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The Stag: Summer Term 2, 2022
Contents Meet our new Heads of School .................................................................................................Page 3 House Reports ..……………………………………………...……………...……….....…......Page 4 The Boarders’ Ball …………………………………...……………………….…...…....….....Page 8 Goodbye, Mr Eadon ….……………………..………………...…………..…………..…..…..Page 9 Farewell, Mr Chan ...…………………………………………...………………….…….…..Page 10 Roe vs. Wade………………………………………….……………...……………………...Page 11 Directing the Dell Play …………………………...…………...…………………………..…Page 13 Literature Review….…………………….…………...…………...…….…………………....Page 14 What is the Philosophy Department reading? ……………………….………………………Page 15 Recipes …………………………………….…………..……………………………..……...Page 16 The Met Gala …………………………………...………………………………………….. Page 17 Fashion Focus………………………..……………………….……………………..……….Page 18 Sister Stag ………………………………………………………………………...…………Page 19
Personality Quiz...……………………………………………………………..….………… Page 20 Horoscopes ……………………………….………………………………..……..………….Page 21 Sports Focus …………………………………………………………..……………………..Page 22 Cricket Season Update …………………………………………...………………………….Page 23
Welcome to Team Stag! Contributors: Polly Symes, Frankie Dussek, Lily Curtis, Maisie Spencer, Tiggy Tutt Arts Editor: Kiri Marshall Politics Editor: Lily O’Brien Culture Editor: Megan Moffat Fashion Editor: Maja Marten Sports Editor: Aditya Kumar House Reporters: Tiggy Tutt, Finn McKeown, Alejandro Maria Besora, Lily Curtis, Aditya Kumar Design Team: Jessie Tarrant and Miss Curren Senior Editor: Miss Curren 2
COLLEGE LIFE
Meet Our New Heads of School On Friday the 13th of May, some very exciting news was released! The new Heads of School and Prefects were revealed for the new school year. I had the chance to speak with our new Head Girl, Tess Garrett and new Head Boy, Dylan Pearson, about their experience of going through the process of becoming Heads of School and what they are looking forward to doing. How long have you both been at the College and what A-levels are you studying? Dylan: I’ve been here since Year 9 and I am studying economics, business, and maths. Tess: I have only been at the College since the beginning of this year, and I study drama, English, and philosophy.
What was the process like for you both in terms of finding out on Friday? Dylan: I was told late on Thur sday to come in early on Friday. The next morning, I went into Mr. Lawson’s office with Tess, and he and Mrs. Taylor -Hall asked us if we wanted to be the new Heads of School. Tess: I had an inter view on the Satur day befor e and had to wait a week until anything else happened. I was told to go to HMO on Friday morning where I met Dylan and we were told the news. Then the Deputy Heads, Caitlin and David, came in and finally all the other Prefects came in, so the team were together for the first time. Did everyone in house know that you had been made the new Heads? Dylan: Yes! They announced the Head of House decision in a house meeting while I was in HMO. While they announced Cass Stallion as the new Head of House, they had also announced that I was 3
Our new Heads of School 2022-23, Tess Garrett and Dylan Pearson
Head Boy, so when I came back to house at break everyone already knew. Tess: Yes, it was a r eally lovely mor ning and everyone in house was congratulating me! It was also really lovely to see everyone congratulating Caitlin (Deputy Head) and Megan (Head of House) in house as well. Dylan and Tess are both excited to represent and serve the College to the best of their ability. Many congratulations to them both.
Frankie Dussek, Year 12, School House
HOUSE REPORTS
Blackwater House Report This term has been jam-packed full of events in which the girls have participated and some of which they have won. House Tennis saw Emma Lewis, Stephanie Viera, Emma Folwell and Amber Blake take Blackwater to the finals where they scored a respectable second place after School. Lyra Ellwood and Stephanie Viera took Blackwater to the final of the debating competition and won first place! A huge congratulations goes to them both in taking the edge from School House with the question: This house believes that all museums, galleries, and cultural institutions in colonizer countries should immediately return exhibits to their countries/communities of origin. Blackwater were the opposing motion.
A group of Year 10 girls played a game of rounders on College Field along with some boys, organised by Miss Simmons. On a separate occasion, the Year 9s played against School House.
A group of girls competed in Interhouse Swimming with Blackwater coming 1st in the senior girls, 4th in the junior girls and 2nd overall. House Fives saw the girls take victory over the other houses, so a huge congratulations goes to them too. Blackwater is delighted to announce that our new Head of House is…. Mimi
Gould!!!!
New Blackwater Head of House, Mimi Gould
Lily Curtis, Year 12, Blackwater House 4
HOUSE REPORTS
Gonville House Report This term was filled with joy and hard work. It is that time of the year when everyone is stressing about their exams and find themselves behind their desks rather than outside socialising. However, this term Gonvilians managed to escape this exam trap and take part in different house events. Starting with Tennis, a successful side of Rohan, Luke C, Shin and Arthur managed to attain a strong second place, only being defeated right at the end of the final. The next interhouse fixture was basketball where both junior and senior teams managed to be victorious against all houses, claiming first place. The junior squad were lead by Mo and Theo who passed down their supreme knowledge and experience about the sport.
boarding option. They started by following the river surrounded by open grass land until the limit was met with continuous attempts to knock others off their boards into the cold river before heading back On Wednesday 18th of May, Gonville Year 12 boys again. had the chance to go with School House Year 12 Once changed, the pupils jumped into a bus and girls to a fun paddle boarding activity and finished headed down to the seaside where they were greeted the day by enjoying a meal by the beach. by food of their choice. After many smiles and conThe pupils headed down to the river where they had tinuous laughter between both teachers and pupils, everyone had to drag their feet back to house and a chance to try either kayaking or paddle boarding back into the reality of revision. where most people went with the paddle
Alejandro Maria Besora and Finn McKeown, Year 12, Gonville House 5
HOUSE REPORTS
School House Report The School House girls have continued to impress this term and I will be sad to see some of them leaving us at the end of the year. To start off, the seniors brought home a win for House Tennis! Meanwhile, the Year 10s came 3rd in the tennis competition; we will beat Watt one day! Well done to those girls who stepped up and volunteered to represent the house, and to those who triumphed in their glory.
It was also a great opportunity for everyone to practise their ball crew skills ready for the Devonshire Park Tennis tournament, in which lots of School House girls are involved.
Unfortunately, due to a slight miscommunication on my part and the fact that the organisation of our team for the house swimming was a bit last minute, we were slightly lacking in numbers. However, we did not let that stop us and it just meant that people were able to compete in more events! Although the number of swimmers was not extensive, the number of spectators from School House was. It was such a fantastic atmosphere and the support for each other was so lovely to hear. The juniors came 2nd overall with Lily Stoner, Chloe Williams, Nikki Ko, Chloe Ko and myself competing. The seniors came joint 3rd, their team featuring Kia Letcher, Abi Perry, Lisa Shi and Lia Krieger. Genuinely, a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone who took part, as I know it is difficult to put yourself forward for something like that, and every point counts for the grand total! I would also like to congratulate Megan Moffat as the new Head of House. She will do a fantastic job with helping Mrs Whiddett-Adams run School House. We are also very proud to present Tess Garrett and Caitlin Milborne as Head and Deputy Head of School! This is such a wonderful achievement for them and it just shows how fabulous the School House girls are. We look forward to the new year ahead with the new prefect team, as well as saying ‘goodbye’ to the Year 13s. Have a marvellous summer and I’ll see you in September! Tiggy Tutt, Year 10, School House
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HOUSE REPORTS
Wargrave House Report The Wargravians have enjoyed a very successful yet tiring first half of the summer term that sees our Year 11s and Year 13s revising heavily for their GCSEs and A-levels which will see them progress into the next phases of their life, whether it be at the College, university or excelling in any walk of life they may choose.
The boys have enjoyed great success with a celebratory pizza night after winning the House Hockey Competition as well as our tennis players bringing the name of being Winners of House Tennis back to Wargrave and so I will take this opportunity to congratulate them. On an even greater note, the very talented photographer Leander Walters was awarded the Khadija Saye photography award from the
Boarding Schools Association (BSA), an association that involves schools across the globe and so is an extremely tremendous achievement and a great feat for the school. As the house is deep into the cricket, arguably one of the more favourite sports among Wargrave, the amount of groans of bad backs has increased due to the carrying of cricket bags. However, let’s hope that the season brings the sunny weather with it. This time of year proceeds to be very stressful for all and I hope to see Wargravians of all ages knuckling down to do some work and revision in the lead up to exams while still trying to win the house some more events with House Swimming on the horizon.
Leander Walters has been awarded the Khadija Saye Photography Award
Aditya Kumar, Year 12, Wargrave House 7
COLLEGE LIFE
The Boarders’ Ball Saturday, April 23rd was a great night for all the boarders at the College. The dining room was transformed into a formal dinner setting, with tables all around the room. Decorations were also put up to make the setting feel even better. Boarders were sorted into different table groups, mixing with others from their year groups. There was a lovely meal served with dessert to follow. However, the fun was only beginning. After everyone finished their meals, people started making their way to the dance floor. There was a live band who played great music and built up everyone’s excitement at being there even more. Many people started dancing away, and the Year 10s even started a conga-line around the dance floor. It was certainly a night to remember, and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to the event next year!
Frankie Dussek, Year 12, School House 8
COLLEGE LIFE
Saying Goodbye to Mr Eadon With one of our favourite members of College students are suspected of having contraband in their staff leaving, it was only appropriate to interview rooms. It’s always quite amusing when you find Mr Eadon before he goes! things you really hadn’t expected to find. Who is your favourite pop culture artist? I’m a big ‘90s, cheesy pop fan. I love Eurovision, which I know I shouldn’t, but especially something like S Club 7. I’m also a big fan of some classic rock. You can’t go wrong with the Beatles, or some of those amazing song writers; the Billy Joels’, the Elton Johns’, people like that. When it comes to classical music, it’s got to be Bach. (Obviously.) Where are you off to? I’m going to be the Director of Music at King Edward VI School. What are you most looking forward to in your new job? I am looking forward to the challenge of leading a department for the first time, of having a bit more autonomy and all the challenges that come with being in a day school, which is something that I’ve never experienced before.
What won’t you miss? The ants up and down Carlisle Road. [Wait, no, don’t put that in.] The best piece of advice you have received? It’s always about the pupils, is probably the best piece that I’ve ever been given. It’s not about the teachers, it’s about the pupils. So long as they remain the focus, everything’s going to be fine. Any advice for our readers of The Stag?
I recently had to give advice to a pregnant lady, Look after the small stuff, and the which is not something I know a lot about. I am a father but I’ve never been a lady nor pregnant. The big stuff will take care of itself advice I gave, though, was: in What are you going to miss about Eastbourne? childhood, even the Oh, there are so many things to miss. I love working good stuff is just a in Gonville. I really enjoy duty nights and can’t bephase. Quite bleak lieve I’m not going to be a duty tutor anymore. I am actually. going to miss the camaraderie of the common room Okay, look after and hugely miss my colleagues, Mr Laverack and Mr Jordan, in the music department. I’ll also miss a the small stuff, and lot of the pupils here—there's a sense of loveliness the big stuff will amongst them. It has been a really nice and pleasant take care of itself. Got it. Thanks, Mr place to live and work. Eadon! What was the best thing about being a tutor in Gonville? I’ve had some pretty wild tutees over the years; there are definitely a few names that stick out. I quite enjoy a good old-fashioned room search, when 9
Megan Moffat, Year 12, School House
COLLEGE LIFE
Farewell, Mr Chan As you may know, Mr Chan is leaving at the end of this year but it would be wrong to let him escape us without an interview for The Stag. What led you to your passion for tennis? Roger Federer’s first Wimbledon was the first time I really watched Wimbledon, and I followed him all the way through. I found the game really fascinating. I never really played tennis at school. I picked it up after university and joined a club. I dabbled a little bit with various people in London, but I wasn’t great to start with. After a while, I played a few league matches which initially were awful as I didn’t hit many balls in play but it was fun nonetheless. A year or two later, I was captain of a team and I ended up being captain of about five teams which isn’t the most popular of jobs, but I just loved the sport. It’s good for the brain and the body, it doesn’t matter whether you’re big or how hard you hit the ball; you just play and it’s enjoyable. What you will miss about Eastbourne College? Firstly, I’ll miss the whole college community. I think it’s a great community; everyone’s really friendly and pupils are really respectful and a joy to teach. I think I’ll also miss seeing the boys in Wargrave develop. I’ll miss my maths lessons. Some people don’t find maths too easy but seeing them try and make progress is always great. In terms of the College, the tennis again is a big part. I’ll miss seeing everyone enjoy the sport. Obviously, I’ll miss the location, just being by the sea and the weather that we have compared to up north but overall, I will probably mostly miss the people of this community who have made this experience very memorable. Who is your role model? I think a lot of my character is probably developed from my mum. She’s quite inspirational as she’s had a lot of adversity and not necessarily the easiest life in the world as she’s had a lot of setbacks such as illness, but she is the most positive person that I 10
know. My mum has always worked hard; she has always done the best she can for the family, putting them first. She encourages me to be persevering and work hard, doing the best that I can in whatever I pursue as well as whatever I do. I think that for me that is the biggest lesson I have learned from my mother.
Give your best in everything and there is always something else if it doesn’t work out What will your life after Eastbourne College look like? My partner lives near London and my family is a bit further up north as well so, longer term, I’m probably on the wrong side of the M25 really. Initially, I’ll probably be travelling for the first term, maybe to New Zealand, after which I’ll look for another teaching job. I’m quite open-minded in the sense that, if I’m given a challenge, I’ll face up to it and give it my best but if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. My main message is to give your best in everything and there is always something else if it doesn’t work out. On behalf of the Eastbourne College community, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Chan for his time at the school and wish him the best of luck for his future.
Aditya Kumar, Year 12, Wargrave House
POLITICS
Roe vs Wade: The Big Questions The beginning of May saw a seismic shift in politics. No, I’m not talking about the results of the UK local elections (a bloody nose for the Conservative Party, but not fatal for the Prime Minister). Instead, I’m looking across the pond to the US where a leaked draft ruling from the US Supreme Court indicates that the court is likely to overturn a landmark ruling from 1973 which enshrined women’s rights to terminate a pregnancy in the USA. That ruling is known as “Roe vs Wade”. What is Roe vs Wade? This famous case revolved around a lady named Norma McCorvey – known for the purposes of the case as “Jane Roe” – who became pregnant with her third child in Texas in 1969 but was unable to access abortion care after it was banned in her state. Her lawyers filed a lawsuit on her behalf in federal court against her local district attorney, Henry Wade (hence ‘Roe vs Wade’) alleging that the state’s abortion laws were unconstitutional. The US District Court for Texas ruled in her favour, and the case was then sent to the Supreme Court following an appeal where the case was also found in favour of Ms McCorvey. The court’s decision was that choosing to have an abortion is ultimately an issue of Americans’ right to privacy, which they ruled was an element of the liberty guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. Then, as now, advocates opposing abortion attempted to argue that life begins at conception. The court disagreed, ultimately saying that the US Constitution’s use of “person” in establishing inalienable rights did not represent foetuses. The ruling from Roe v Wade established federal protections for women who wish to have an abortion. The decision ultimately gave women total autonomy to terminate a pregnancy during the first trimester and allowed some state influence over abortions in the second and third trimester. The ruling determines that the US Constitution protects a woman’s right to an abortion without excessive government intervention. A 1992 Supreme Court ruling in another significant case - Planned Parenthood v Casey - upheld the Roe ruling and prohibited any legal constrictions that put an ‘undue burden’ on abortion access. What has changed? The Roe ruling effectively repealed laws that banned abortions outright, and sparked decades of religious and moral conflict over women’s bodies. The American ‘right’ has committed for decades to overturning Roe. It seems that they may now have their chance. For readers 11
who don’t take Politics, a quick note at this point. The US Supreme Court is made up of nine ‘justices’ appointed for life by the President of the United States. Traditionally, a Republican president will appoint justices with conservative and right-leaning values whilst a Democratic president will appoint justices with more socially liberal values. This quirk of the American system allows the President to influence the make up of the most senior part of the US judiciary, something we find difficult to comprehend in the UK. During Donald Trump’s time as President, he appointed three new justices with the most recent addition to the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett, bringing the high court’s conservative (right leaning) balance to six against three. The US Supreme Court is currently considering a ruling in a Mississippi case (Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization) which would introduce a ban in that state on most abortions after fifteen weeks of pregnancy, presenting a major challenge to the landmark precedent established in the 1973 ruling in Roe v Wade. This case marks the first major abortion rights challenge in front of the new conservative majority on the Supreme Court with its three newest, conservative, and Donald Trump appointed justices. An unprecedented, leaked draft document from conservative Justice Samuel Alito – first reported by Politico – indicates that the court’s conservative majority will vote to overturn Roe and Casey. His opinion is very clear… “We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled. The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision.” There are at least twelve US states with so-called “trigger laws” that would ban abortion immediately should Roe be overturned, and at least 26 states that are likely to ban abortion quickly should that power return to individual states. This could eliminate abortion access across more than half the US and force many pregnant women to carry their pregnancies to term unless they can travel to a handful of states with abortion protections in place.
Why is this significant? Putting aside the politicisation of the judiciary and the way the highest court in the land in the USA can be manipulated by the politics of the President, Brittany Leach from the LSE feels that the implications are broad and troubling. She believes that, whilst each state would have broad authority to set abortion policy, including banning abortion, some language in the draft raises questions about whether future rulings could go even further, perhaps establishing foetal personhood or foetal citizenship, thereby removing abortion protections in all states. Furthermore, she believes several arguments in the draft opinion raise the spectre that the court will further dismantle the rights of women, people of colour, LGBTQ+ people, and others. For instance, Justice Alito argues that rights can only be considered implicit in the Constitution if such rights are “deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition” and “implicit in the concept of ordered liberty”. Judging whether a right is legitimate based on how recently it was won is a terrifying prospect for women, African Americans, queer people, and others whose rights are not “deeply rooted” in a country with a long history of patriarchy, structural racism, bigotry against LGBTQ+ people, and so on. Leach believes that Justice Alito’s argument that abortion is not mentioned in the Constitution is especially worrying given the many other cases that rely on privacy rights to establish rights for marginalised people. These rights include: the right to use birth control, the right to interracial marriage, the right to gay marriage, and many more. Indeed, even the idea that women should receive equal protection under the law seems at risk, as the first case applying the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th amendment to ban sex discrimination was decided only a few years before Roe. If this seems alarmist, Leach points to the fact that the US is one of the few developed countries that has not ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Recent attacks in the US on voting rights and LGBTQ+ rights – especially trans rights – likewise give cause for concern. While many in the US are hoping that the Supreme Court will not see fit to dismantle wide-ranging rights protections for women and other marginalized groups, fears that this marks the beginning of an era of rights rollbacks, rather than a single exceptional decision, are not unwarranted.
What happens next? The Supreme Court makes its final decision in June. If it follows through with its initial decision to overturn Roe v Wade, 26 states are certain or likely to move to ban abortion. If that does happen, pro-choice groups will be placing their hope in the hands of state governors. An interesting aspect of the US system is that State Governors have a large amount of power and can, in certain circumstance, overrule decision by the state legislature. The prospect of Roe being overturned is now therefore affecting the elections for state governors, particularly in states with Republican-led legislatures that would probably move to ban abortion unless a Democratic governor steps in. Democratic candidates are now stressing the urgency of the moment to voters, portraying themselves as the last line of defence against an abortion ban in their states. Christina Amestoy (Deputy Communications Director at Democratic Governors Association) has stated that… “The reproductive freedoms of millions of Americans are on the line. Electing Democratic governors is our best and perhaps only hope of protecting them.” Time will tell.
Whatever your personal view on abortion, this case gives an interesting insight into both the American political system, the continued polarisation of politics there, and the power and influence of ultra-conservative and fundamentalist section of American society…views many of us with socially liberal views find difficult to understand. It also demonstrates that the legacy of Donald Trump may live on long after his term in office came to an end.
Lily O’Brien, Year 12, Watt House 12
CREATIVE ARTS
Directing the Dell Play Every summer term, the Year 12s put on a play in the Dell, the school’s outdoor theatre. This year, and for the first time, both directors are pupils! Frankie Dussek and Murray Smith were interviewed and appointed by Mr Russell for this position. As a member of the cast myself, I wanted to find out what Frankie and Murray really thought about directing!
Murray: Do you feel that the Drama Department is providing you with enough support? I think they want us to try and lead the rest of our year group. They don’t want to intervene with it. They’ll come in for rehearsals sometimes; they’ll sit in for the start as they don’t need to be there for all of it, just to make sure everyone is settled. It can be quite difficult when dealing with your own year group. Why should pupils watch the Dell Play? Everyone in the group of people has their own little edge over one another. So you’ve got Gabe and Ben, who are certainly not afraid to pull off the scenes that they perform... And then you’ve got yourself (Polly) and Zain who would happily sit in character for the whole rehearsal. And that’s what we want. It goes the same for the rest of the cast.
Frankie: Was there a different approach to drama in the American high school that you used to go to compared with how it is here? It’s much more professional here. At my high school in America I mainly worked backstage crew. But no one took it very seriously! We also never had the opportunity to direct. A lot more people are involved here.
Any surprises so far? I knew we were going to be involved with everything: costume, set, lighting, the actual performance, but it’s still really cool to be doing all of that! Stage Management: Lighting – Bertie Brushfield Costume – Megan Richardson and Sassy Garrad Set – Georgia Hutcheon 13
The play is a comedy by Michael Frayn called ‘The Audience’. Our three performances will all take place during the last week of the school year. The cast involves three members of Year 11 in addition to the Year 12s. Cast List: Keith – Benjamin Young Eileen – Millie Cranston Reginald – Alexander Cardoza Helena – Tess Garrett Joan – Imogen Symonds Charles – Herbie Sleep Amanda – Amelia Baldock Merrill – Zizie Ndlovu Bobby – Orla Boulder Quentin – Polly Symes Lee – Zain Radwan Usherette – Gabriel Barlow Polly Symes, Year 12, Watt House
LITERATURE
‘Salt to the Sea’ by Ruta Sepetys Ruta Sepetys is a Lithuanian-American novelist who specializes in historical fiction. She has written five novels and one graphic novel, but I believe Salt to the Sea is her greatest work. Published in 2016, three years after her debut novel Between Shades of Gray, Salt to the Sea is Sepetys’ second novel, and is set in the final days of World War 2 as the Red Army closes in on East Prussia. It follows the story of three teenage refugees and an aspiring Third Reich soldier as Russia's army arrives to 'free' them. They travel to the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship headed for West Germany charged with the evacuation of German citizens from East Prussia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Estonia. The plot follows the four characters' convergence as they scramble towards the port city of Goten Hafen (now Gdynia, Poland). Each chapter of the novel is from the point of view of one of the four characters, creating a detailed and highly character-based story. Through the different characters' points of view, we, as the reader, can understand them better as individuals by seeing the world through their eyes. Sepetys uses fast, almost 'heist -like' pacing, using both images from the physical battlefield as well as the battlefield of lies, deception, and treachery.
A rare example of the optimal balance of fact and fiction Despite the changes in points of view, Sepetys’ writing never feels choppy or abrupt like so many multiple view novels often do. She is able to beautifully and seamlessly intertwine four accounts and build upon character profiles without ‘information bombing’ the reader. Each character has a unique story which is slowly unravelled as they open up to each other and therefore the reader as well. This gives the novel an intimate feeling as though we are breaking down the characters' walls in real-time as they become closer to each other. Sepetys uses beautiful imagery, enticing language, and unexpected literary devices that are perfect for anyone with a love for flowery vocabulary. However, if you are not a fan of indepth description, and would prefer dialogue over imagery, I would suggest wariness when approaching Sepetys’ work. The novel was clearly painstakingly researched as almost every detail, down to the paper type of the Gustloff's boarding passes, is historically accurate. I have found that historical fiction can either seem too 14
eager to show off historical accuracy, to the point where one feels like they are reading an essay rather than a novel or can skim over the historical aspect of historical fiction all together, to such an extent that one feels cheated out of what they were promised. Salt to the Sea is a rare example of the optimal balance of fact and fiction. The emotions the characters feel are timeless and allow readers from every age to relate, but the events are completely factual. The four stories Sepetys illustrates are all fundamentally different from each other but share the common thread of the struggles during wartime. Through them Sepetys illustrates how the most unlikely relationships can be forged in crisis to create lifelong bonds. A particular aspect I praise in Sepetys' writing are her secondary characters. None are one dimensional or feel unfinished, and each of them furthers the story whilst feeling like an actual person, which is worthy of commendation. Sepetys creates dynamic but plausible plot twists that will leave you hurtling through reality with one of the most poignant endings I have ever read. I would recommend this book to a lover of historical fiction or WW2 history in general. But the novel would be even more touching for those without prior knowledge of the evacuation or the events that followed. Sepetys has made it clear that her work is to immortalise the lives of those caught in between, the unknown sacrifices made in the name of peace. The ideas in Salt to the Sea are nuanced and highlight the grey areas of warfare and the people that fall between the cracks of history neither on the 'right' or 'wrong' side. Now more than ever this is a message worth exploring. Overall, I give Salt to the Sea a 4/5 and highly recommend it for your summer "mustread" list.
Maisie Spencer, Year 12, School House
LITERATURE
The Philosophy Department Reads... Miss Ball - “I love a good story and am an avid novel reader. I try to keep up with non-fiction reading though and recently finished Cassandra Speaks. This appealed because it deals with the strength of stories and how they causally contribute to our understanding of the world. So many of our assumptions, norms and unconscious biases are shaped by the narratives, myths, religious texts, parables and stories of the culture we grow up in. These stories have largely been written by men, yet we derive from them laws, norms and ethics which are applied to all humanity. I have studied biblical texts where women have been edited out, names masculinised etc, but this book casts the net wider, unpacking some of the influential narratives of Western culture. The eponymous Cassandra, blessed with knowing the future but cursed so that no one believed her, is painfully recognisable for many women today; women whose voices are still silenced, who are too often neither respected nor believed. Lesser asks how different our culture would be if women’s voices had been equally heard. If women are the storytellers too, their authentic voices and values are heard; they become protagonists whose experience of what it means to be human is acknowledged and this inevitably influences the metanarrative, ensuring our evolving narratives are more inclusive and therefore reflective of all of humanity.” Rev Peat is r eading Is A theism Dead? by an American writer called Eric Metaxa about the ‘New Atheism’ and the counter-arguments from modern science, archaeology and philosophy. By the same author he has also been reading a biography of the German pastor and theological Dietrich Bonhoeffer who opposed the rise of fascism in Germany under Hitler and was eventually hung by the Gestapo towards the end of the war. He is also reading The 15
Gulag Archipelago by the Russian writer Alexander Solvenitsyn about the interment in labour camps of those who opposed Stalin’s regime in communist Russia. Finally, he is reading a book by 4th century Christian writer Avagrius Pontikus whose work greatly influenced the whole of the monastic Christian tradition and its teaching on contemplative prayer right down to the present day, particularly an order known as the Carthusians.
Mr Wood is r eading M etaphysical A nimals by Clare Mac Cumhaill and Rachael Wiseman about some remarkable female philosophers within the last century. He has also been reading a biography of Victor Rothschild by Kenneth Rose. Victor Rothschild was a British banker, scientist and intelligence officer during WW11. On the fiction side, he has been re-reading In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust. This is a comic portrait of France in the author’s lifetime and is a profound meditation of art, love, time, memory and death.
Kiri Marshall, Year 12, Watt House
FOOD
Macaroni Cheese STEP 2 Boil the pasta for 2 minutes less than stated on the pack, then drain. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the garlic and English mustard powder, cook for 1 min, then stir in the plain flour.
STEP 3 Cook for 1 minute more, then gradually whisk in the milk until you have a lump-free sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, whisking all the time until thickened. Take off the heat, then stir in the cheddar and half the parmesan. This perfect baked macaroni cheese recipe comes STEP 4 with a creamy cheese sauce, a hint of mustard and uses leftover French stick for its crunchy Stir the pasta and some seasoning into the cheesy topping. sauce. Tip into a large ovenproof dish, or four individual dishes.
Ingredients 50g baguette, cut into small chunks 2 tbsp butter, plus 1 tbsp melted 350g spiral or other short pasta 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
STEP 5 Scatter over the bread and the remaining parmesan, then bake for 20 minutes until crisp and golden. The dish can be frozen before baking, although make sure you defrost thoroughly before cooking.
1 tsp English mustard powder 3 tbsp plain flour 500ml whole milk
250g vegetarian mature cheddar, grated 50g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), grated
Method STEP 1 Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Spread the baguette chunks over a baking sheet, drizzle with the melted butter and season. Bake for 6 mins until crisp, then set aside. 16
Tiggy Tutt, Year 10, School House
FASHION
Controversy at the Met Fashion’s biggest night of the year has been hit with a torrent of disappointment after celebrities and influencers alike took to the carpet wearing a whole range of beautiful outfits that did not fit the theme of ‘Gilded Glamour’. This year’s Met Gala, held on Monday 2nd of May had been highly anticipated due to the enormous potential of the theme, and the fact that the woman who has since been crowned ‘Queen of the Met’, Blake Lively, was co-hosting along with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, actress Regina King, and creator of ‘Hamilton’ Lin-Manual Miranda. In conjunction with these hosts, designer Tom Ford, Instagram’s Adam Mosseri and of course the infamous Anna Wintour ran the event. This year’s theme had been regarded by many as one of the best in recent years, with endless opportunities for creative interpretation, be it taking the theme literally and drenching yourself in gold as did Cardi B, dressed by Versace, or researching into the era of the Gilded Age and wearing a time-appropriate gown like Billie Eilish, dressed by Gucci. Although many, namely Brazilian singer Anitta, dressed by Moschino, stuck to the theme and looked tremendous doing so, many stars took their own spin on the theme and failed miserably. Most notably, Kylie Jenner arrived wearing a full length white gown and a veiled baseball cap (pictured bottom right). While this look caused a huge amount of uproar, the story behind it is heart-warming. The outfit was dedicated to her late friend and fashion designer, Virgil Abloh, who recently passed. While the look may not have been her best, the reason behind it is commendable.
Kim Kardashian as Marilyn Kim Kardashian dazzled the crowd as she stepped out onto the carpet in none other than Marilyn Monroe’s famous ‘Happy Birthday Mr President dress’.
Disrespectful to the legacy of Monroe While looking beautiful doing so, she has come under fire for wearing the original dress instead of a replica. Many are concerned about the preservation of the dress as part of history. Being that the dress is 60 years old, the chances of damaging the infamous dress are extremely high. The dress was made to fit the movie star, and no one else, so the Kardashian sister wearing it can be viewed as being almost disrespectful to the legacy of Monroe. Best dressed Blake Lively in Versace Thomas Doherty in custom Dior Laura Harrier in H&M Rosalia in Givenchy Worst dressed/ not on theme Kylie Jenner in Off White Phoebe Dynevor in Louis Vuitton Amy Schumer in Chloe Addison Rae in Michael Cors
Lily Curtis, Year 12, Blackwater House 17
FASHION
Vivienne Westwood A huge name in the fashion industry with large scale production, Vivienne Westwood has upheld the title of the First Climate Change Luxury Brand. Westwood has been designing since 1970 originating as a punk style fashion brand bringing modern punk into the fashion mainstream.
Sustainability
She has partnered with not-for-profit organisation Canopy in an initiative to combat deforestation. She has not been shy to show that she is a passionate activist demonstrating this in many of her shows. The ‘Ecotricity’ fashion show raised awareness about renewable energies and Although you may know the iconic orb logo and symbol, showed encouragement for other luxury brands to transhow much do you really know behind the influential fig- fer their reliance on fossil fuels to green energy. Unlike ure behind it? The split of her former partner has enabled many other luxury labels, V ivienne W estwood has not her to forge a label that is truly her own with motifs of used real fur since 2007. provocation and tradition. The significance of the label ‘Buy less, choose well, make it last!’ – Vivienne Westwood is that it is one of the few independent global fashion houses to remain. Despite being nearly Vivienne Westwood 80 years old, she still runs her own company.
Achievements
Background
1992 - ‘The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’ awarded by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace
2007 - ‘Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design’ at the British Fashion Awards.
2010 - ‘Prince Philip Designers Prize’
Vivienne Westwood: 34 Years in Fashion – largest exhibition the Victoria and Albert Museum has ever dedicated to a British designer.
In 2011, she designed for multiple royal wedding attendees: Princess Eugenie of York and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.
From a background of school teaching, she became a self -taught designer and, together with who would be her Influence future husband, pursued a career in fashion originating from selling vintage second-hand clothing. She gained The brand is unique in that it seeks to do much more than recognition through the Sex Pistols who wore her early produce clothing. Instead of exploiting the power of their designs, gaining much mainstream attention. platform, it uses the brand voice to magnify the consequences of overconsumption and climate change. Westwood merges fashion with activism and politics. Fashion brands that relay caution about sustainability on their websites and shows, potentially owe a debt to Westwood. Although she was not to the first to fight for the rights of the planet, she certainly used her design popularity to persuade the public to acknowledge the desperate need for change. Further to Westwood’s legacy, she also leaves behind the postmodern legacy of punk style, preventing it from sinking below the surface of fashion.
Maja Marten, Year 12, School House 18
WELLBEING
Sister Stag How do I actually go to bed early for school?
Welcome to Sister Stag, the place where we answer your burning questions! I really like seeing this person in lessons (as a friend) and I wish we were friends outside of class... What can I do? This one was hard to answer, considering I’m still figuring it out for myself! However, these are the two things that have worked best for me: 1.
Corridor Conversation - When you are waiting in the corridor before a lesson or see them walking down the street, acknowledge them! Ask them how their day has been, what their plans are for the weekend… This can then transition into going to lunch in the same group, and finding out more about them outside the lesson you have in common!
2.
Microsoft Teams - This sounds like strange advice but the school platform is neutral, there is no awkward ‘requesting to follow’ or ‘adding’ people, and you can start off your conversation on a school related topic you have in common.
In summary, chat to them in between lessons, use Teams, and stick to common ground - the rest should fall into place! 19
Create a routine. Start by organising your school things early on in the evening, from creating a todo list for the next day and putting your uniform on a chair, to clearing up your work area. Then put your devices on silent and turn off notifications. Put them on charge, preferably outside your bedroom but, if that’s not possible, then as far away from your bed as possible. In the half an hour before bed, engage in an activity that does not involve blue light. Examples of this could include playing with your pet, having a bath, reading, stretching, meditating, listening to an audio-book, doing a puzzle, or winding down with your family. If you do these things every day at the same time, you will soon relax into the habit of going to bed earlier and sleeping longer.
I’ve got a class presentation coming up and I’m awful at public speaking… Firstly, no one is awful at public speaking. But here are some top tips for acing your presentation: 1. If you’re using PowerPoint, do not overload your slides. If you’re worried about forgetting what to say, write a series of reminder prompts for you to read from notecards. 2. Make your presentation engaging. Ask questions, play videos, use bright colours. 3. Send your presentation to your teacher before the lesson: they might have advice for you. 4. Practise delivering it to a friend! 5. On the day, take deep breaths, make eye contact with your audience, and keep your feet grounded. 7. Remember: no one is judging you as much as you think they are! If you would like to submit a question to this page for our next issue, you can email thestag@eastbourne-college.co.uk Your email will be treated as confidential and you will remain anonymous!
PERSONALITY QUIZ
Which summer personality are you ? What would be your ideal weather this summer? Your favourite activity to do this holiday: a)
Blazing sun with ultimate heat
a)
Festival
b)
Sunny with a light breeze
b)
Going for a swim
c)
Cloudy but humid
c)
Adventure hike
d)
Tropical storms
d)
Sketching on the grass
What will you be listening to on your adventure?
Answers
a)
Heat Waves - Glass Animals
b)
Brazil - Declan Mckenna
c)
Summer - Calvin Harris
If you mainly picked A, you are not one to relax at home on a summer evening. You will be dancing till the sun comes up!
d)
Summertime Sadness - Lana Del Rey
Fancy a snack? a)
BBQ
b)
Yummy ice cream
c)
Acai bowl
d)
Fresh summer fruits
If you mainly picked B, you like to balance your time, on occasion meeting up with friends but also enjoy lazing around the pool. If you mainly picked C, you use summer as a reset to become the best possible version of yourself and refresh your mental state. If you mainly picked D, you are a creative soul who enjoys the nature that summer brings.
What will you be sipping on in the heat? a)
PIMMS (18+)
b)
Peach iced tea
c)
Iced coffee
d)
Raspberry lemonade
Which is your favourite flower? a)
Daisy
b)
Dandelion
c)
Sunflower
d)
Rose
Maja Marten, Year 12, School House 20
HOROSCOPES
What does this month have in store for you?
Aquarius:
Aries:
Capricorn:
Gemini:
(Jan 20-Feb 18)
(Mar 21-Apr 19)
(Dec 22-Jan 19)
(May 21-June20)
Take some time away from work to focus on yourself
Keep going. There’s only one more term left and then it’s summer
It’s time to be more adventurous; don’t play it safe
Confess your feelings. Nothing bad will happen
Cancer:
Leo:
Libra:
Pisces:
(June 21-July 22)
(Jul 23-Aug 22)
(Sep 23-Oct 22)
(Feb 19-Mar 20)
Love is on the cards for you! Watch out for a Pisces
There’s no need to rush at life. Slow down and enjoy it
Everything happens for a reason so don’t feel guilty
Stop keeping everything to yourself. Rely on your friends more
Sagittarius:
Scorpio:
Taurus:
Virgo:
(Nov 22-Dec 21)
(Oct 23-Nov 21)
(Apr 20-May 20)
(Aug 23-Sep 22)
The sun is out. Go on a walk to the beach
Your friend might be feeling down at the moment. Be sure to check up on them
Life is full of ups and downs. Don’t let the downs get in the way of your life
Be kind to yourself! You're amazing
21
SPORT
Spotlight on: Caster Semenya After studying performance-enhancing drugs in A-level PE, I took a particular interest in Caster Semenya, an incredible athlete who has, unfortunately, been caught up in major trials that concern her sex.
Testing and its surrounding controversy
Following her wins and numerous records, questions were raised about her gender. Her vast improvement in such little time came under scrutiny. The combination of her appearance and rapid athletic progression culminated in World Athletics (previously IAAF) asking her to take a sex verification test to Who is Caster Semenya? confirm whether she was female. The IAAF said Mokgadi Caster Semenya (born January 7th, 1991), that it was “obliged to investigate” after her imis a South-African middle-distance runner. Her typi- provements as they were named “the sort of breakcal events include 400m, 800m, 1000m and 1500m. throughs that arouse suspicion of drug use”. It was She was born in Ga-Masehlong, a village in South rumoured that she lacked ovaries or a womb whilst Africa, and grew up in the village in Fairlie with her having internal testes, contributing to her higher levthree sisters and brother. Her love of running began els of the male hormone testosterone. The test results due to her participation in association football. were never issued publicly, but some were leaked by the press claiming that Semenya had intersex traits. Throughout this process, she had been stripped of her civil liberties, been publicly shamed and humiliated by the media and its hysteria. Reaction
Her Early Career In July 2008, Semenya participated in the 2008 World Junior Championships in the 800m and did not qualify for the finals. Yet, at the Commonwealth Finals later that year, she won gold in the 800m with a time of 2:04.23. In 2009, Semenya ran in the African Junior Championships, winning both the 800m and 1500m, with the times of 1:56/72 and 4:08.01 respectively. In this race, Semenya had improved her 800m personal best by seven seconds in less than nine months. Her time was both the national and championship record. In August 2009, she won gold again in the 800m at the World Championships with a time of 1:55.45, setting the fastest time of the year. In December 2009, Track and Field News voted Semenya the number 1 800m runner of the year.
The IAAF’s handling of the case had been met with many negative responses and enormous backlash. Michael Johnson, a retired sprinter, criticised the IAAF for its response to the situation. In light of claims that were made, Semenya was barred from competing for the South African national team and was told to take medication to lower her levels of testosterone. She was advised to do this by hormone shots, taking birth control, or even surgery. Now, Semenya remains banned from competing in races that are anywhere from 400m to a mile. Megan Moffat, Year 12, School House
22
SPORT
Cricket Season News The boys’ cricket season so far has ebbed and flowed with some outstanding positives as well as other things highlighted as needing some work. On the whole, the team has endured a more successful 50 over stint as opposed to the shorter format of the game in the T20 and 100 ball competitions with some great cricket being played nonetheless. The 50 over season so far has included a thrashing over Whitgift School with skipper Fin Tomlinson scoring his first 100 of the season as we posted 257 for the loss of 6 before ripping through their order to reduce them to 157 all out. The next game came against Brighton College on a dogged surface that had a lot of purchase for the bowlers and, due to a gritty 50 from Emmanuel Bawa and a quick flurry of runs at the back end of the innings via fellow Gonvillian Finn McKeown, the team posted 286 of which Brighton could only manage 256 with a Ben Van Noort special picking up 4fer. Two wins from two of the boys faced the well drilled Hurstpierpoint boys who posted a very respectable 309 in their 50 overs on a green College Field surface. Although the Eastbourne lads weren’t fazed and went out with great intent and after another Fin Tomlinson 100, a blistering 42, courtesy of Tom Pedley and a Classy 39 to finish the game off in style by Alfie Hunter, the boys knocked them off in 47 overs to gain an emphatic win over Hurst. Eastbourne on a 3 from 3 win streak went into the Cranleigh game with confidence. However, Cranleigh’s spinners spun a web and claimed the team for only 100 runs and in reply knocked it off in 26 overs despite a gutsy fielding effort from the team which allowed the lads to take a lot of learning into the forthcoming season. On the last weekend before half term the boys played a confident Tonbridge side who claimed all 10 of our wickets for just 166 after a misjudgement of a typically good Tonbridge surface and outfield. However, the boys showed a gutsy bowling performance as Sam Holder set the tone bowling 7 overs for just 18 runs while Josh Ansell bowled sharp at the other end taking 3 Tonbridge men with him back to fine leg at the end of his spell. Although it was one, if not the best, of the bowling performances from the Eastbourne Side, we simply did not put enough on the board to give us some more breathing room to work with. The short format season kicked off quite literally on a 23
flier against Bedes in the National Cup as Fin Tomlinson and myself put on 120 from the first 12 overs with Fin ending on 67 and me on 52. A flurry of Bedes wickets, however, led us to end on 160 from our 20, of which Bedes managed to chase down with 3 balls to go in a nailbiter. It should be said our fielding let us down although it has since improved significantly. The team had another chance to beat Bedes in the Langdale Cup. However, we bowled first and not to great effect as our plans were not executed to as we would have liked. Their commendable score of 158 started on a positive with again a flier from our openers Fin and myself but then gave away their wickets which fell in clusters. Despite a quick 39 from Jack Greig in his first 1XI innings and a gutsy 50 from Emmanuel Bawa, the boys were restricted to 133 of our 100 balls.
The Eastbourne lads weren’t fazed and went out with great intent The third of our losses in the shorter format came against a strong Hurstpierpoint College team who are, at the time of writing, one game away from the National Finals. Hurst put on 159 on a small pitch with some lucky strokes forecasted by their players after a lack of clarity on bowling plans. In the second innings, despite a serious effort of 68 from Jack Greig who seems to have taken a liking to the hundred ball competition, Hurst claimed all 10 for just 115. On the whole, I’m proud of the team watching individuals improve as we continue to grow and develop as a team. I’m excited to see what the next half of the season has in store for us.
Aditya Kumar, Year 12, Wargrave House