THE KING
r o m t h e
editors
Asweturnthefinalpagesofthisschoolyear,Iam filledwithimmenseprideandgratitudeforthe incredibleteambehindournewspaper.Lookingback atthestorieswe'vetoldandthemomentswe've captured,Iamremindedofthepowerofjournalismto connect,inform,andinspire.Ourteamhasworked tirelesslytoproduceanewspaperthatnotonlyreports onschooleventsbutalsodelvesintotheissuesthat mattermosttoourreaders.Iamincrediblyproudof
their achievements and grateful for their unwavering dedication. This amazing experience has deepened my passion for journalism, inspiring me to pursue it as a career. Thank you all for making this journey unforgettable and truly special.
Editor
EditorinChief
Sara Ahmed
DeputyChiefEditor
Laila Elshahawy
GraphicDesigner
Natalie Machado
News&PoliticsEditors
Salah Fahad Hussain
Zarah Rhea Drego
LifestyleEditors
Saira Kalra
ScienceEditor
Michael Hardcastle
ArtsManagers
Emma O’Brien
SportsEditor
Monish Phoolwani
in Chief
From compelling stories to captivating visuals, this edition celebrates the remarkable talents
and voices within our school community. From in-depth articles on pressing issues to lighthearted features that bring a smile, this edition has something for everyone. One of the most rewarding aspects of this role has been collaborating with younger students and witnessing their growth and development. Their fresh ideas and enthusiasm have brought new energy to our publication
and as you read through these pages, I hope you feel the same sense of pride and connection that we do. Thank you for supporting our newspaper and celebrating the vibrant community we are all part of."
Laila Elshahawy
Sara Ahmed Deputy Chief Editor
Writers,Artists,Photographers
Muna Sohail Al Habtoor
Ayanna Wawulagala
Michael Hardcastle
Albina Ali
Shahbano Malhi
Niyanta Patel
Daaniya Ahmed Malik
Amber Cox
Fatima Afzal
Jiya Pandey
Aadya Singh
Varvara Amineva
Bissan Kadi
2023-24 in review
This year, our school has hosted numerous events, celebrated remarkable student achievements, and won prestigious awards. It's been a year filled with growth, success, and unforgettable experiences. From academic triumphs to extracurricular excellence, our community has thrived, making it a truly outstanding and memorable year for everyone involved
2024 US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
Meet the Candidates.
By Shahbano Malhi Y9
An exciting time progresses in the United States of America as presidential elections dawn upon the country once more. Already, a total of twelve candidates out of nineteen have dropped out of the race or suspended their campaigns (including Nikki Haley, Dean Phillips, and Vivek Ramaswamy), leaving only seven to continue fighting for the win. Tension builds itself in the air as the voting grows more and more intense. The seven remaining candidates contest to attract voters who will help them win the title of President.
Joseph (Joe) Biden, the current President (Democratic Party) declared on the 25th of April, 2023, that he would be running for President again. Biden’s campaign highlights several of his prospects for improving the country, such as increasing child care and elder care, outlawing assault weapons and defending the country’s voting rights. He persistently criticises the Republican Party for restricting voting rights and healthcare choices, decreasing Social Security and outlawing literature.
Donald Trump (Republica Party), former President o the United States (20162020) is also running for the title of president once more. Trump’s administration greatly contrasts with Biden’s. His main goals are as follows: withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), reduce ISIS, and establish the Space Force. He also seeks to restore his controversial ‘Remain in Mexico’ campaign forcing asylum seekers at the border to stay in Mexico.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a renowned author and lawyer who announced running independently for President on October 9th, 2024. His campaign focuses mainly on peace and diplomacy-centred foreign policies, closing budget loopholes, and rescuing debtors during financial crises. He vividly criticises the current uniparty system, in which big oil, tech, pharmaceutical, and military contractors fund both parties, creating an issue he describes as “ a two-headed monster that’s constantly bickering with itself as it leads us all over a cliff,” (Kennedy’s independent candidacy announcement speech).
2024 UK GENERAL ELECTION
It’s general election season in the UK once more, but what exactly does that mean? Well, this election decides the UK’s Members of Parliament (MP). It’s an exciting time, a chance to change the UK, possibly for the better, possibly for the worse. What will it be?
Rishi Sunak, leader of the Conservative Party, has served as the Prime Minister of the UK since 2022, becoming the UK’s first ever Asian British Prime Minister. He has several ambitious plans to transform the UK, one of which is reducing inflation. He also plans on doubling free childcare and introducing National Service for eighteen-year-olds. Furthermore, the Conservative Party is very vocal about opposing the Labour Party and their campaign
Keir Starmer is a British politician and barrister who has led the Labour Party since 2020 Among other goals, he plans mainly to set up Great British Energy (a publicly owned clean power company), introduce tougher penalties for antisocial behaviour, and recruit 6,500 new teachers to improve education within the UK.
British politician Ed Davey has served as the leader of the Liberal Democrats since 2019. He’s devised several targets he intends to meet should his party win the election. Firstly, he plans to make taxes fairer and encourage more people to work by providing more childcare. Other targets of his include planting at least sixty million trees each year and increasing the UK’s farming budget by £1 billion annually.
John Swinney became the leader of the Scottish National Party in May of this year His goals for the UK are as follows: introducing an increase in National Insurance, promoting free personal care for the elderly, and funding short courses for people that lead to work or career progression. He also supports the idea of making primary schools in the UK free.
Carla Denyer has been the co-leader of Green Party alongside Adrian Ramsay since 2021. Staying true to their name, they have several ambitions on sustainability in the UK, including a plan to spend £250 billion insulating homes with the intent to reduce energy consumption in the UK. They also have goals to freeze rent rises, promote free childcare, and introduce free primary and secondary schools.
Earlier this month, Nigel Farage, former UKIP Leader and infamous Brexit promoter, assumed leadership of Reform UK. This party’s support has skyrocketed in the last few months, at one point surpassing the Tories by one point in an opinion poll. The party has policies that are tough on crime, promote sweeping tax cuts and heavily opposed to immigration, aligning with their nationalist, right-wing agenda.
Six parties are fighting for the same spot. Six parties fighting to become members of the parliament. Let the race begin.
On your marks, get set… Go
Created By GCSE Student
The Buddy Programme at Kings!
Over the 2nd term of the academic year, the Wellbeing committee decided to create the ’Buddy System’, a new initiative to help increase not only friendships between students, but also create support for students that may need it but don’t feel comfortable asking. Headed by our guidance counsellors, the students part of the wellbeing committee have received training on how to offer this help and support that students can ask for.
Why is the Peer Program so essential for life at Kings'?
Peerprogramsoften contributetoapositive schoolculture= When students support and uplift each other, it creates a culture of kindness, empathy, and mutual respect This, in turn, reduces incidents of bullying and fosters a safer and
more inclusive school environment
Peer programs foster a sense of community and belonging among students = By connecting students with other mentors who can offer guidance and support, these initiatives create a supportive environment where students feel more valued
Theycanalsohelptoenhance theacademicperformanceof students= If students were to be paired with an older mentor, they would be able to support them with tutoring or studying tips which can significantly improve the learning outcomes of their younger peers Additionally, seeing successful older students can inspire younger students to strive for academic excellence
As Co-leaders of the Wellbeing Committee, Haya and I view the Peer-Program to be incredibly important as it helps students to realise that they are not alone and do in fact have others to help support them. It allows for a development of skills and social connections as well as creating a safe space for those who need one.
By niyanta patel y12
A Pathway to Equality
THE ROLE OF CLIMATE JUSTICE
IIn today’s world, the phrase ‘climate change’ is consistently used to describe the deteriorating state of
our world and the looming climate crisis we face as a society. Humanity’s effect on our world due to rapid growth and industrialization have been nothing short of devastating and it is clear we must find ways to combat this to mitigate further damage to our planet.
Although the task is undeniably challenging, experts claim climate justice may be the answer. But how exactly does climate justice work and what current measures are being implemented globally?
Climate justice involves holding the large countries with significant carbon emissions accountable whilst simultaneously helping lower income countries recover from the catastrophic effects of climate change which they are forced to suffer
Global emissions rose by 410 million tons in 2022 to a whopping 37.4 billion metric tons of carbon in 2023 according to the International Energy Agency The same report also stated that China, the United States, and other major economies accounted for over 40% of carbon emissions. This is mainly due to the increased use of fossil fuels to keep up with the fastpaced economic growth and consistent advancements in technology. Because of the increased demands of the growing population, many countries rely on fossil fuels as a reliable and cheap source of energy yet are blind to the consequences of this
Created By GCSE Student
Low-income countries, specifically island nations, are facing the brunt of the climate crisis and forced to endure ruthless and damaging environmental effects because of the actions of the mass carbon emitters.
A clear example of this would be the Philippines. The small island nation in Southeast Asia has fallen victim to extreme weather events, notably typhoons such as (Super typhoon Haiyan in 2013). These strong typhoons destroy everything in their path, from the homes of people to the habitats of animals,
Created By Bissan Kadi
Asia has fallen victim to extreme weather events, notably typhoons such as (Super typhoon Haiyan in 2013). These strong typhoons destroy everything in their path, from the homes of people to the habitats of animals, causing massive losses in biodiversity. These already menacing typhoons only get more powerful as climate change worsens.
Low lying coastal areas are pressured by rising sea levels, forcing people out of their homes, and ripping families apart. The effects of climate change also cause rampant diseases such as cholera and malaria to plague the country, killing millions annually.
By Ayanna Wawulagala Y11
Matt Brown Interview Snippet
What
responsibility does the UAE have on a global level?
The UAE has played a pivotal role in advancing investment in renewable energy in the UAE, and across the world via varying mechanisms. The UAE has continuously broken records for costs of energy production from solar energy technologies, which created a global ripple
effect of making it a competitive energy source compared to traditional fossil fuel energy generation.
The UAE has also successfully created bilateral partnerships on key climate related issues such as food security, ecological restoration, and green funds, to further support other countries’ climate action efforts. Key examples of this include the Mangrove Alliance for Climate and the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate.
Following COP28, the UAE has the opportunity to further gauge its political strengths and enhance international partnerships, platforms, and create new mechanisms to ensure that the global ambition of 1.5 degrees is maintained. The UAE still retains presidency until COP29, and thus still has the opportunity to build on the agreed policies and frameworks that were launched during COP28.
By michael hardcastle y12
Created By GCSE Student
songs for your Inner Dreamer
Fireflies–AdamYoung
Released in December 2009, this song was a #1 hit for 2 weeks straight and might have become a meme almost 10 years later The story behind this is just as interesting as the lyrics: back in 2009, Young would have trouble getting to sleep after returning from work at night – in fact, it’s his insomnia that helped him imagine the elements that eventually became the dreamer’s song we know and love today! Instead of getting “frustrated because I wasn’t getting sleepy”, he’d write down whatever he imagined during those sleepless nights, especially about the fireflies he’d seen on a camping trip
Who doesn’t remember this song? Paradise is a 2011 classic that set the world by storm when it released, masterfully communicating the story of a trapped girl who’d escape the constraints of the real world through her dreams If you’d like some context, here it is from Chris Martin himself: “It’s supposed to be about two people who grow up separately in a very big oppressive city, and they each are a bit lost in their lives Paradise is about a girl really, the female half of the album, just about being a bit lost in the world and escaping through fantasy ” This song is a personal favourite of mine because of how well I identify with its message I, too, daydream to stop feeling ground down by the “breaking wheel” of boredom, and as a reward, I make a beauty in my head I couldn’t find in real life, and isn’t that wonderful?
Paradise–Coldplay
CountingStars–OneRepublic
This is a classic from the early 2010s. Whoever decided to sing about accepting humility over greed is a handsdown genius! Apologies if I sound preachy, but we live in a world where decadence is taking over I’m not just talking about the fancy, haute couture dresses and the high-quality, gourmet food Oh no, I’m also talking about choosing peaceful oblivion over painful awareness – how can we feel comfortable living our best lives at an expensive restaurant when there are others out there who can’t afford to feed their children? I know I said these songs are meant to make you feel like kids again, but I brought up inner dreamers for a reason – you don’t have to admit, but I think you’re dreaming of a better world, ruled by compassion and kindness instead of cold-hearted capitalism.
By Muna Sohail Al Habtoor
Created By GCSE Student
FOR
The internet. A modern marvel that has revolutionised the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. Yet, many claim that it has ruined our attention spans, made us more isolated, and even contributed to the rise of mental health problems. I believe that these claims are not only exaggerated, but they are also fundamentally misguided. In fact, I would even argue that the internet has become an essential lifeline, a source of empowerment, and a gateway to endless opportunities.
With regard to education, the internet has given us the ability, within seconds, to access an almost infinite amount of information and knowledge. If knowledge is power, then all of us have become more powerful when we are able to access the array of intellectual resources, references, and information. So why do we continue to demonise this powerful tool? Are we afraid of change? Or are we simply too lazy to embrace the future? One of the most commonly cited arguments against the internet is that it has led to a decline in
face-to-face communication. Many believe that social media and messaging apps have replaced real interactions and have caused us to become more isolated and disconnected from one another. However, in a world where distances are no longer barriers and communication is instantaneous, the internet has allowed us to stay in touch with friends and family, even across continents. It has also provided a platform for marginalised communities to find support and solidarity, creating spaces for individuals to share their experiences and seek advice. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that 71% of teenagers believe online platforms have helped them connect with others who share similar experiences and struggles, and a similar one in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that online interventions can significantly decrease instances of cyberbullying by up to 50%.
AGAINST
It’s taking over and what are we doing to prevent it? Nothing. In fact, we’re supporting it. We, the great humans, who have walked on this planet for a long 6 million years, have brought failure upon ourselves.
Imagine a conversation with your ancestors who are running across the planet in desperate search of food. How would you describe your day-to-day life? Instead of living your life to the max, embracing opportunities and seeking fulfilment, you voluntarily choose to sit on your bed, cancelling all plans with your friends, just to scroll for hours on some random app on end, with no end.
We are accepting defeat to one of the most arcane, yet obvious, ways to end the world. We are accepting it with our whole heart. Not only do we waste time, but we also don’t work or exercise unless we are recording it. We are consumed by the mentality of ‘if there is no photo, it didn’t happen.’ We are not happy with ourselves (or anything for that matter). We are endangering ourselves, and we are endangering the younger generations. The younger generations who are becoming increasingly vulnerable to risks like misinformation, internet addiction and even physical impacts like cyber-bullying land frauds and cyber-scam.
And yet does anyone question the worrying statistics? Have you ever pondered upon why 10 billion dollars in 2023 alone were lost through scams? That's $1 billion more than 2022 and the highest ever in reported losses to the FTC – even though the number of reports (2.6 million) was about the same as the year before?
And if for a second you were to think that shopping online, ordering things online, researching online, having more efficient access to education, chatting online, or any other way to be more efficient online is safer than that, I urge you to consider the cost of this convenience on the very thing that makes us human.
You are essentially saying that having fun and being efficient is better than saving people from poverty and putting them at risk of all those miserable things. All those things that if we were in the scenario of, we would possibly be begging to be anywhere except there, to be anybody but who we are, and to be in any situation other than that one. That proves your humanity, your generosity and just how caring you, as a person with rights, are. Do you realise now?
UNVEILING THE FUTURE
A new scientific breakthrough at Abu Dhabi’s one and only stem cell center!
Nearing the end of last year, scientists from Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) took part in a global clinical trial for multiple sclerosis stem cell treatment. They collaborated in trials with researchers based in major countries such as the UK, US, Italy and Switzerland.
Previous medical advancements of Abu Dhabi
For countless years, the talented scientists and doctors in Abu Dhabi have been utilizing stem cells for various treatments such as infertility and cancers like leukemia. ADSCC was established 4 years ago (in 2019) in the hopes of the UAE earning a title of success in medicine. Since its establishment, it has received nothing less than praise for its groundbreaking advancements. For example, their program “UAECell19” was launched in 2020 and provided stem cell treatments for COVID-19 to more than 20,000 patients by regenerating lung capacity. Their work was even applauded by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Stem cells are cells that can specialise into many different types of bodily cells such as blood cells, brain cells and heart cells. They are easily programmed by scientists to become the desired type of cell, and because of this amazing function, they are often used to treat medical conditions. There are two types: embryonic and adult. Both share the ability to specialize and self-renew, however adult stem cells are limited in the range of cells they can differentiate into, whereas embryonic cells are much more versatile. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to differentiate into any body cell, known as embryonic as they come from an embryo. Its vast range is why most countries decide to invest in this therapy, however, many countries such as the UAE oppose to the use of embryonic stem cells as they involve the killing of an embryo and oppose Sharia Law. Therefore the treatment in Abu Dhabi strictly uses adult stem cells.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition which is caused by a person’s immune system attacking their own brain and spinal cord which results in issues such as weakness in arms/legs and loss of balance and vision. Symptoms vary depending on the person, the severity of the condition and location of damage. The UAE initiated a National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) in 2023 to provide high quality aid and support for those affected by disabling diseases. Almost 2 million people worldwide are affected by multiple sclerosis leading them to have limited mobility and vision because of it. According to the NMSS, women in the UAE are 4x more likely to be affected by MS.
Recently, many reports have come out of their outstanding work with stem cells. An innovative form of treatment “hematopoietic stem cell transplantation” (transplanting adult stem cells) has been first used in the region to treat fatal blood cancers such as leukemia and multiple sclerosis. The procedure includes chemotherapy to kill harmful cells and replacing them with healthy stem cells from the person’s own bone marrow. Their findings showed that many benefits were present post-treatment, such as the treatment being well-tolerated and longlasting. So far, 13 cancer patients and 1 MS patient have been treated by ADSCC.
“Research in multiple sclerosis is one of the key focus areas at ADSCC while further investing in our home-grown clinical trials and research project”, said research scientist and chief executive of ADSCC Dr. Yendry Ventura.
in stem cell research and is praised for its development, so much so that it is estimated 1 in 3 people will benefit from stem cell therapies. Dr. Ventura claimed that 10 years ago stem cell technology would be the next ‘big thing’ but globally therapies of this kind were slow to progress. However, he alleges that now “the potential of stem cell treatment is vast”.
BY ALBINA ALI Y11
Such a huge innovation indicates many more to come and The UAE now offers various successful stem cell treatments. In Sharjah, stem cell therapy for hair problems is provided, and in Fujairah there is stem cell therapy offered to fight disabilities. Dubai has also invested heavily
Created By Amber Cox Y11
Postcard from NERTEKAMSK, RUSSIA
RUSSIA
Russia is a large country, approximately 17,098,242 Km2. It was founded originally on December 25, 1991. Before it was named Russia, it was called The Soviet Union, in Russian shortened it is called СССР (pronounced USSR). Russia is so big, that it can cover Canada twice! Russia’s climate is extreme, it is very cold, especially during October till March.
WHERE DID THE FLAG COME FROM?
The first unofficial flag was taken from Peter The Great It was a white, blue, red tricolor The white part of the flag symbolises the world of God and nobility, the blue part symbolises the sky and honesty, and last the red part of the flag symbolises the Earth, courage and love
NEFTEKAMSK
Neftekamsk (Нефтекамск) Is a small city in
is her favorite food from Russian culture is, she replied, “My favorite food is pie with cabbage. “ .
OUR GARDEN
In Russia if you live in a village as a responsible person, you will most likely own a garden. The garden that my grandma owns is a very large garden which usually in the summer is very active, but in the wintertime, there is a lot of snow, which makes it inactive The best part of winter and living in Neftekamsk with a grandma that loves you is t th
M y g y a colder place upper north called Siberia (Сибирь) My mother lived in U F A most of her life with her two brothers My mother moved to Dubai and gave birth to me.
WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE?
There are many things to do there but my favorite thing to do is to go to an attraction parkcalled‘Gulliver’ Itisveryfun,theremany attractions, food etc. Doing something in Russia during wintertime, so I suggest to preferably ski, snowboard, or just do any outdooractivity.
By Varvara Amineva
Created By GCSE Student
How should psychologists leverage advances in modern technology in research and/or practice?
BY ALBINA ALI Y11
MonitoringApps
Apps to monitor mood, feelings and symptoms can be used as a faster way to share informationbetweenpatientsandpsychologists Forinstance,theAppleHealth appcantrackhumanactivity,sleeppatternsandweight.Thesecombinedwith appsrelatedtoassessinganddiagnosingmentalhealthdisorderscan offerfasterhelp.Thiscanbehelpfulforpeoplesufferingwithanyimpairments ordisordersthatmakeitharderforthemtobeinsocialsettingsand communicate,oranyonewhoisnoteducatedonsymptomsofpsychological issues.Personaladvicecanbegiventothepatientasthedatacanbecollected torecognizeanypatternsandanomaliestoevaluatethebenefitsofanytreatments beinggiven(E.g-CBT,psychotherapy).Evenmonitoringdevices(thatlinktoanapp)maytrack any chemical imbalances can help the psychologist understand trends in their mood, what maytriggertheirmoodorwhathelpsthemostwiththeirmood Thiscanhelppsychologistsin workingmoreefficientlyandincreasingnumberofpatientsreceivinghelp.
AI Bots as Virtual Support
aboutanytopic.Thiscanbeespeciallyusefulforteenagersthatmayfeel there'sanegativestigmasurroundinganyissuestheyhaveandfeeltoo embarrassedtotalkaboutthem.AccordingtotheCenterofDisease Control,therewasa40%increaseinpersistentfeelingsofsadness andhopelessnessinU.Shighschoolstudentsbetween2009-2019.Since thisdataisjustfromAmerica,it'shardtogeneralizeworldwide.However, the US represents much of the population, so data is still relevant in research. AI bots can suggestcentersforhelporunderstandwhatexactlythepersonneeds Itcanalsohelppeople feellessaloneiftheyfeelthey'relackingsupport Theinformationgainedcanconsensuallybe passed on to a psychologist, which could lead them to get therapy and benefit research in psychology. Despite being helpful, this can spark ethical concerns as privacy of data can be breachedduringpsychologicalstudies.
VRHeadsets
VRHeadsetscanofferhelpforpeoplewhohaveexperiencedtraumatic incidentsorareaffectedbypsychologicalconditionslike autismbyallowingthemtoexperiencedifferentenvironmentsinvirtual reality.Thiscanhelpthemrecoveroradjusttoreal-lifesettingsbefore jumpingstraightintoeverydaylifewhichcouldoverwhelmpeople In 2002,SarahParsonsandPeterMitchellfoundthatvirtualrealitycanaid inteachingsocialskillstopeoplewithautisticspectrumdisorders(ASDs).Inastudy,6 adolescentswerepresentedwithvirtualexperiencesandwerealsoshown3setsofvideosof reallifecafesandbuses.Theywerethenaskedtoexplainwhereandwhytheywouldchoose oneplacetositandtheresultsshowedsignificantdevelopmentintheirchoiceandreasoning Thiswaypsychologistscanprovideaformofhelpsimilartoareallifesetting,andincreasethe ecologicalvalidityofanystudiestheychoosetocondutraumaticincidencesordisorderslike autismbyputtingtheminnewenvironmentstogainskillswhichtheycanapplyinreallife.It maybehardertojumpstraightintoareallifesettingwheretherearemultipleextraneous variablesaffectingthepatient UsingVRcanhelpthemgetusedtoit In2002,SarahParsons andPeterMitchellfoundthatvirtualrealitycanaidinteachingsocialskillstopeoplewith autisticspectrumdisorders(ASDs)asinastudywith6adolescentswerepresentedwithvirtual experiencesandwerealsoshown3setsofvideosofreallifecafesandbusses.Theywerethen askedtopickwheretheywouldsitandexplainwhy.Intheresults,therewasasignificant developmentintheirchoiceandreasoning Thiswaypsychologistscanprovideaformofhelp similartoareallifesetting,andincreasetheecologicalvalidityofanystudiestheychooseto conlikeautismbyputtingtheminnewenvironmentstogainskillswhichtheycanapplyinreal life.Itmaybehardertojumpstraightintoareallifesettingwheretherearemultiple extraneousvariablesaffectingthepatient UsingVRcanhelpthemgetusedtoit Thisway psychologistscanprovideaformofhelpsimilartoareallifesetting,andincreasethe ecologicalvalidityofanystudiestheychoosetocondutraumaticincidencesordisorderslike autismbyputtingtheminnewenvironmentstogainskillswhelpthemgetusedtoit.Thisway psychologistscanprovideaformofhelpsimilartoareallifesetting,andincreasethe ecologicalvalidityofanystudiestheychoosetoconduct
World Book Day is an annual celebration promoting the joy of reading and the importance of literacy. Celebrated globally, it encourages children of all ages, from 4 to 18, to explore the wonders of books and develop a lifelong love for reading. In an international, cross-cultural school setting, it fosters inclusivity, understanding, and appreciation of diverse cultures and perspectives. By celebrating World Book Day, students can share stories from their own backgrounds, discover new authors, and build empathy through literature, enhancing their global awareness and cultural sensitivity. This event unites the school community, promoting literacy as a fundamental, universal skill.
WORLD BOOK DAY
Crossroads
A restless spirit sought its call, Within her weary soul's vast hall Behind each fleeting guise and grin, Her True Self beckoned hers to begin.
By screens ' dim glow at night's still hour, She craved veracity beyond their hollow power. In vain tried trends her deep disquiet end, Answers danced out of tired trends
Amidst the digital din, a constant clamor rings, Online trends dictate what beauty brings. From slender waists to lips that pout, Each fleeting fad, she tried to scout
But as swiftly as they came, they went, Leaving her feeling inadequate and bent. Her body, once praised, now scorned and shunned, As new standards emerged, her confidence undone. Facial features, once deemed divine, Were quickly discarded, left to decline Doe eyes replaced by siren’s allure, Leaving her feeling insecure.
The “clean girl” trend promised purity and grace, But its fleeting charm was soon replaced. Winter’s mob wife, with her opulent appeal, Left her longing for a beauty she could steal And with each passing day, a new insecurity arose, Fed by the relentless churn of online shows. Legging legs and perfect pouts, Left her feeling lost in self-doubt’s bouts.
As TikTok’s gaze cast its judgmental eye, She felt the weight of standards high. Every scroll, a blow to her esteem, As she chased an impossible dream.
But amidst the chaos of trends and strife, She began to question the meaning of life Was beauty truly found in trends and fads, Or in embracing the flaws she had?
She realized that true beauty lies within, Not in conforming to trends so thin Her worth was not defined by likes or shares, But in the way she carried herself, sans cares.
Her gaze fled screens ' enticing shine, Chasing after fame online
A woodland trail now whooshed low, Calling soul to its self to grow
Two roads stretched her within: one weary way
Chasing clouds that fled each day. Another whispered through leaves' soft speech, Guiding onto truths out of each
by Fatima Afzal 10G
Thus cloaked in nature's cover alone, From noise she walked, herself to own Her steps shaped fate upon the ground, If heart's pains she did resound.
The path would turn as forests do, Twists unknown her trust to eschew Until beneath life's leafy bowers, Her soul claimed its long sought powers.
In stillness deep within the wood Revelation to her soul she could: Her identity now shone so clear, As if a mirror held it near.
With courage strong, she tears the mask’s disguise, Embracing her essence, under sun-kissed skies. No longer bound by others’ expectations or decree, Gleaming in her truth, radiant and free
Through the arduous journey of shedding societal molds, She emerges, no longer enslaved to societal holds Her struggle, once yearning for a predefined perfection, Now yields to the embrace of her authentic reflection.
Within the lush green glades where trees stood tall, A transformation slowly began to unfold. Free from judgment that weighed on her mind, A blossoming of true self came in time. No longer holding back parts seen as “flawed”, Her spirit could shine as nature allowed. Traits put down as imperfections before, Were embraced here as gifts to explore.
Eccentric pieces long kept in the dark, Came to light like the sun through leaves spark. Qualities stifled from fear of disgrace, Were unfurled in the sheltering woodland space. Empowered by the forest’s accepting ways, Wings once clipped found strength for colorful days Doubts of not measuring to standards vain, Flew away as authenticity could reign.
Letting her heart lead without pause or qualm, She followed nature’s rhythm like a soothing balm Freed from societal boxes and rules too tight, Her path opened to live life’s dreams with new might. Casting off constricting ties of the past, Her soul soared on life’s winding journey at last Within verdure’s embrace true self shined through, A new chapter of life she gladly flew into.
GYPSY ROSE’S STORY
Munchausen syndrome
Gypsy Rose Blanchards’ story is wellknown but the disorder that sits behind this story is largely unheard of. Her mother (DeeDee Blanchard) possessed a rare disorder that forced her own daughter to live through a traumatic childhood.
Münchausen syndrome by proxy is a psychological disorder marked by attention seeking behaviour portrayed by a caregiver through those that are in their care
They seek medical help for exaggerated or made-up symptoms of a child in their care. They may progressively exaggerate the symptoms so that doctors are convinced of an illness The doctors spend so much time trying to figure out what is wrong with the child that they ignore the manipulation done by the parent, who may be using the illness as an excuse for power over the child, of
financial gain. This was exactly what DeeDee Blanchard had been doing to her own daughter Gypsy.
For over two decades, Gypsy Rose Blanchard was a victim of child abuse by her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. As a baby, Gypsy was misdiagnosed with sleep apnea (breathing difficulties when sleeping). Later in her life, her mother became her caretaker and stated that she had many other issues, one major one being Leukaemia along side muscular dystrophy, seizures, asthma as well as having hearing and visual disabilities. She made her sit in a wheelchair and was subjected to many surgeries to remove her salivary glands To make this all believable, her mother also shaved off all her hair. Her mother continued to lie about her diseases and disabilities and claimed that during her teen years, gypsy had a mental age of seven.
Her mother had separated from her father leaving Gypsy completely isolated This pattern of seeking help from different doctors continued but most didn’t believe DeeDee about the ‘problems’ Gypsy was facing. As for doctors’ appointments, Gypsy was not allowed to speak about her conditions. Instead, her mother did all the talking and provided them with information about Gypsy fake medical conditions. If the doctors were to disagree, DeeDee would never return.
As she grew older, Gypsy became more aware of the situation she was in and began to explore the world further than her mother allowed through technology. After a while, she had fully constructed a plan to meet with her online boyfriend who would help her murder her own mother.
She has now been released from a 10year prison sentence, serving only 8 years as her mother’s abuse became clear in their investigation. Gypsy has recently stated in an interview that in her mother’s care she ‘felt submissive’. She wanted to reach out to someone when finding out all her medical issues were a lie however she also wanted to ‘please her mother’. This is because she had been manipulated by her mother when being in her care.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy syndrome is an important psychological disorder to have an awareness about, it not only made gypsy suffer but also had an impact on her mother DeeDee. Doctors aren't sure what causes Munchausen syndrome by proxy, but it may be linked to problems during the abuser's childhood. The attention and financial aid that caregivers get from having a sick child may encourage their behaviour.
By Daaniya Ahmed Malik Y12
Created By GCSE Student
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