OAKBANK Sixth Form Magazine
ISSUE 2 - JULY 2010
The Year at a Glance
Content
"What a beautiful, sunny morning. It makes you happy to be alive, doesn't it? We can't let the sun outshine us! We have to beam, too!
"
– Takayuki Ikkaku
(Click a page title to be taken to it!)
03 - The New Website! 04 - AS Exams Enlightenment 05 - Snoozzzzzzze 06 - Confectionary Conclusions 07 - It‟s a Breeze 08 - Summer fashion 2010 09 - Author Profile: Pratchett 10 - Internet Picks of the Month 11 - Things to Do 12 - Things to Own 13 - 4 Years Later 13 - Gig Reviews 15 - Music 16 - Film 16 - Games 17 - Random Facts 18 - June Open Days 19 - Contact Us
Dear Readers, Voilà! I present to you the new Sixth Form Magazine! With much typing, nagging and working, it was finally put together, hurrah! This issue contains the usual selection of music, games and film reviews alongside the new fashion page, author profile and a few other miscellaneous articles. Also included, is an article that I‟m sure every student can associate with; the subject being mornings. I think that this month‟s calendar will be taken over by the World Cup; as I type England is playing USA , c‟mon England?! It feels so strange to be writing this instead of Kerry, but I'd like to applaud her for being the steady leader of the magazine for the year. I‟d also like to thank the OSFM team for this month... Ploughing on through the exam period was definitely mad, but we did it! So well done all! I hope that you enjoy the Issue, feedback is always welcome. Your New Editor,
Jasmine Camm. Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 02
The big lesson Sixth form is a learning experience, not just in your subject lessons but also in your breaks, lunchtimes and „study‟ (free) periods. Here we have year 12 from the view of two year 12 students and also one of a year 13 student who talks about her whole sixth form experience. By Kieran Clayton When I started Year 12, I admit that I was a little apprehensive; and the silly thing is that I probably wouldn‟t be able to tell you exactly why, because I don‟t even know. But if I had to hazard a guess, I would say there were indeed several factors that most likely contributed: new environment, not really knowing what or who to expect and Year 13. After the first weeks, we had all found our places in Sixth Form (literally in the Common Room), we began to develop relationships with staff and fellow students who we would have never even spoken to before. Yes, I found the work load a bit challenging at first but I soon got to grips with it, even with a long commute. And as for the Year 13 thing, after a while it wasn‟t year 13 and year 12, we are just Sixth Form; one of my very good friends now, was one of the people I was initially terrified of, a member of Year 13. All I can say is I look forward to progressing more in Sixth Form and learning more about myself and others, including the new Year 12 we will welcome in September! (Although, we might get a little protective of our seats in the Common Room.) By Jasmine Camm I've loved being at Sixth Form, and as somebody who wasn't planning on coming here, i'd say that's quite a feat! The year has been filled with things that i'm glad to have experienced, whether I enjoyed them at the time or not. Cake, Cambridge and friends are a few words that spring to mind. Over the past year i've forged friendships with people that I never thought I would. There've been opportunities that have changed the way I look at things. And we've all become comfortable in each others presence; that alone is something that was unthinkable in lower school. The initial period was getting used to being here, then it was settling into your subjects (if you weren't going to change them again!), then it was January exams Panic! After the 'phew! we're still alive' moment, we got our results back, some good and some bad. All too soon, it was the main period of our AS exams when everyone was stressed trying to fit that revision in. And then, quite abruptly, it was the end of the year, now. This year has gone so quickly and it's sad to have seen it fly by so fast; but that's what happens and i'm sure next year will be just as awesome and just as short. Along with that, i'm sure there'll be floods of tears at the end... Then, we must take our first steps into the real world. Strange, isn't it? By Sarah Greenwood
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 03
AS Exams Enlightening Closing of Exams for AS.
By Nicola Langthorne
Now that you've have jumped the hurdle of exams it's time to take a breather, it‟s also a great opportunity to make the best of your time. Here are a few suggestions! I t's highly recommended that we invest some time doing voluntary work. This could be at Manorlands through the connections we have at Oakbank - a wonderful organisation to help and be a part of. Other options are as part of the vInvolved volunteering award, which you can sign up for on the 28th June Period 2! These are great opportunities in which you can selflessly help others and feel great about, with another plus side of it being helpful on UCAS and job applications. A good plan would be to look at UCAS and career websites, researching the possible options you have for University and jobs for the near future. From here, you could look at how you could link any voluntary work or hobbies to the subject which you wish to study. Also, beginning your CV's and Personal Statements is a great idea; the latter of course will be a main subject in tutor periods. The better you can make them, the better your chances! Something that would be beneficial for the nearing A2 year is looking for extra work. AS students can begin to look into extra work to get a head start in your subjects. This could be from wider reading for English to visiting museums for Art! Look into your options, and also what you can do over the summer. This is a wonderful chance and you will reap the benefits. Finally, make the most of Enrichment Week, and most importantly have some fun!
Top 5 Things that AS exams have taught me:
By Jasmine Camm
Set up a revision timetable earlier. Admittedly, we were told again and again to set up those time tables; but who waited until the last few weeks of exam mania to draw up their calendar? From what I've gathered, quite a number. The exams seemed to sneak up on us, no matter what we were told. Ah, It‟s a lesson learnt. Point: Don‟t wait until there is so much stress that revising becomes a mixture of panic (of the time you have left to revise) and crammed knowledge.
Read through notes after lessons. Again, it was advised and yet the exams seemed to be so far away that it seemed rather strange to do that so soon. The transition from GCSE exams to AS exams was massive, as was the work load and thus the need for revision. Point: The earlier you start, the more comfortable you‟ll be with the subject, the less nervous you‟ll be when it comes to the exam.
How to revise. After trying stacks of techniques and advice given to me, it was only in the past month or so in which I finally found a way that works for me! This was the most valuable thing that I learnt from the exams, at least now I have the technique sorted and so i‟m comfortable with how I can improve. Point: It‟s pointless revising if the technique isn‟t suitable for you.
Avoid panicking people. Just before an exam there is chaos. Basically, it‟s somewhat contagious and should be avoided at all costs. If you end up panicking in the exam, then it will muddle your brain, calm down. Point: Don‟t cram, don‟t have joint panic attacks with people, and be calm. You‟ve done all you can.
“Told you so” I‟m sure that many of us are cursing ourselves for listening, but not putting into action, the advice which we had been given by both teachers and students at the beginning of the year. Point: Cringeworthy... „listen to what we are told‟.
Also, don't worry after exams. What's done is done, worrying will do nothing to help, take Nicola's advice above and fill your time with things that will help. Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 04
By Kieran Clayton
“OH NO! Its 8 o‟clock, my bus is in 10 minutes!”
Snooze, the first word most of us read in a morning. There is no doubt that we all love it such a handy tool. I‟m sure you all agree with me when I say that getting out of bed in the morning is one of life‟s greatest challenges; given the chance I think we would all rather stay there for a few more hours and roll into school at the hour that pleases us best. Waking up in the morning and getting out of bed really shouldn‟t be a chore; what excuses do we have? Too tired? It‟s warm in here... I‟ve got too much to do! Getting up in the morning should be a good thing - you are waking from, on average, 8 hours of sleep; a new day has begun and it shouldn‟t be taken for granted. In this article I will give you some tips on how to get out of bed fast and begin your days! As well as others‟ methods of getting up...
Tips on how to make it easier to get out of bed in a morning: Be organised! - Having to pick out what to wear and gather your books together in the morning is all too confusing when you‟ve just woken up, so do it the night before. Spend 10 minutes before you go to bed putting your books for the next day in your bag and get your clothes out, or at least pick them. But what do I have to get up for?! – Think of the benefits of getting up... some that spring to mind for me are; I won‟t miss the bus, I‟ll have time for breakfast, Mary won‟t kill me! I can start a new day - who knows what might happen!
Think of the dangers... – A classic mistake is when the alarm sounds like an air raid siren; in a tired dash to stop the ear splitting noise, instead of hitting snooze you hit turn off... then you fall back to sleep. OH NO! Its 8 o‟clock, my bus is in 10 minutes! You will never make it, so just think... if you‟d have gotten out of bed pronto then you would be able to stroll to the bus stop instead or running half dressed.
Now here are other people’s methods, the weird and the wonderful: “I get my mum to come in and put Queen on LOUD; I have big speakers!” “Wash your hair the night before.” – Courtesy of Year 12 History class. “I set about 5 alarms before I go to bed; phones, radio, clock... they all go off about 5 minutes after each other” “I use my phone alarms, so I set two; the second one goes off 30 minutes after the first so when I snooze the first one, they start going off randomly and that really starts to annoy me” If you still can‟t get out of bed after reading this then you need to go to bed earlier... seriously. Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 05
Confectionary ConcluBy Jasmine Camm
After undertaking a number of food experiments that had successful and not-quite-successful results, I decided that they‟d be interesting to share - at least the successful ones. You may be wondering what on earth confectionary has got to do with school? To be perfectly honest, I would say that it hasn‟t got much to do with school. If I had to pick an argument, I‟d say that food is essential to good learning (albeit, healthy food) and that relaxation is crucial to coursework - This is how I relax, welcome!
Sweet Successes The Somewhat Soufflé Contents: Victoria sponge mix (with cocoa), chilli chocolate, double cream and berries.
some
This is something that I discovered on a lazy day. I wanted something chocolate and quick. After cooking the chocolate cupcakes (either in a ramekin or as usual), make some ganache by pouring almost boiling cream into a bowl of equal amounts of chopped chocolate, I used chilli chocolate. Then mix. Cut the cakes as you would do a butterfly bun, but make the cut deeper, then fill the gap with the ganache, place in the oven again to heat the whole thing to the same temperature. This recipe is ready to eat in less than half an hour so it‟s perfect for those chocolate urges or pajama days. Depending on your tastes, I‟d suggest eating with raspberries, black cherries or shortbread. I am in love with this snack, it‟s quick, it‟s easy and it tastes amazing.
Mini Muffins Contents: Victoria sponge mix, food colouring, buttercream and smarties. These were purely and simply, ace. Due to the minute bun cases that the cupcakes were cooked in peeling away, we resorted to this is order to make them presentable for a party. A tiny amount of buttercream in between the mirroring cupcakes sticks them together and then the swirl of buttercream on the top adds flavour and texture to the whole thing. They tasted like a compact version of a butterly bun, and looked really quite fictional, they reminded me of a children‟s fairytale. The downside? They are gone in one
Sweet Disasters
The Cardiac Cake Contents: An awful lot of butter, sugar and chocolate. Improvise. Sure, it doesn‟t look like much, but after only a few bites you‟ll soon find yourself wondering just exactly how much chocolate is in the cake. The recipe is practically butter, sugar and chocolate with a sprinkle of flour and egg. It was coated with a thick layer of Cadbury‟s ganache as we made too much for such a small cake - with Cadbury‟s chocolate, the ganache tastes very caramel-ish, very sickly. Even the largest Chocoholic I know couldn‟t handle another slice. Although the general flavour exceeded expectations, that aspect of the cake was also its downfall; everyone feared for their blood-sugar levels that day, we couldn‟t stomach any junk food, how sad...
Gummy Bear Genocide Contents: Victoria sponge mix, food colouring and gummy bears. This was purely experimental...The analysis? Gummy bears + Cake mixture = Explosion. The rating was given for prettiness and the sheer addictive nature of these colourful creations, stars were taken off because they are sickly and really quite revolting. As you can see in the picture, the pink was the most delightfully cute thing, which boosted the rating a lot. Otherwise, the buns are like extra strong toffee to the teeth, as the melted gummy bears refuse to release their grip on anything they touch. They were certainly unusual, and the gummy bears gave the sponge a very sweet flavour, they may have even been nice if there was a higher sponge : gummy bear ratio. Overall, they were fun to make, fun to watch as the gummy bears explode in the oven but really not fun to bite.
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 06
It‟s a Breeze
By Rhianna Jones
Are you 19 and under? Do you want great discounts on sports and entertainment? Could a Breeze Card be for you?
Discounts With Breeze Cards you can get great discounts, free gifts and gain entry to special events all around the Leeds area!
Some of the many events include: Young Peoples Film Festival Middleton Railway Trust (£1 off adult return, 50p off additional Breeze Card holders. Saturdays only)
Freedom Divers (20% off all try dive sessions) Swimming (Discounts vary with age) Squash/Badminton Fitness Classes Breezereads Book Discounts (15% off selected books at Borders) Karate International Black Belt Schools (Discount of £15 per person) Leeds Wall (10% off pre-booked sessions) Breeze Cards double up as a library card Jumbo Records (5% off all full priced merchandise) Breeze on Tour! Breeze International Youth Festival 2010 Breeze Breaks Out!
Breeze on Tour This five week tour gives you the chance to get outside and have a laugh with your friends. Aimed at 8-18 year olds the Breeze Tour travels to different locations holding many activities that Breeze Card holders can access for free!
Some activities at Breeze on Tour: Dancing Arts + Crafts Music Football DJ‟s Movie Making Performances from locally formed bands
TO GET YOUR BREEZE CARD, VISIT: www.breezeleeds.org (Click above to be taken to site)
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 07
Fashion
By Olivia Sayer & Michaela Johns
With the summer holidays within our grasp, we‟ll all be jetting off to sunny destinations for a few weeks. In this issue, holiday wear is the main focus: bright print swimwear, hats, sunnies, kaftan cover-ups and statement sandals.
Trend 1 – Swimwear
Trend 2 – Beach jewellery
Trend 3 – Sandals £12
£25, Topshop
All From Topshop £28 £32, Topshop
Riverisland
Riverisland
£55, irregularchoice.com £67, SALE irregularchoice.com
£6, Fatface
Trend 4 – Cover-ups
£6, Boohoo.co.uk
Fatface £14 £28 £10, Fatface £20, Topshop £7.50, Fatface
£31.50
£35, Topshop
£8, Topshop
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 08
Fashion
Cont.
Something for the guys
£17.50, Fatface
£14, Topman
£35, asos.com
£20, Fatface
£30, asos.com
£22, asos.com £85.50, Irregualchoise.com
For the festival go-ers… There‟s a great range of festival wear in Fat Face at the moment, whether it‟s in the sale or full price. Since I work there, I can give you a 20% discount on full price items!
£15
£19
£12
And Else£16, Topman
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 08
Author Profile: Pratchett By Ruby Whelan
Biography
Name: Terry Pratchett
Sir Terry Pratchett, OBE, was born in BuckBorn: 28 April 1948 inghamshire in 1948. He is an extremely successful fantasy writer, having sold over 55 Location: Salisbury, million books worldwide. He was given an Wiltshire OBE for services to literature in 1998, was knighted in the Queen‟s 2009 New Year HonGenre: Fantasy ours, and has received 8 honorary doctorates. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer‟s disease in In the beginning there was nothing, 2007, and has since made large donations to which exploded help find a cure; he has also presented a TV programme to help raise awareness. He published his first story at the age of 13, The Hades Business (in his school magazine!), which was later published commercially.
“
”
Works The Discworld series is his most prolific series, and follows the stories of the inhabitants of the Discworld – a parallel world to our own, where the world is (as the name suggests) a large disc. However, as the name definitely doesn‟t suggest, it is also carried on the back of four elephants, who ride on the back of a giant turtle. The first Discworld book – The Colour of Magic, was published in 1985, and he has since published a further 36. Pratchett‟s works feature a great amount of parody, on subjects as varied as Shakespeare, to fairytales, great battles and Hollywood. The majority of the books are set in Ankh-Morpork, the Disc‟s largest and most… interesting city (smell-wise, anyway), ruled by benevolent tyrant Havelock Vetinari. The books don‟t follow any one character, but instead follow groups of people; the City Watch (led by cynical and street-smart Sam Vimes, also known as “Vetinari‟s terrier”), the Wizards and the Witches. Or specific people, for example Rincewind the wizard, Death (wonderfully anthropomorphically portrayed), Susan Sto Helit (Death‟s granddaughter), and Moist von Lipwig (a con artist, saved from the gallows (post-hanging) and forced to re-vamp the post office). There are also standalone novels, which follow different characters, though these usually feature the series regulars in some way or another.
Interesting Facts He has a greenhouse full of carnivorous plants in his garden. He credits his local library for his education, rather than his school. He came top of the country in the exams for the National council for the Training of Journalists Course. He has a great interest in astronomy and had an observatory built in his back garden for that very purpose. He‟s a trustee of the Orang-utan Foundation UK – one of his most popular characters, the Unseen University‟s Librarian, is an orang-utan. He says, on the subject of writing, that you must “make grammar, punctuation and spelling a part of your life”, (which makes me very happy indeed). Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 09
Internet picks of the By Ruby Whelan Want to keep up with the news, but also fulfil your daily satire quotient? This website is for you! The site basically takes news stories and re-writes them with more of a mickey-taking slant. According to the website; “We strongly believe that all news stories should be considered A Remarkable Special Event (ARSE), and as such each and every story we cover is treated like ARSE.” News ARSE – because they never let the truth get in the way of a funny story.
www.newsarse.com/ I don‟t know what I like most about The Oatmeal; the crazy artwork, the silly comics or the fact that it manages to make learning about grammar both informative and ridiculous! The website consists of comics on various subjects, such as “How to choose a banshee” and “How to tell if your cat is plotting to kill you”; quizzes, such as “How many Justin Beibers could you take in a fight?” and “How long you could survive on the surface of the sun?”; and other miscellany, which is basically The Oatmeal‟s ramblings. My favourites have got to be the collection of dumb jokes, and the many grammar-related comics – they greatly appeal to my grammar-Nazi side. Updates are fairly random, and I doubt there is any kind of schedule.
www.theoatmeal.com/ Now, as a person who enjoys cake and doesn‟t make a bad cake herself, this site is most definitely cringeworthy (and therefore hilarious). Think of all the ways a cake could be ruined by a professional baker, double it, and you have come somewhat close to the amazing level of stupidity that is humorously showcased on this website. From misspellings (and OH, there are thousands. Who knew you could spell “birthday” in so many ways?!), to shoddy craftsmanship, to just plain weird designs, this website pokes fun at them all. However, it‟s not all bad – check out Sunday Sweets for some wonderfully made, truly gorgeous cakes.
www.cakewrecks.com/ This ever humorous and ever slightly insane webcomic is the baby of Jeph Jaques – he started it on August 1st 2003 and since then he‟s quite his job and lives entirely from merchandise sales – a pretty cool thing to do with your life. It follows the lives of a group of friends (it was just 3 people and a robot to begin with, and now I can‟t even count the regular characters), who usually hang out at Coffee of Doom – think Starbucks, but more badass. It updates every weekday, and has done for some time – if you want to catch up with the story (which I did) be warned, as there are over 1700 comics to get though. Alternatively, you could just read the wikipedia page and be lazy, yeah! It‟s also interesting to see how the artwork improves over time – shows what 7 years of practise can do!
www.questionablecontent.net/
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 10
Things to do
By Jasmine Camm
Event
Location
Times
Further Information
Victorian Sports Day.
People‟s Park, Halifax.
June, 1pm 4pm, Free.
If you‟re looking for a unique thing to do with your time then this may be for you! It sounds quite hilarious - Victorian costumes, egg and spoon races, whip and top? Hilarity is sure to ensue. Of course, it isn‟t imperative that you dress the part, but why not? Refreshments are also available.
A Tour with Anne Lister
Shibden Hall, Lister‟s Road, Halifax.
13th June/11th Following the release of BBC‟s „The Secret DiaJuly, 2pm, Usual ries of Anne Lister‟, the tour at Shibden Hall aladmission. lows you to find out more about the life and location of this fascinating woman, the first modern Lesbian and mistress of the Hall in the 19th century, and to have a refreshing walk around some awesome rooms and grounds. You could even go on the mini-train or the rowing boats afterwards if you were feeling particularly child-like.
Calderdale Pride. Piece Hall, Hali- 19th June, 2pm fax. - 8pm, Free.
Once again the Piece Hall has the pleasure of hosting the celebration of diversity in Calderdale. Everyone is welcome to bring picnics, blankets and friends to enjoy the day. In the Hall there will be a variety of eating places, a bar, a full programme of live entertainment, and „quality DJ‟s, artists, bands, and speakers‟. Not much missing is there?
1960‟s Weekend.
Haworth Main Street.
19th/20th June, Free.
If you enjoyed the vintage feel of the 1940‟s weekend, why not indulge yourself in another era of iconic things? Take yourself back to the days of fashion from that of Mary Quant‟s miniskirt and Doris Day‟s feminine gowns to Bardot‟s beehive hairstyles and Hepburn‟s skinny jeans. The most popular style associated with the 1960‟s is that created by those who prompted sexual liberation and „peace, love and freedom‟. Groovy...
The Bridge Birthday Bash.
Hebden Bridge.
19th June, 1:30pm start, Free.
A medieval festival celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Bridge. There‟ll be a packhorse procession over the bridge, medieval music, dance and Jesters. It‟s a chance to learn truly fascinating facts and fiction about bridges; some to „fascinate even the unfascinatable‟.
Leeds Loves Food.
Millennium Square, Leeds.
1st - 4th July, Free for browsing.
A festival which shows off the range and the quality of the food in Leeds, including events and promotions. The four day spread of events has a packed calender which can be viewed online. There‟s no shortage of food, as the choice varies from BBQ, picnics and Mexican dishes to the smoothies, the Mad Hatter‟s Tea Party and a selection of master-classes. If food isn‟t your thing, then Angel‟s Share Vintage Fair on the 3rd July may give you a break from the mass amount of edibles. See http://www.leedslovesfood.com/ for specific times and dates.
OSFM, Issue 2
Oakbank School/ www.osfm.co.nr
17th July
The next issue of Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine is released, just as we say bye bye for summer!
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 11
Things to own By Kieran Clayton
This Months Essential Item! Editors Pick
Toy Story 1 & 2 Boxset £16.99, Amazon.co.uk
Cinderella meets Lara Croft
There is no doubting that we are all hyped for the release of Toy Story 3 in UK cinemas 23 July 2010. So, why not re-cap on the gang‟s shenanigans in the much loved childhood classics, Toy story and Toy story 2, together in this new boxset!
Not the best looking shoes, admittedly. They're also not very efficient. But, if you're paranoid about being attacked, then these are the shoes for you! Just break the tip the shoe to reveal a hidden stun gun to shock your attacker. They were inspired by a woman who wanted to "intimidate her intimidators" and wanted to be "empowered without losing her femininity". Sure, the reasoning and the idea behind the shoes are great... Unfortunately, once you've smashed them, you'll have to buy another pair and explain to the police why you have a stun gun in your shoe. Ah well, can't please everyone. You may be thinking... O, just another student card. Well yes it is that but this one offers so much more. Not only do you get discount in popular shops such as Topshop/ man their is also the added bonus of discount on all the EXTREMELY useful books in the UCAS book shop. Or you in you fancy a bite to eat you can get discounts on popular takeaway chain, Dominos Pizza, plus a lot more restaurants. Of course there is more than discounts, you will also be kept up to date with the universities and courses you show an interest in. Best of all its FREE and it only take a few minutes to sign up! UCAS card FREE, UCAS.ac.uk
Changing the TV channel shouldn‟t Alien TV Channel Changer, be boring, and now it isn‟t! Imagine £5.99, SALE hawkin.com this... Your watching a really bad film, for example... Twilight, and you really just want it off your screen well now you can do this with the added satisfaction of thinking you‟ve shot Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. Back on planet earth... Sorry, this handy little gun will make changing the channel so much more enjoyable! Slinky Dog, £14.99, hawkin.com
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 12
By Kieran Clayton
L
eeds Fest 2010 is something that a lot
of you are looking forward to, for me though it was one of the heats for the FutureSound competition in which the winner of each heat gets to play at Leeds Fest that got me excited. The particular heat I attended was on Monday 5th July at the Cockpit in Leeds and I was going full out on support for Hail Animator; a fantastic, indierock, Leeds band. Even going to the extent of producing a t-shirt using an old poster from one of their previous gigs and a pritstick, which I had to take with me for maintenance. Before the music began we ended up meeting a few of the band as they wondering the room and of course ventured to the bar; I must say they were all very much in favor of the tshirt and were all genuinely grateful for our support. We stood at the back of the room for the first band, after all it was a competition and we didn't want to seem too keen on the other acts, although we still applauded... quietly. The first band, Afraid Like You, had a good sounds and lots of energy, but I felt like I'd seen them before, or at least the lead singer. We managed to make our way to the front for the second act, just to guarantee a position there for when Hail Animator took to the stage. This was a bad move though, the room got hotter and hotter the closer you got to the stage, and I felt like I should have been singing along or at least acknowledging that I knew the songs of the second act, when in fact I'd never heard of them in my life... BangBangRomeo. This interesting band had real variety in their act, starting with a acoustic song that really complimented the lead singers voice, and as the act progressed the songs were ranging from Rock to something about more dancy, at times. One thing catching my eye on the stage was the backcombed beauty of a hairstyle that was bobbing round in front of me, complete with colorful feathers and probably a whole lot of hairspray, this really was a hair-do to be desired, 5
Introducing... Band Name: Hail Animator Band Members: Richard // Adam // Bradley // Ste Based in: Leeds Genre: Indie The suspense built for Hail Animator as they set up their equipment on stage, we were all very much possessed with excitement, and we also found that one of the band members names is actually easy to chant unlike to the band name! The band opened with a track from their recently released EP – „We Live In Boxes‟ – „what you did‟ got the crowd limbering up and beginning to pull out the moves, it was time to make some noise! The band seemed on top form and hopeful about the competition even though the other band had masses of marked supporters (All wearing the same t-shirt… how embarrassing!), let‟s not forget, Hail animator had one too! After several tracks from their EP, including that track containing the line “we live in boxes” (Easier Said Than Done), we got to the new stuff, a nice way to end the set. Although, the night still managed to get better with the introduction to the first new song, „Are you Gonna‟, it included a dedication to “the guy down front with the homemade Hail Animator t-shirt” – making the t-shirt, I‟m sure, very much worth his while! The new material including the last song, „Start A Fire‟, definitely had the Hail Animator feel but it continues to be fresh and have something about it that sets it apart from the rest. After their set we resorted to the back of the room where we met the band again, had pictures and a good chat, making me very excited for the next gig! Afraid Like You BangBangRomeo Hail Animator
We Live in Boxes OUT NOW! Available on iTunes or @
www.split.co.uk
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 13
Music Katy Perry - California Gurls By Michaela Johns
'California Gurls' is the first single to be released from Katy's new album "Teenage Dream" and it proves that Katy Perry is one of the best performers in this day and age. With Snoop Dogg's opening, "Greetings loved ones, let's take a journey," we are transported to a California of beaches, bikinis, and the sun so hot it "will melt your popsicle." The song is little more than light, frothy pop, but that may be exactly what you need today when dreaming about the summer and a few months from now, baking happily in www.katyperry.com
B.O.B ft Hayley Williams Airplanes
ALBUM OF THE MONTH Eminem - Recovery
By Michaela Johns
By Michaela Johns
What I love about this song is the moving lyrics. Hitting number 2 after only a couple of weeks, it is loved so many others. Anchored by a powerful, haunting pop chorus, B.o.B. dips into something much deeper and complex than his debut #1 smash "Nothin' On You." Hayley Williams, lead vocalist of Paramore is brought in to deliver the chorus with a slightly fragile, longing beauty, matching the lyrics with perfection. Part II of the song also features a rap from Eminem that only complicates the subject matter. In my opinion, this is one of the most intensely emotional hit singles of the year so far.
After his flop last year with his album “Relapse”, Eminem definitely needed a recovery with a new album. Personally, I think he‟s made a great comeback with this album. He even admits to fans that Relapse was mediocre: 'And to the fans, I’ll never let you down again, I’m back/I promise to never go back on that promise, in fact/ Let’s be honest, that last Relapse CD was eh/Perhaps I ran them accents into the ground/Relax, I ain’t going back to that now.' With fresh beats, and appearances from the likes of Rihanna, Lil’ Wayne and Pink, I believe Eminem has found his feet again and given us a fresh perspective on his music and bars. He proves that he is 'not afraid to take a stand.'
www.bobatl.com
www.eminemworld.com/
Lady Gaga - Alejandro By Michaela Johns
Gaga sets standards high with her catchy dance-pop tunes she's been blasting through our ears for the past year. However this song is a minor slip up for her. I do agree that it is a good song, just not as good as the get-up-and-go tunes she's provided us with previously. I admire Gaga for her clever lyrics in the song and the beat is quite good, but I do feel that she has done better. Maybe it is also the music video she's done for the video that lowers standards too. It's great in a Gaga way, but I did get a bit bored whilst watching the mini-movie of a music video; it was slightly odd and dark, and I am definitely not a fan of her new bowl cut! Video aside, I do like the song, but I expect a little www.ladygaga.com Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 15
Film & Games Film The Prince of Persia
Long ago in land far, far away, there once rose a empire that stretched from the steps of China to the shores of the Mediterranean. The film opens to a land plagued by war as the empire struggles to expand. It's set in built up areas which adds to the excitement, by making sure that all of the fights that occur are intertwined. I didn't expect the film to be true to the games that it was based on, but it was surprisingly full of free running action and acrobatics that made the games so great. The film itself has a gripping storyline and twisting plot which always keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
By Joss Cope-Smith
Shrek Forever After I absolutely loved this film! Itâ€&#x;s really funny and extremely entertaining. I saw it in 3-D and I would defiBy Christina Cooper nitely recommend paying that little bit extra for it (it's worth it). Rumpelstiltskin tricks Shrek into signing a pact so that he may relive his old bachelor/Ogre lifestyle for one day; for the small price of one of his childhood days. But crafty Rumpelstiltskin takes a rather important day - the day that Shrek was born. Thus, Shrek is thrown into a twisted reality of Far Far Away, where Rumpelstiltskin is king, Ogres are hunted and Shrek and Fiona never met. Shrek turns himself into Rumpelstiltskin, and in return demands that all Ogres are set free, but as Fiona is only half Ogre she is imprisoned, along with Shrek. About to be eaten by Dragon (Donkeys' Wife), Puss, Donkey and the other Ogres arrive just in time to save the day! Together they all defeat Rumpelstiltskin and his forces. Shrek and Fiona have 'true loves kiss', and her curse is broken once more. All is well, but will Shrek return to his designated reality? You'll have to watch it and see! Games By Joss Cope-Smith
This month we shall not be reviewing any games, instead we shall give an overview of a few of the most anticipated releases which everyone is waiting for.
First up is Call of Duty: Black Ops: This follows on from the previous Call of Duty in the series. However, it is a totally different storyline set in Vietnam. The Gamplay trailer gives the impression that the game is rather explosive as you fly around in an Apache helicopter with no goal. My thoughts? I think that there has been too much hype about it, and it's unlikely to be as well received as it's predecessor, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. Secondly, Crisis II: This is the second instalment, as the name would suggest, that is set in a world where aliens have taken over and humans struggle to survive. One 'lone wolf' possesses a suit of armour that increases the strength, agility and cloaks of the owner. Obviously, this helps him battle it out with the alien threat. At first glance, the game appears to be a replica of Crisis I... not too sure about what the future holds for this one, I suppose we'll just have to wait and see! Finally, Fallout: New Vegas. Quite predictably, the game is located in the post Apocalyptic world of Fallout... But Vegas has been left unscathed. Not much information is available, but I can tell you that the game begins for you lying in a ditch, dead, after being shot twice in the head. I recommend buying all of these games, or at least renting to experiment. Such hype and build-up must mean some- Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 16 thing.
Random Facts By Jasmine Camm - Apocolocynposis is the fear of turning into a pumpkin. (Been reading a bit too much Cinderella here?)
Fact of the Month
- A cockroach can live for nine days without its head. - The number of people dreaming in black and white decreased after the spread of colour television.
A chimpanzee can learn to recognize itself in a mirror, but a monkey cannot.
- New Zealand is home to 70 million sheep and only 4 million people. - ‟Stewardesses‟ is the longest word that is typed with only the left hand. - In ancient Greece teachers were paid higher wages than skilled craftsman. They also received gifts from citizens. - The average person walks the equivalent of twice around the world in their life. - If the gherkin in a McDonalds burger was taken out, then the burger would then be classed as a dessert due to its extreme sugar content. -A British law was implemented in 1732 which restricted the manufacturing of hats. This was done in order to protect the fibre industry in England. (No hats?!) - The blessing of those who sneeze started when the great plague took hold of Europe. The Pope therefore passed a law requiring people to bless the sneezer. - The phrase „in the dead of the night‟ was first recorded in 1548. Meaning the 'darkest time of night' and was used in Edward Halls‟ "Chronicle". - Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary. - Explanations for the meaning of this rhyme differ. From „pretty maids‟ and „silver bells‟ being colloquialisms for instruments of torture used under the reign of Mary I; to relating to Mary Queen of Scots and her unfaithful husband. - Bal du moulin de la Galette is fifth on the list of most expensive paintings ever sold. Painted by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, it was sold at over £86 million in 2009. - Le Louvre was originally constructed as the fortress of King Phillippe Auguste in 1190. - Deterioration over the years has revealed that a portrait of Elizabeth I holding a bunch of flowers originally saw her clasping a snake. Although, it is not fully understood whether the original painting was a portrait of the Queen, and why the snake was replaced. - The largest gathering of people to wear underpants is 116 - By Pants to Poverty in London. - A mysterious race of ancient Britons who had much in common with people today but belonged to another human species lived in Norfolk almost a million years ago, scientists believe.
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 16
August Open Days
Seminars, Conferences, Workshops
20 08 10
Askham Bryan College – Drop in Day
21 08 10
University of Central Lancashire
21 08 10
University of Sunderland
21 08 10
York St John
25 08 10
York St John
25 08 10
Lancaster University
31 08 10
University of Aberdeen
And some for September...
10 09 10
University of Derby
10 09 10
University of Liverpool
11 09 10
University of Birmingham
11 09 10
York St John
15 09 10
Aberystwyth University
16 09 10
University of Glamorgan
17 09 10
St Anne‟s College, Oxford-University Information
Day 18 09 10
Lancaster University
18 09 10
Newnham College, Cambridge
22 09 10
Harper Adams University College, Shropshire
22 09 10
Aston University
26 09 10
University of Central Lancashire
And a few for October...
02 10 10
University of Lincoln
02 10 10
Newcastle University
02 10 10
University of Reading
If your university isn‟t here, check the Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine Website for a full list of University open days.
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 18
Contact Us Have anything youâ€&#x;d like to say? Read anything that you want more information on? Or do you have a story youâ€&#x;d like to tell? Feel free to get in touch! Editor: Jasmine Camm Email: Jasmine.Camm@student.oakbank.org.uk Everyone in Sixth Form is auto-subscribed to the magazine, if you would like to stop receiving the emailed magazine contact our tech support: admin@oakbank-6thform-magazine.s5.com
Check out our webpage at: www.osfm.co.nr
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We look forward to hearing from you!
Oakbank Sixth Form Magazine 19