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Naomi Daudu Year 7

SAVING

CRITICAL CRISIS

OUR PLANET

Another way in which to reduce emissions in your day to day life would be to avoid using appliances which are not energy efficient. A great example of an alternative to inefficient energy appliances such as a tumble dryer would be washing clothes and dishes with cold water and allowing them to air dry.

Global warming, the long-term warming of the planet’s overall temperature, is a major problem in today’s world. Though its warming trend has been going on for a vast period of time, the rate of this has increased a lot in the last hundred years due to the burning of fossil fuels.

On a more detailed level, eating more vegetables, fruits and plant-based foods rather than large quantities of meat and dairy reduces greenhouse gas effects. Similarly, rather than throwing out uneaten food consider using a composter.

It is also recommended to investigate the possibility of having solar panels installed in your roof to allow for electricity to be produced in your own home, further decreasing energy consumption.

As the human population increases, the volume of fossil fuels burned correlates to this. Fossil fuels include coal, oil and natural gas. Burning them releases toxic products into the atmosphere. Following on from this, the greenhouse effect which is caused by the rise in concentration of these toxic products in the atmosphere results in less of the sun’s energy escaping back into the atmosphere. Due to this, the average temperature of the Earth is steadily increasing. So the question becomes, what can be done to reverse this?

What we can do about it

Effects of Global warming

In truth, there may not be a way in which to reverse what has already happened to our planet. However, it is possible to reduce the effects and decrease emissions. Global warming is very serious therefore here are some things that you can do in your everyday life that can reduce global warming. Firstly, if your journeys are short it may be better to walk or cycle as petrol driven vehicles are a key contributing factor in the global emissions. By solely using these modes of transport if your destination is not within walking or cycling distance, while it may seem to only be small, on a large scale it will make a huge impact.

The effects of Global warming can be extreme weather conditions and in some regions the winter will become far colder than normal, ice caps will also begin to melt. Many animals in Antarctica will lose their homes and risk becoming trapped on floating ice caps. Effects of global warming can be seen and felt across the entire planet. This growing trend is far more dangerous than perceived by our communities. The battle against global warming and climate change must be tackled, and soon, before it is too late.

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Moving on and moving up, Year 6 to Year 7 Feeling lost and scared about moving from Year 6 to Year 7?

Emine has some words of wisdom to help you to make the change.

Big changes

Maths

Life in Year 7 can get crazier than Year 6. Unlike moving years in the junior school, instead of simply switching classrooms you move to a different building completely. Another major change is the timing for the end of day. This is at 3.45 in junior school; however, in senior school this changes to a 4:10 finish to the day.

For maths, unlike junior school, you are divided into multiple sets and currently in Year 7 there are 5 sets. Throughout the year there will be some tests around October, January, March and end of year assessments in June.

The smaller changes

English is a fun class where we write stories and read a variety of different books. Contrasting to Year 6, in the senior school we go into depth of literary devices and techniques and heavily analyse some incredibly interesting novels and plays.

English

Our school has a variety of different foods and there are always vegetarian and vegan options along with a large range of sandwiches. Lunch in the junior school lacks freedom and often time in the dining hall is limited. In the senior school however, there is much more freedom and lunchtimes can be used to catch up on homework, speak to teachers and participate in a range of lunchtime clubs.

Homework The amount of homework in Year 6 is fairly minimal compared to the workload in senior school. Rather than your entire class having the same homework as you there is a level of independence in which you must keep track of your own work.

Homework is in a much larger quantity and you may get several pieces a week. There is, however, more support in place to suit this as there are clinics for each subject every lunchtime on different days.

For break time snacks we have fruit from Monday to Thursday and on Friday we have a special snack which could be a biscuit or brownie. This differs from the junior school as the junior school also has an afternoon snack which the senior school does not have.

In Senior School, if you have a credit card you can get something from the dining room for a snack which could be a packet of crisps or a doughnut or, if we are lucky, maybe churros. This is a difference from junior school as there is a larger choice of snack.

Lessons Lessons have changed quite drastically in the gap between Year 6 and 7. Rather than staying in the same building or classroom for the majority of classes there is now the challenge of navigating a large array of buildings and classrooms in the senior school.

There are different teachers for every subject rather than having only one teacher.

Emine Kiamil

Overall bridging the gap between Year 6 and Year 7 may appear to be difficult at first and it may seem tricky to adapt to the new atmosphere but, with the help and support of teachers and heads of year, everything will become easier and start to make sense.

Year 7

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GE T TI N G TO KNOW

M R WAL SH Earlier this term, I had the privilege of speaking with Mr Walsh who is the current head of Sixth Form, teacher of politics and he also runs a multitude of clubs.

We spoke about everything from his time at school, his favourite things about St Margaret’s and his top 3 items he couldn’t live without.

Would you mind introducing yourself ?

Do you think you still have similar interests today?

Yes of course, Hello, I’m Mr Walsh the current head of Sixth Form.

Oh no my interests are all over the place now like politics and not just because I teach it, sociology and I like staying on top of current affairs . I try to keep involved as much as I can with current trends that are happening so I can understand certain lingo in the classroom.

Okay so my first question is, what are some of your favourite memories from when you were at school?

That’s hard. It was secondary school for me where I knew I wanted to be a teacher as my history teacher Mr Duffy, he had a very unique style of teaching where he would essentially just talk to us. He would set an essay and if you dared to question him, his response would simply be ‘well you can read can’t you?’ He was also a very demanding kind of guy so I’ve tried to not model myself on him

Okay so you didn’t want to be that sort of a teacher?

No, so I wanted to teach but not like that.

Favourite memories… I did a school trip to Munich which I really enjoyed and I don’t know if I could pick a top 3 because your favourite memories from school are those interactions you have with your friends and teachers. There is no one big stand out. For me, it’s more of a feeling and I enjoyed school.

What were your top 3 subjects at school?

Oh top 3 subjects - History, English then German in that order.

So you can connect with your students?

Well connect with students but also know if certain things are happening that need to be flagged, such as the whole Andrew Tate controversy. Fortunately this school is ahead of it but other schools are still playing catch up and those sort of negative influences that can come into a school. Just being aware that those bubbles and movements are happening is something that is really important to me.

Is there anything in particular that drew you to St Margaret’s?

That’s a good question. I liked the size. I came from a school that had over 2000 students so coming to a school with just over 400 students in the senior school, going from those large class sizes to the small ones is what I liked. What I really like here is the attention and care you guys get. You really do get far more care and attention than any other school I have ever been in. Some of you appreciate it, some of you, I think it takes a while for you to appreciate that level of contact time you get with your teachers.

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It’s hard to describe what drew me here.

I’m very driven by my gut so if it feels right, I will normally end up doing it and that’s sort of how I ended up here. I just thought that this place felt right.

If you were trapped on a desert island, what 3 things could you not live without?

Or Gobekli Tepi in Turkey. It’s one of the oldest pieces of evidence we have for civilization. Even older than Stonehenge or the pyramids. It’s close to 10,000 years old.

How important do you think a teacher’s role is in a student’s academic success?

My family of course. But if we’re going purely materialistic, Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ - it’s my favourite book. It’s also 1000 pages long so it would take me a while to read. From a very shallow perspective, I would love a Playstation with an internet connection. From a survival point of view, probably a book on how to survive on a desert island!

What is your favourite song and movie?

There is an element of responsibility on both sides. The teacher has to want you to do well, but you also have to want to do well. If you’re switched off in a lesson, the teacher can put in everything to help you, but if you’re feeling defeated, there will be no result. I think it’s a two way street. If you’re willing to be engaged and the teacher will engage you, then you will get the results you want.

If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what do you think you would be doing?

I wouldn’t give up teaching.

I really love that answer! What do you think your favourite thing is about teaching here?

The buzz for sure. There is an unbelievable buzz. It doesn’t matter whether its 1 or 22 students but when you’re in front of a class and they are hanging on your every word, it’s a little vain but every teacher is a little bit vain, but when a student is hanging on to your every word and is interested in what you’re saying and they’re loving the subject that you love, there is a connection and a buzz that cannot be denied. Like saying something and seeing someone’s mind go ‘woah’ that is what I love. I love doing that.

That is why I literally cannot see myself in any other position. I love teaching and I love that feeling of fulfilment. It’s quite a selfish thing to say but as I said, if you’re going to be a teacher, there is a tiny bit of you that is selfish.

What would students be surprised to learn about you?

It can be extremely deep or just on the surface.

That’s me in a nutshell. Cheesy jokes but weirdly deep conversations. That’s a hard question, I mean I wear my quirks on my sleeve - I have a Superman crest in my classroom, Superman cufflinks but I don’t think that’s surprising. I’ll have to come back to that.

Ever?

No. I would probably step back from my current role and just do classroom teaching or tutor but I couldn’t stop teaching. I can’t see myself doing anything else.

What or who inspires you in everyday life?

Rather than focusing on one person, I think that’s too much pressure. Rather than trying to be someone, I just try to be a better me.

Did you always want to be a teacher?

I think I was either going to be a teacher or a guard, which is an Irish Policeman. They were the only options. I was always very solitary and always reading.

If you could take students anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Song - Butcher Tongue by Hozier. It’s about immigrants arriving in other countries and how they struggle with other languages. That’s my current favourite song but I think my all time favourite song is Knights of Cydonia by Muse. That’s a great song.

Film, that’s too hard- It’s either going to be Star Wars, Superman or Lord of the Rings.

What one piece of advice would you give to your students?

There’s a Beckett quote I have in my room of ‘failing better’ . It’s the idea of being brave enough to try something you know you might fail at.

What’s one book that you read this year that you are never going to forget?

If I say it, it’s going to make me sound super intellectual and nerdy.

No, that’s the point. People are getting to know you.

Okay, it’s called ‘Liberalism and its discontents’ by Francis Fukuyama.

Finally, what are your next steps in terms of St Margaret’s?

I would like to make the student’s of St Margaret’s a bit braver in lessons. I want them to challenge, to question, to be brave. I want that spark and that bravery and eagerness in all students.

In conclusion, I would like to add that I found this conversation with Mr Walsh extremely fascinating and incredibly enlightening. He really does wear his heart on his sleeve. I completely agree that his quirks are there for everyone to see. Most of all though, I think it’s clear to see that his passion for teaching comes above everything else. I think that he is an amazing asset to the St Margaret’s teaching faculty. His students and our sixth formers are lucky to have a teacher so committed to their success as their mentor.

What 3 words would you say best describe you?

Fast-talking, somewhat sarcastic and always sincere.

Iman Mirza Year 12

Two places - Either Washington DC in the context of - the soft power in this 1 mile radius literally controls global politics. I think that is fascinating.

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The Womb

“We share this journey together, and although it may seem like an endless struggle, it will pass and leave us wiser after its passing.”

Is it the end of the beginning or beginning of the end?

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You’ve most likely picked up this magazine and are curious about the title of our article. Is it the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? What exactly does this phrase mean? Well, it sums up precisely how we feel in our life at this precise moment. As Year 11 students, we view each passing day as one more step closer to the end of our childhood. After sharing our thoughts with friends, we realised that we aren’t the only ones who feel this way, so we decided to open up and dive into it.

Now we are here, in Year 11, where the path ahead appears intimidating and the trail behind us shines with nostalgia. We find ourselves at the crossroads of our high school journey, reflecting on the importance of this crucial year. We strive to hold onto the remains of our childhood, slipping through our fingers as we approach the real world – the very world we once yearned for but now can’t seem to push away. We move towards those who remind us of times when Sixth Form applications and GCSE preparations weren’t continuously knocking at our door, urging us to push ahead. We beg for a glimpse of life before the overflow of these responsibilities, even as we anxiously await the mysteries that lie ahead.

This is where we all begin, as lovely tiny embryos waiting to be born. We have no responsibility other than to stay alive in our safe haven. We are naive and oblivious to what lies ahead. After 9 months, we are born into a different world. Our first goal is to survive. We have no cares. Everything is done at our own pace; we all just play around, apathetic about what is to come, taking things one step at a time.

Entering school marks the beginning of the end in a child’s life journey. It’s the commencement of a new phase, the genesis of one’s academic life. Here, we learn the fundamental skills of reading and writing, forge friendships, and make decisions that may leave an indelible mark on our then present life and maybe even current one’s. Yet, amidst it all, it’s also the time when we experience pure happiness. These early school years are a treasure chest of some of our most cherished moments.

We reminisce about the innocent pranks we once pulled on our teachers—those acts, though called ‘being immature’ now, still bring smiles to our faces. We recall those exhilarating field trips to places that introduced us to a world of firsts — the zoo, the park, the very essence of new experiences. Indeed, the early school years are about embracing those firsts, sharing them with companions who’ve become our lifelong journey partners, and safeguarding them as precious memories. Confronting the reality that life inevitably progresses beyond this stage of pure happiness is a notion many of us continue to grapple with, even as confident Year 11 students.

So to conclude this emotional rollercoaster we’ve put you through, is it the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? The answer, we believe, lies in our perspective on the future. Year 11 marks the collection of years of hard work, friendships, and personal growth, yet it also brings in a new phase of challenges and opportunities. It’s a year when we begin to glimpse the beautiful view of our adulthood, where the choices we make now will shape our futures. As we stand on the precipice of our senior year, we are excited to embrace the uncertainty of the path ahead, confident that it holds the promise of both closure from the past and fresh beginnings. This is our moment to seize, to learn, to grow, and to create our own course toward a future filled with endless possibilities.

To all Year 11 students who, like us, are drowned in this overwhelming sea of uncertainty, please know this: you are never alone. We share this journey together, and although it may seem like an endless struggle, it will pass and leave us wiser after its passing.

The summer leading up to Year 11, It’s both the season we yearn for and the one that weighs heaviest on our minds. We’re told to relax and have fun, but it’s a challenge when the looming shadow of those massive exams in the year ahead never quite fades. On one hand, there are those with grand plans, vowing to bury themselves in revision day in and day out, only to burn out long before the actual exams. On the flip side, some choose to wander the world, momentarily forgetting that their GCSEs are just around the corner. Whichever path you find yourself on, there’s no need for self-judgement. We all grapple with anxiety at times, and, of course, everyone desires a break. What’s vital is to remember the significance of preparation and the consequences of feeling overwhelmed. As Year 11 students, we should learn to navigate these waters with confidence, knowing that striking a balance between relaxation and readiness is the key to facing the challenges ahead.

By Monisola Olaide-Agboola, Daniella Godwin-Etim, Ogo Kingsley-Anyanwu and Heart Joshua (Year 11)

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ST M A RGA R E T ’ S TA K E S O N T H E M I G H T Y

Iman Mirza & Theo Wolstenholme Year 12

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Kezzy played a wonderful Marius with her powerful mix of vocals and acting. Sophie’s portrayal as Eponine was heartwarming. Her rendition of ‘On My Own’ was absolutely breathtaking and definitely left the audience mesmerised by her pitch perfect vocals. There couldn’t have been a more perfect Eponine. Olive in her remarkable execution of the lively Gavroche, may just have stolen all the audience’s hearts.

Her portrayal caught both the guilelessness and versatility of youth. Jess carried a great fiendishness to the stage as Madame Thénardier and had the audience in stitches every single night.

Ana-Hibah’s Cosette radiated effortlessness and good faith, captivating the audience with her charm and vocals. Marley in his multiple roles as Bishop, Enjolras, and Pimp was another integral part of the success of this production.

es Misérables, originally written by Victor Hugo and later adapted into a musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, has been enjoyed in theatres for over three decades.

The story, set in 19th-century France, follows the journey of protagonist Jean Valjean, a former prisoner, alongside other characters, who are expertly weaved into this story of redemption, revolution and love. The fervent Inspector Javert, the lovelorn Fantine, and the young lovebirds Marius and Cosette. The musical has been praised for its compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and powerful music, and has resonated with audiences across generations.

In the realm of school productions, there are rare moments when the stars align, and the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team result in a performance that transcends expectations. Such was the case with the remarkable rendition of “Les Misérables: School Edition,” led by an extraordinary team of staff headed by Mr Redfern and directed by Mrs Montalvan.

Other notable performances included Maya, who brought brilliant comic timing to the stage in her role of Thénardier and had the audience in tears of laughter; Rinola as Fantine, and Szaira’s Foreman both added profundity and subtlety to the story.

From the principal notes played by the band, made up of professional musicians brought in especially, teachers and members of the senior school orchestra including Iman, Charmaine, Charlotte, Aiden and Cherie under the master direction of Mr Redfern, the crowd was shipped into the emotive universe of Victor Hugo’s ageless story. The band, which took centre stage and was the backdrop for this production, was a visual delight. This year’s acting and singing, vital to Les Misérables, showed an elevated degree of expertise and commitment. You would almost be fooled into thinking you were watching a semi-pro version of the show!

Never has a St Margaret’s play handled production with this level of expertise and flair. Surpassing all previous brilliant productions. The lighting and staging in the round was a genius way to draw the audience in and keep them engaged throughout.

Together, this group, with their different abilities and commitment, undoubtedly raised the bar as far as school productions go!

The entire hall was draped in French flags which set a wonderful backdrop to the play. Each detail carefully created, from the barricade scene to the inn, added to the experience, allowing the crowd to immerse themselves in the realm of nineteenth century France. The backstage crew were par excellence and played an integral part in ensuring the production was smooth from start to finish.

“Together, this group, with their different abilities and commitment, undoubtedly raised the bar as far as school productions go!”

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No show is ever complete without the unwavering support of its Ensemble cast and equal praise is due to the Les Misérables ensemble, whose individual brilliance contributed to the characters’ tangle. Each member shone, held their own and added the depth needed in a play of this magnitude. The variety of performers each with exceptional abilities, added to this Victor Hugo masterpiece. The cast, crew and band along with the helpful hands of Mr Borril, Miss Windmill, Ms Murray, Ms Hooper and of course, Mrs Montalvan and Mr Redfern, came together to create a theatrical masterpiece.

Each character expertly delivered and connected with the audience. Each one playing their own part with conviction is what made this production develop into something so breathtaking.

Every cast member delivered and then some. Anaya in her role of Jean Valjean left you in absolute admiration. Her preparedness for the role shone every single night. Her vocals were pitch perfect, and her portrayal of Jean Valjean was truly exceptional. We’re sure we can hear the west end calling! Charles, depicting the mighty Javert, commanded the stage with his excellent portrayal. There were so many moments of sheer joy: watching him unravel and self question his purpose was a delight to watch.

All in all, the school version of “Les Misérables” seriously raised the bar and stood tall against the run of the mill high school productions.

A huge congratulations to all that were involved in this absolutely stunning performance of Les Misérables.

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Self Care

M A K E T I M E F O R YO U R S E L F Y O U D E S E RV E I T What is self care?

How to create a self care plan that’s right for you

WHO’s definition of self-care is “The ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider.” Self care can consist of many different aspects such as physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. It is important to practise self care regularly to maintain your health. It contributes to an overall better quality of life and makes you feel better not only from the inside, but also the outside. Taking out some time in your day to look after yourself can help increase focus and concentration in the long term.

Practising self care can include anything from taking bubble baths to practising mindful breathing. Some influencers have created a false image of self care being something that is expensive, luxurious and very time consuming. This is highly unrealistic and has led to many people believing that self- care is unattainable. Majority of people don’t have the means to be regularly buying high end products and flying out to world class destinations. You should spend your time doing something you enjoy or that makes you feel good (eg. read a book, do yoga, cook a meal for your family). There is no specific time frame for how long you should practise self care. It could be for hours, or it could be for 10 minutes. Doing it for longer doesn’t necessarily make it more effective. However, it’s important that you practise it as regularly as you can.

How practising self care strengthens your relationship with others Self care helps to ground your thoughts and make you feel more “in touch” with yourself. It’s essential for you to take care of yourself just as much as you take care of other people. It can also help you in other aspects of your life, such as developing better relationships with your family and being more productive at work. This is because you are more mindful of your own needs, therefore you are able to support people better. This is highlighted by Michelle Obama, who said “When I get up and work out, I’m working out just as much for my girls as I am for me, because I want them to see a mother who loves them dearly, who invests in them but who also invests in herself. It’s just as much about letting them know as young women that it is okay to put yourself a little higher on the priority list”.

Masooma Syed Year 11

The effects of self care on your mental health Self care can help to relax your mind in times of stress. This is important so that you don’t get overwhelmed or burdened with emotion. As you reflect on your thoughts and actions, it makes you aware of how you are feeling and why you are feeling that way. It can also help manage your stress and increase your energy levels. This is because self care can help you recharge and keep your mind sharp. While you are reflecting, it can help you gain clarity and become more confident in the decisions you make. This can make you feel less stressed as your thoughts feel more organised. Studies have shown that having a self care routine where you take care of your body, talk positively to yourself and spend time outdoors can reduce anxiety and depression.

In conclusion, self care can help you in many aspects of your life, such as strengthening relationships and helping you gain clarity in your decisions. It’s important to practise self care regularly to keep on top of your physical and mental wellbeing. It’s important to note that self care is a necessity, not a luxury.

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Should public examinations be scrapped?

Public examinations are the main point of focus for the current school system in the UK as everything that is taught is in preparation for this moment.

Some examples of these are GCSEs and A-levels which are known to be some of the most stressful periods of a student’s life. Through this article, I will be exploring whether public examinations should be scrapped or not.

A-levels give students the opportunity to study the subjects which they most enjoy and allow for more freedom. They also allow for those who may not be the best at the compulsory subjects such as maths, English and the sciences. However, A-levels require a much more in depth understanding and further increase the work-load on students. Although many of the subjects allow for coursework, which does not involve an exam, most A-levels still bear the burden of final examinations.

Like GCSEs these provide students with more stress and make what should be an enjoyable experience of learning what they truly love into one of dread. Both GCSEs and A-levels include a large amount of content which is crammed into a small time frame. Would it be less stressful if there were no upcoming exams as a final result of all of their hard GCSEs, exams which are meant to be completed at work? Ultimately this is a question that should be the end of Year 11, are known to be one of the most Theo addressed by those who are in charge of the system. stressful times of a student’s life due to the pressures Additionally, as of recently the prime minister has Wolstenholme placed upon them. Although some students are able declared a change to the current A-level system in to cope with these pressures and can adapt to the Year 12 which the freedom of choice would be restricted: all examination environment, others struggle severely students would be forced to study mathematics and with this and these exams have many links to several English until the end of their school life; the justification mental health conditions. The system is mostly designed for this is that he wants to ensure ‘no child will be left behind’ for those without these conditions and those who don’t have but this could result in being the complete opposite.

Specific Educational Needs. For example, individuals with dyslexia struggle with English examinations; extra time, despite being a part of additional support, does not mitigate the extreme difficulty in remembering key information about certain texts.

Furthermore, the exam boards do not take into consideration the grammatical factors of these exams and marks are deducted for spelling and punctuation. On a separate note, individuals with autism and ADHD struggle with the entirety of the examination environment which places them at a disadvantage within the system. The grades distributed can limit their opportunities at A-levels and even certain jobs. Surely by now this would have been raised as an issue and necessary actions would be taken?

Rather the contrary, individuals with these issues are overlooked and are continuing to be left behind by this outdated system.

On the other hand there are some benefits to public examinations such as providing students with a sense of relief and confidence in their abilities which allows them to have a greater understanding of what they may want to achieve in their future. Exams also provide universities with an indicator of their capabilities and if they would be a good fit for the course they are wanting to take. On a whole, though, these few benefits are nullified by the negatives surrounding these exams. From the perspective of an A-level student who has struggled immensely with the idea of these exams, I believe that there must be a way in which students can be allowed to be under less stress whilst still allowing universities and colleges to see their capabilities.

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The game that changed Women’s football, but why is it so interesting now?

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Women’s football is less paid because more people pay for men’s games. Men’s football has been more popular for hundreds of years, showing it makes more money. But now that women’s football is evolving it is making some profit off their games. Despite this, the men’s game remains more financially lucrative and male footballers earn substantially more than female players. The reason for this is fairly straightforward: the men’s game generates more income at over £400 million a year; in comparison, the women’s game makes around £32 million a year. Until this gap is closed, the men’s game will probably go on Ryan being more popular, but there is no doubt that the playing field is being levelled, year West after year - the question remains: will the Year 7 women’s game ever make as much money as the men?

n August 20th, 2023, at Sydney Football stadium in Australia, for the finals of the Women’s World Cup, Spain challenged England for the worthiness of victory.

After a long and tiring game, the score was 1-0 to Spain.

While the Lionesses lost their chance at winning the prized World Cup, Spain lifted the trophy high in triumph. But how did they get here? Winning a World Cup is no feeble task, so who was this team of extraordinary athletes?

This years’ lineup included a player named Olga Carmona. Olga has had an astonishing career so far. From being signed onto the national team from Real Madrid to winning the World Cup, she has had her highs and lows. And then there is Jenni Hermoso. Let’s talk about her stats, with more than 8 goals in three different games, she also assisted many times in the World Cup. The next player I want to congratulate is Aitana Bonmati. She had a good World Cup. Ona Battle is another player I want to mention. Her stats were through the roof with 0 yellow cards or red cards.

It is true to say that Women’s football has really taken off in recent years, but why is women’s football so interesting now? Women’s football has gotten so interesting because many people enjoy watching it.

They enjoy cheering on their players. Football isn’t just a men’s sport. Yes, maybe men’s football earns a bit more than women’s, when it comes to a world cup, you want to see your country strive, with any gender.

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Launching the women’s game onto live TV has had a major impact on its growing popularity. The effect of live TV enables people from around the world to watch these players play football, and big events are fun to watch. Getting the adrenaline of watching a big and important event is fun to watch and audience figures for women’s football have grown, with over 15 million people tuning in for this year’s final.

There is a great future for women’s football. Although the next Women’s World Cup will be in 4 years, the teams are still training. Even though they are playing for other team’s they are training everyday for the next World Cup.

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