The Stag: Lent Term 1 2021 Contents The Hill We Climb….……………………………………...……………Page 4 How to Survive Lockdown …………………….……………………….Page 6 An Interview with Hamish Reily ……………………….………..……..Page 7 What’s at the Top of the Mountain?..........................................................Page 8 The Future of the Arts ………………………………..…………………Page 9 Lockdown Stories ……………………………………...……………...Page 10 Regular Stag features ………………………………………………….Page 12 What caused the pandemic? …………………………………………...Page 14 A Post-Covid Democracy ….…………………………………..……...Page 15 Sit Back and Relax …………………..………………………………..Page 16 Essay Compeition Winner………………………...…………………..Page 18 Inside the Dance Studio………………………………………………. Page 19 Horoscopes …………………………………………………………… Page 20 Welcome to the Stag Team!
Politics Editor: Sasha Rozanov Environment Editor: William Brown International Editor: Sandra Fuhrmann Sports Editor: Billy Hipperson Dance Editor: Millie White
If you would like to join the Stag team or contribute a piece to our next issue, get in touch by emailing us at: thestag@eastbourne-college.co.uk
Photography Editor: Katrina Evershed
Creative Writing Editor: Izehi Ebhohimen Contributors: Elo Quitman, Sophia Semkina, Sapphyre Mills Kennelly, Missy Richardson Design Team: Jessie Tarrant, Megan Moore, Livia Domaingue
SPORT
Insp, dict. stag
FEATURE
The Hill We Climb The Be You Race Group is student-led and aims to represent the Eastbourne College community, raising awareness, providing support, listening and speaking on behalf of all BAME pupils. We felt the poem read by 22 year old Amanda Gorman at the US inauguration ceremony on 20th January was worth sharing. In these days of uncertainty, fear and division, this poem brings such hope. Enjoy. When day comes, we ask ourselves where can we find light in this never-ending shade? The loss we carry, a sea we must wade. We’ve braved the belly of the beast. We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace, and the norms and notions of what “just” is isn’t always justice. And yet, the dawn is ours before we knew it. Somehow we do it. Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished. We, the successors of a country and a time where a skinny Black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one. And yes, we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect. We are striving to forge our union with purpose. To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man. And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us, but what stands before us. We close the divide because we know, to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside. We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another.
We seek harm to none and harmony for all. Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true:
That even as we grieved, we grew. That even as we hurt, we hoped. That even as we tired, we tried. That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious. Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division. Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree and no one shall make them afraid. If we’re to live up to our own time, then victory won’t lie in the blade, but in all the bridges we’ve made. That is the promise to glade, the hill we climb, if only we dare. It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit. It’s the past we step into and how we repair it. We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it. Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy. This effort very nearly succeeded. But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated. In this truth, in this faith, we trust, for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.
FEATURE
This is the era of just redemption. We feared it at its inception. We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour, but within it, we found the power to author a new chapter, to offer hope and laughter to ourselves. So while once we asked, ‘How could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?’ now we assert, ‘How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?’ We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: A country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free. We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation. Our blunders become their burdens. But one thing is certain: If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change, our children’s birthright. So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left. With every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one. We will rise from the golden hills of the west.
We will rise from the wind-swept north-east where our forefathers first realized revolution. We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the midwestern states. We will rise from the sun-baked south. We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover. In every known nook of our nation, in every corner called our country, our people, diverse and beautiful, will emerge, battered and beautiful. When day comes, we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid. The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.
Who is Amanda Gorman? Amanda Gorman (born March 7, 1998) is an American poet and activist from Los Angeles, California. Gorman's work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora. Gorman is the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate and the youngest poet to ever read at a presidential inauguration.
FEATURE
How to Survive Lockdown If you’re finding you’re beginning to go lockdown-crazy, don’t worry: you’re not alone! We asked pupils at Eastbourne College to recommend ways to survive lockdown. This is what they suggest you could do each day to help you get through this pandemic.
Thursday: Learn to cook something new
Friday: Learn a phrase in a new language
Monday: How many colours can you eat in one day?
Saturday: Plan something to do when the pandemic is over Tuesday: Do at least twenty mins exercise each day. You could use the sports coaches’ sessions.
Sunday: Plan fun things to do next week.
Wednesday: Fire up your creativity and complete a Taskmaster challenge
SPORT
An Interview with Hamish Reilly Billy Hipperson interviews GB triathelete and Wargrave House pupil, Hamish Reilly.
What advice do you have for young triathletes?
Hi, Hamish. Tell us about yourself.
What’s your favourite thing about competing?
Hi, I’m Hamish Reilly and I moved to the college for 6th Form at the start of the 2019/2020 year. I moved to Eastbourne coming originally from Kent, so I now board in Wargrave House and I take biology, PE and geography at A level.
Getting to see new places and new countries all over the world is a big benefit of competing in triathlon.
What brought you into triathlon training ? I originally started triathlon when I was aged 8 years old after following in my brother's footsteps. However, I didn’t start training properly until I was about 14 after deciding to stop playing football at a high level. What is your favourite aspect of doing triathlons?
Just enjoy it and don’t worry about the pressures of training.
What are your aspirations as a triathlete? Ultimately, I want to reach the Olympics and make a living from triathlon. What are your aspirations as an academic? I haven’t decided if I want to go to university yet, so at the moment I'm looking to finish off my time at the college with three good A level results. What do you find hardest about your training?
The hardest thing is the commitment and balance I really enjoy doing triathlon due to the constant var- required. I’m currently training upwards of twentyiability it has. Due to having three sports, I do some- five hours per week, so sometimes it's hard to find thing different each day, so I never get bored of it. It the time to do schoolwork and socialise. also provides a challenge like no other sport due to What’s your go to cheat meal? the high amount of training it requires, making comMy favourite meal is probably the classic: fish and peting even more rewarding. chips. You can't really go wrong with it! Where was your best result? What do you do to relax after training? My best result was probably getting on the podium I like to watch a good series on Netflix or just chill at my first European Junior Cup in Riga, where I came 3rd in a tough field. Outside of triathlon, I’ve with a few mates. had quite a few good results in athletics where I What's your favourite Netflix show? came 3rd at British Cross-Country Championships I’m currently re-watching Money Heist; it’s a really and have also got my England Vest. good series and I recommend it to anyone who hasWhere was your worst loss? n’t watched it yet. Probably coming 7th at European Championships, I knew I had a lot more in me and was a little disappointed to not have finished higher. What is your favourite other sport? Outside of triathlon I enjoy playing football, even if I’m not as good as I once was!
MENTAL HEALTH
What’s at the Top of the Mountain? Let me paint the picture. You’re feeling down, eyes beginning to close after watching heaven knows how many Tiktoks/Netflix episodes, and you suddenly become very aware of what you’ve been doing for the past three hours. You’ve sat on your bed, wasting time and casually ignoring the SMHW notifications taunting you from your desk. But, despite every alarm bell, you just don’t care. It’s lockdown, you’ve lost all motivation, all stamina and all sense of purpose.
bothered to go again. You’ll maybe last a few days sugar-free, until someone offers a treat that you just can’t resist. You’ll delete all social media only to realise that you no longer have any connection to the outside world and need to find out who’s been messaging you. All this lands you right back where you started: in bed, even more down on yourself than before.
Name your baby steps
So, what do you do? Google your problems, hoping to Sound familiar? If so, I have two words for you: baby find some great tip that will turn everything around. steps. You don’t need to run a marathon, or go on some strict diet cleanse, or cram in all the work that Been there. Done that. you’re behind on in the space of one day. Just aim for the small things. Tiny changes in your day-to-day life The thing is, all of these mental-health sites, in attempt (tiny!) can have a greater impact than you may realise. to provide the best, most accurate advice, end up As CEO coach Sabina Nawaz noted in a Harvard Busisounding pretty damn similar. Eat healthily, exercise ness Review, “the way to achieve big is to start small – daily, get enough sleep — we’ve heard it all before. through micro habits.” Now, I don’t know anyone who would deny that any of these things help. However, I do know many people First, find a starting point. This can be as small as dewho would rather ignore this advice than follow it ciding to get better. Next, name your baby steps. Getthrough (and understandably so!) ting out of your pyjamas in the morning, drinking more water throughout the day, or leaving your house for a short walk, are all things that can better your mental state. Slowly, you are able to build up stamina and, before you know it, the mountain that looked so What many of these websites fail to understand, is that hard to climb at first doesn’t look so scary anymore. most people going through a mental rough patch are So, what’s at the top of the mountain? well aware of the logical way to get out of it. The problem, therefore, is not what to do, but how to do it. I was once told something that completely altered my If you’ve been down for several weeks, frequent exer- outlook on mental health. We should not aim for, or cise, a healthy diet and a regular sleep schedule are all expect, a constant state of happiness. Happiness begoals that may seem a million miles away. You’re just longs to those special moments where your emotions not bothered. This is because the first thing that comes have exceeded normal levels of contentment. It is one end of a spectrum, with sadness being on the opposing to mind when we think about these aims are the exend, not a norm. What we are trying to reach (and tremes: run 10k every day, cut out sugar completely and delete all social media in order to regain focus on maintain) is a state of contentment, of peace and satisfaction. All you should aim to feel is that you are that growing pile of work. It’s not realistic. enough.
You’ve casually ignored the SMHW notifications taunting you from your desk
You’ll go on one run and decide it was nice but not be
Sasha Rozanov, Year 12, Nugent House
ARTS
What does Covid-19 mean for the Future of the Arts? Covid has brought about changes in many aspects of society and one of them is, of course, the arts. As a sector of life that brought much revenue, the arts has had to adapt and remould itself. In 2018, theatres across the UK attracted more than 34 million visitors. In 2019, the audience in London theatres alone was 15.3 million, making London “the world’s leading theatre destination”. However, due to Covid, what are the possible consequences in a country which has had a year when visiting the theatre has been impossible?
distancing. This has led to the permanent closure of many small gigs. Many gigs, such as Glastonbury or BBC Radio 2 Festival, have had to go online which has led to financial loss. Without being able to go into stores, there has been a reduction in physical sales of DVDs and CDs since retail stores have been closed. Therefore, streaming services, such as Netflix or Spotify, will continue to become more popular amongst the public.
For one, many theatres and gigs are going bust. Nuffield Southampton Theatres, one of the leading art institutions in the South of England, experienced its closure on July the 2nd after going into administration in May. Eighty-six people had to lose their jobs. This isn't an isolated experience; many other theatres Dancers have also had to stop their live performancare also facing the possibility of going bust this year. es, although many lessons and performances have been posted online. Freelance dancers who aren’t part of the big dance companies have especially Since the first lockdown, cinemas such as Cineworld struggled and many have had to find alternative ways have faced the impact of Covid with members of the of making money. A large number of dancers at the public not being able to watch films in cinemas. The moment agree that a different system should be imwhole film industry has suffered under Covid with plemented by the government to support dancers, many losing jobs and the release of blockbuster such as a universal basic income which pays dancers films, such as Dune or No Time To Die, being deunemployment benefits between jobs. Covid-19 has layed. In addition, the production of films and TV also highlighted the problematic unequal distribution shows have been halted, meaning films and shows of money between dancers, administrators in the inthat people may have wanted to watch this year will dustry and the organisations in charge. Perhaps in the have to be seen later on in the year or even next year. future the dance industry will change this distribution so that dancers can continue their passion whilst receiving the money they deserve. Musicians who rely on revenue from hosting festivals in the summer and spring were not able to perform any gigs this year due to lockdown and social Izehi Ebhohimen, Year 12, Watt House
LOCKDOWN STORIES
Lockdown with my dear friend Woody What would we do where we had to appear on a zoom call with a hat during lockdown and a pet. Woody slept most of the day in the corwithout our pets who ner and did not appear to want to take part in any offer us so much challenge! With the support of my host family, I comfort and love managed to hold him for ten seconds in my arm for during times of uncertainty and stress? the call. When I arrived at my Mai 2020: During the host family’s house weekends, I spent time on the 2.9.2018 and revising for my A levheard Woody barkWoody and me els in my room. Howing behind the door, ever, Woody had difmy first thought was to return to Germany immediferent plans. As soon ately! Woody is a Bichon Frise and despite his as I thought I could small size, I quickly learnt that he was the alarm study in my room in system of our house. No one could come near the gate without Woody noticing the intruder! Howevpeace, he was outside er, after a few months of suspicion, Woody and I my door and made it started to get used to each other and even became clear that he wanted to friends. It was hard to say goodbye to him when I “Please open the door for me!” come in. My room at left to study at Eastbourne College. my host family’s house This lockdown diary is based on experiences I had has a small balcony and Woody loves going on with Woody, my host dog. After I started College, I there to bark at the neighbours. He did not leave the regularly visited my host family until the first lock- balcony and after some time I locked the door as I down. In March, I lived with them again as remote could not bear the noise anymore. Woody was not learning began. happy! March 2020: Remote learning started, but Woody June 2020: Lockdown continued and each day, still took his job as our “burglary detector” very se- there were new challenges for humans – and dogs. riously. He normally sat on my host mother’s chair There are two words which Woody clearly underand watched the window. As soon as someone stands : ‘vet’ and ‘bath’. As soon as my host mother walked past, he would bark. I kept my audio on mentioned that Woody needed a bath, he woke up mute during online from his sleep and classes, but most jumped to his feet. He teachers and my wanted to run down the classmates started to staircase, but my host notice Woody in the mother quickly got background. hold of him and April 2020: During our weekly house meeting, we had to complete different challenges. One of them was the “pets and hats” challenge
brought him into the bathroom. Afterwards, Woody took his revenge as he jumped completely wet on my host mother’s chair.
LOCKDOWN STORIES July 2020: My studies were again interrupted: One day, Woody was running through the house, looking for my host mother who went shopping. I became dog psychologist for half an hour until she returned. August 2020:
“I am hungry!”
Because of the fantastic weather, we had ice cream, something which Woody loves (and is not allowed to have). I made the mistake of eating strawberry ice cream (Woody’s favourite – he has a very interesting taste). He stood in front of me the whole time and tried to beg for some.
September 2020:
I finally returned to school. Woody barked and growled when I left. He knew as soon as he saw my suitcase that I was moving out again. December 2020: The number of Covid cases made me decide to stay at my host family’s house for Christmas. Woody sniffed at my presents on Christmas morning. The whole afternoon he was snoring in the living room (probably dreaming of pigs in blankets!)
January 2021: I finally returned to school again. I could not wait to start again, and I looked forward to being in a classroom. 4th January 2021: After the Prime Minister’s announcement that schools would have to stay closed, I called my host family. I was so lucky that I could stay with them and I planned to return to their house at the end of the week. Another lockdown with Woody the host dog! 5th January 2021: This afternoon I received a message from my host family: Woody became suddenly seriously ill and was taken to the vet and afterwards to the hospital where he had to stay during the night. 6th January 2021: This morning my host family told me that Woody managed the night and might get better. I left school at 10.30am for a toe operation. Before I went to see my doctor, my host family called me: Woody passed away. 7th January 2021: I returned to my host family’s house without a dog greeting me. The whole house felt silent and empty. I had known Woody for almost 3 years, and he was always part of my ‘England experience’ and much more than that. I will miss him.
In loving memory of Woody Elliott, 2011-2021
Woody pretends he is a stuffed toy
Sandra Fuhrmann, Year 13, School House
REGULAR FEATURES
Where is Stanley? Where in the college is Stanley the Stag? Email your answer to: thestag@eastbourne-college.co.uk
“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who doesn’t ask is a fool for life” – Confucius “If you do what you’ve always done, you will get what you’ve always gotten”- Tony Robbins “You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.”- Brian Tracy
Dictionary Corner Pipbobbled : the hesitant feeling you get when you don’t want to join a call too early with only you and the teacher Imogen Symonds WiFailure: When the WiFi shuts down and with it your life goes away Anonymous Cabaple: disappointment of pubs being closed Theo Marsh Fujilife: Like is like a bouncy ball it has its ups and downs Raffie McKenzie-Donovan Socidead (socially dead): when you’ve been isolated from society and can be easily embarrassed when coming back to the real world. Cindia Zhou Anti-social distancing: the act of telling people that you are ‘social distancing’ when you just don’t want to see them. George Auer
Losinderg: when teacher asks you to put camera on and you’re in bed looking terrible Clem Clapp hoolaboo- when your teachers ask you to put your camera on for your S1 online lesson, but you still haven’t got out of bed Naya Lambird Stoingence : the realisation you don’t have real school tomorrow and you can sleep a little bit longer Kieran Haffenden Fooshietarg: when you are on a Teams call and you really want to go and get a snack Wilf Batham-Read Nakawaldokugh: When you can’t be bothered to go on a dog walk George Lowery Reeksmuph: The feeling of needing to have a shower after being in bed for three weeks. Luke Clifford
ENVIRONMENT
We caused this pandemic, and we might cause the next one too From flu viruses that originated in pigs to Ebola viruses that originated in bats, most diseases originate in animals. These diseases are known as zoonoses - pathogens that start in animals and spread from humans.
“Why has this increase happened? Because of us.” The amount of zoonoses discovered each year have more than doubled over the last few decades. Why has this increase happened? Because of us. There are always going to be diseases occurring and spreading to humans naturally, but we have created the perfect environment for this to occur. As humanity rapidly encroaches upon natural habitats in our exponential expansion, we place ourselves much closer to these zoonotic diseases. Take, for example, the 2013 Ebola Outbreak. It was traced back to Meliandou, a recently built village in Guinea located in what used to be a forest and natural habitat for bats. It was through this closer contact to wildlife that the virus managed to spread to humans and begin an epidemic - whereas in the past it might’ve been confined to bats. There’s another factor that affects diseases - biodiversity. Let’s say we have a disease that can infect pigeons. In a highly diverse environment, there might be a few pigeons - but there are enough other species that cannot get infected to prevent the disease from spreading like wildlife. Now let’s say that this environment has been turned into a human settlement and has been deforested. Species that couldn’t adapt to the change have moved or died, leaving only the most adaptable species - such as a pigeon. Now if that same disease were to spread again, it has plenty of pigeons to infect - making it far more likely that the disease spreads to humans.
Finally, our world is now so interconnected that it is easier than ever for diseases to spread. When an infected person can fly around the world in just over two days, it’s easy to see why epidemics (affecting an entire country/region) can quickly become a pandemic (infecting multiple countries/regions). Looking at COVID-19, we can see these factors all play a part. The Coronavirus has been traced back to the Huanan Market in Wuhan. It’s believed that COVID-19 originated in bats, then spread to pango
lins, then to humans. In order for the disease to spread, this would’ve had to happen in a very short time frame - and the Huanan market is one of the places where all three species could come into contact. Once humans were infected, it began to spread very quickly - aided by the lost biodiversity that we have experienced over the past few decades and the interconnectivity of the world that we live in. The conditions were there for this pandemic to begin, and they are still there for another one to start. So, what can we do to prevent the next pandemic? It starts with a greater respect for the environment and for biodiversity. Humanity has, for the most part, weathered the current pandemic - we need to make sure the next one isn’t worse.
William Brown, Year 13, Reeves House
POLITICS
A Post-Covid Democracy Last year will forever be the year of coronavirus, a cataclysmic event that has had devastating public health and economic consequences across the globe. Will it also be a year that changed the face of democracy?
Lockdowns, the policing of private activities and the use of digital surveillance tools in certain countries for contact-tracing, may be seen as eroding some of the basic tenets of democracy. Having set a precedent for curtailing liberties, one might argue the bar has been lowered for doing so in the future.
For those who have grown up in democratic systems, it’s hard to imagine they might be vulnerable. But the rise of homegrown populist and nationalist movements, as well as external interference from authoritarian actors, were already putting democracy under stress. The pandemic, however, has created a new kind of stress. Democratic decision making, the safety of elections and the reliability of science and information, are all being brought into question, threatening our current system of governance.
Voting is vital to democracy. However, COVID-19 has made maintaining the integrity of free and fair elections especially challenging. While Europe and the world were in their first lockdown, elections were modified, postponed and cancelled in light of the health risk. Campaigns and conventions were forced to go virtual, limiting traditional canvassing efforts and in-person rallies. And as campaigning, and politics generally, becomes more social media-based, susceptibility to the siren calls of populists or nationalists increase, making civil disAccording to American political scientist Larry Diamond, democracy consists of four key elements: a politi- course harder. cal system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections; the active participation of The U.K. government’s scientific advisory group underthe people, as citizens, in politics and civic life; proteclined from the start of the pandemic the importance of tion of the human rights of all citizens; and the rule of maintaining public trust; without which, democracies law, a system in which laws and procedures apply equal- can’t survive. However, a series of mishaps and policy ly to all citizens. errors undermined faith in government. This coincided with a rise in misinformation and fake news on social media, which preys on confusion and mistrust. Moving forward, the big question will be how to cope with and ensure resilience against these disinformation operations. Despite all of these challenges, we can say that by and large, democracy has resisted the Covid-19 stress test. We’ve seen this in a number of countries, most recently with the ultimately peaceful transition of power in the U.S. German federalism allowed for effective state specific responses to the pandemic; France and Italy’s oppoFor one thing, the pandemic has amplified governmental sition parties played a key role in critically addressing power. With rampant infections, an overwhelmed health government policy choices; and the U.K. was able to encare system and a deepening economic recession, politi- sure democratic continuity even after Prime Minister Bocal leaders have resorted to previously unthinkable poli- ris Johnson was diagnosed with Covid-19. However, the cies. In Hungary and Turkey, governments (already inchallenges posed by lockdown restrictions, the move in clined toward authoritarianism) used the pandemic to some countries to digitalise voting and the constant consolidate power even further. But even in more mature spread of misinformation, suggests that the resilience of democracies, personal liberties -- such as freedom of democratic regimes cannot be taken for granted. movement, freedom of enterprise, and freedom of assembly -- have been severely restricted in ways that make many uncomfortable. Sasha Rozanov, Year 12, Nugent House
FEATURE
Sit Back and Relax... Need a break from your studies? We asked you for your recommendations for great books, films, telly and games to help us get through lockdown. Thanks to everyone who sent in their suggestions. Here is what you have enjoyed:
BOOKS A Monster Calls (Patrick Ness) Dead Simple (Peter James) Looking Good Dead (Peter James)
If you’re interested in dystopian literature: The Giver (Lois Lowry) 1984 (George Orwell) Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury) Clockwork Orange (Anthony Burgess) Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) Divergent (Veronica Roth ) For more challenging, philosophical reads:
TV:
Chronicle in Stone (Ismail Kadare),
Bridgerton
Broken April (Ismail Kadare),
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Lolita (Valdimir Nabokov),
The Promised Neverland,
Nausea (Jean Paul Sartre),
The Legend of Korra,
Metamorphosis (Franz Kafka)
Sailor Moon, Miracle Doctor Vikings
FEATURE
FILMS: Now You See Me 1 and 2 Kingsmen 1 and Kingsmen: the Golden Circle Little Women 1917 Birds of Prey Spirited Away Howl's Moving Castle Grave of the Fireflies Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Tomka and His Friends Red Poppies on Walls Perfect Blue Avatar Dirty Dancing Interstellar- Sci-Fi Adventure Death to 2020- Comedy, Documentary Almost Famous- Comedy/Drama
Breakfast Club- Retro movie. Our Planet- David Attenborough series
GAMES: Marvel's Spider-Man Miles Morales, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair, Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls, Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony, Pocket Mirror The Last of Us Part 2,
ESSAY COMPETITION WINNER
Legal Decisions Should Be Automated Using Algorithms. Discuss. This essay was a winning entry to the Immerse Education 500 Word Essay Competition, an organisation that aims to stretch the most able pupils by creating challenges and opportunities. Congratulations, Sapphyre!
ties suffer – would be common. This is hugely counter-productive particularly in the automation of taxpaying where “the group that bears the burden of that error is the general taxpaying public”. Therefore, for legal automation to develop successfully, the fall of liability must be adapted to relay errors onto the system so that “incentive to redesign behaviour for legal advantage” is mitigated and the auAutomation is the concept of “finding a substitute thenticity of computerised legal decision-making is for nerve and brain” and increases productivity whilst reducing human involvement. Since its birth not compromised. The application of rolereversibility enables “democratic legitimacy” even at Ford, automation has been limited to mundane activities. However, artificial intelligence (AI) pro- without the interference of AI. Therefore, this indicates that “the legal system will be ready for robojuvides opportunities for it to be applied to circumrors and robo-judges when it incorporates robostances involving more complex thought – such as making a legal decision. After all, it is “difficult to defenders” so for now, we must “insist on human ignore the fact that code can be used to produce reg- judgement as an essential aspect of certain kinds of ulatory effects similar to law”. Comparing decision decision making”. theory in law and science is the primal form of how Even with accurate coding, “we should expect errors law and technology could interact. Legal decision- in translation” as programmers tend to have limited making is reliant on truth and justice whilst that of law knowledge anyway. Nevertheless, misjudgetechnology is confined to fact: “equality before the ments are widespread within non-automated legal law is not the same as uniformity for the scientist”. decision-making, so how do automated inaccuracies This factor may suggest that automating legal deci- differ from this? Perhaps more effective would be a sions would eliminate a lawyer’s unconscious bias. blended approach by expert lawyers and programHowever, this is not entirely the case. In fact, biases mers to formulate the algorithms rather than them seem to be equally as prevalent in automated sysmanaging their respective concerns individually. tems because algorithms are restricted to previously entered data which can “allow [them] to inherit the Ultimately, the automating of legal decisions proprejudices of prior decision makers”. The 2020 case vides an invaluable prospect for technology to be in which GCSE and A-Level grades were algorith- incorporated into law. Although caution should be taken, the only way that it can prosper is through mically assigned showcases that “historical data testing and so it should be given a chance. However, cannot reliably predict answers in new situations” and that in automated decision-making it is the third human involvement should not be diminished. An automated legal system may be able to acquire intelparty (the students) who suffer from algorithmic ligence but human intuition and opinion are far more misjudgements. complicated to replicate and it is for this reason that Similarly, “errors committed by automated law sys- I believe legal decisions should not be fully autotems are centralized” so negative externalities – mated using algorithms. where neither the system nor user but the third par Sapphyre Mills Kennelly, Year 12, Watt House
DANCE
Dance Goes Online! The Eastbourne College Dance Department were ecstatic to receive the results from the Great Big Dance Off National Solo Competition towards the end of last term. Out of the five people that entered, the four girls, Millie White, Alex Hawkins, Sophia Hawkins and Katie Hillyer, all of which are from Watt House were in the top 15% of dancers across the country. To top this off, Herbie Sleep from Craig House became the overall champion across all age groups. This is a great achievement for the Dance Department, and you can view Herbie Sleep’s full dance on the Eastbourne College Website and Instagram.
Herbie Sleep from Craig House became the overall dance champion across all age groups. All our dancers are continuing with co-curricular dancing in intermediate modern and ballet, which is the equivalent of an A level examination! Lessons have been adapted and all pupils have shown great resilience. We are also very lucky to be continuing with our jazz lessons with Louise online, and we are grateful that she is still able to give up her time for us, even if it cannot be in person! Year 11 GCSE dancers are pushing through, and have now completed 60% of their overall GCSE, with all achieving amazing grades so far. The Year 10s are focusing on their theory, looking at the ways dancers move and studying specific practitioners. We hope that, once back in school, they can turn their attention towards the practical side of dance in preparation for the exam. The Year 9 pupils have been introduced to theory and have been drawing their attention to choreographing and learning routines. Miss Reid has been impressed with the dance department’s attitude towards online learning. Millie Rose White, Year 12, Watt House
As a company, we are working towards a new project, which shall be led by Year 12 pupil Millie White as part of her Unit Two Leadership Project for her Arts Award. Millie shall choreograph and produce an online video called, ‘The Sofa Project’ displaying how dancers are coping at home online. This will include all the dancers, and more details will be released in the future about this. We cannot stress enough the importance of keeping out bodies active at this time, and we are so proud of our dancers for pushing on! Lets keep dancing around in our kitchens and around our pets!
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Horoscopes
Aquarius:
Aries:
Capricorn:
Gemini:
(Jan 20-Feb 18)
(Mar 21-Apr 19)
(Dec 22-Jan 19)
(May 21-June20)
Yes, your sign is water… No, now is not a good time to go skinny dipping
Watch out for what February brings… (maybe a new coronavirus strain?)
Beware of Libras
Although it’s tempting to mute online lessons and start watching Netflix, remember what’s important: get the dog for a cuddle before the movie
Cancer:
Leo:
Libra:
Pisces:
(June 21-July 22)
(Jul 23-Aug 22)
(Sep 23-Oct 22)
(Feb 19-Mar 20)-
You’re doing great! Don’t stress.
This might be the driest January ever, but at least there’s been half an inch of snow!
Beware of Capricorns
Be honest… when did you last go outside for anything but a Tesco Meal Deal?
Sagittarius:
Scorpio:
Taurus:
Virgo:
(Nov 22-Dec 21)
(Oct 23-Nov 21)
(Apr 20-May 20)
(Aug 23-Sep 22)
If you’re bored, learn a new skill. Perhaps it’s finally banana bread time.
Save your Christmas money! Sales are no excuse to fund Jeff Bezos’s next yacht
Find a new playlist. Please stop playing 2010 Pop Party Hits on repeat
An old flame might get in contact soon: block them IMMEDIATELY