The Stag: Summer Term 2 2021
Contents New Heads of School…...………...……………………...……………..........…Page 3 Stay-cations……………....…………………………………………………......Page 4 Fashion: Trends we are saying goodbye to in 2021………….…………...….....Page 6 An Interview with Lord Lawson………………………………………………..Page 8 Goodbye to Year 13 Craig Collage……………………………………………Page 12 Essay: Male pseudonyms in Literature……………………….………..…...…Page 14 Dance: A New Normal………….…………..………………….…….....……..Page 17 Horoscopes……..…………………………………………………………..….Page 18 Book Review..………………………….…………………………….………..Page 19 Summer Recipes………………………………………...……….………..…..Page 20 A Beginner’s Guide to Cricket………………………………………………...Page 22
Welcome to the Stag Team! Fashion Editor: Megan Moore Photography Editor: Tiggy Tutt Creative Writing Editor: Izehi Ebhohimen Sports Editor: Harriet Armstrong Dance Editor: Milly White Contributors: Jessie Tarrant, Elo Quitman, Missy Richardson, Freddie Buckingham, Lily Moore, Liv Reeves, Sasha Rozanov Design Team: Jessie Tarrant and Miss Curren Senior Editor: Miss Curren 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
FEATURE
Welcome to your new Heads of School There was a lot of apprehension around school when the decision on who was going to be made head of school was about to be made, and with the selection of the new prefect and Head of House team. In some houses there was more tension than others…but the competition was there for everyone all the same. Being made a prefect portrays and highlights a person’s responsible and caring qualities and leadership skills, so I decided to speak to a few of the people that were given a position of leadership to see how they felt!
Head Master’s office and he described it as being “overwhelmingly excited” when he found out that he had been selected. However, he does recognise that he now has a lot of work and responsibility to take on. He is also looking forwards to working alongside Liv to aid the Headmaster in maintaining and raising the already high standard of this prestigious school.
I first spoke to Liv Reeves who was appointed Head Girl and asked her a few questions about how she feels about given this opportunity. Liv said that she feels very honoured and that she was nervous but nevertheless excited when she found out she was going to the Headmaster’s office on Friday morning. Liv also, being very humble, said that she didn’t expect it and didn’t think she was going to get it, so a feeling of shock was also there! She says that she plans to try her absolute hardest to live up to the duty and to manage all the work alongside her schoolwork, because it is very much worth it to hold such a prestigious title. Her family were also all very A few of my close friends were also made prefects, so I proud of her and they had a lovely celebration altogether also got the chance to speak to a few of them about being as a family. chosen for these roles. They are all very honoured to have been given the chance to be role models to the rest of the school, and set an example to everyone, although it is hard work at times. It feels so bizarre going into upper sixth, as these few years have flown by, so seeing people in coloured shirts is very strange! Although our year group has lots of people who have the skills and work ethic to also be given this title and there were lots of possible options, I believe that Liv and Wilson will do an excellent job and will make perfect role models for the college, in taking over from Elo and Henry who maintained the high standards of the College in their time as Heads of School, and showed the school in the best light possible. Congratulations to everyone who got a role. I then spoke to Wilson Zhang who was appointed Head Boy. Wilson said that he feels “extremely privileged” for being chosen as Head Boy for Eastbourne College. I was interested to find out how he felt when he went into the
Freddie Buckingham, Year 12, School House
FEATURE
Where will you be Stay-cating this summer? We don’t know what we will and won’t be able to do this summer, how many people we will be able to see and most importantly where we will be able to go. You may think, “why would someone go on holiday to England?”. Yes. Taking a ride on the London eye and visiting the Natural History museum isn’t exactly an idyllic thought, but you’d be surprised at the huge array of stunning locations you CAN visit this summer in the UK. Need some inspiration? Here you go!
2. The Helford River, South Cornwall Nothing but peace, the calming sound of water slapping on the bottom of moored boats and perfect little pubs for a pint of Cornish Best as you watch the sun set.
1. The Lake District I don’t have to say much; just take a look at these images of the views you could experience from an undisturbed lodge, hotel or cabin. Imagine the long, beautiful walks you could go on to top up that t-shirt tan in this place so well known for its sheer beauty. 3. Dabinett Treehouse, Somerset Something a little unique: this is a little cosier than your normal nest in the trees. With a wood burner, king-sized bed, bathtub on the deck and more, enjoy your morning coffee looking out over the views of Somerset.
FEATURE
4. Puddleduck Valley Set in the countryside only 25 minutes from beaches at Bude and mountains of Dartmoor, Puddleduck Valley is an absolute treat. Cosy holiday accommodations in an unbelievable setting await.
5. The Gower Peninsula, Wales Maybe try out that tent that’s been sitting in your garage for 7 years gathering dust? The Gower Peninsula is ultimately one of the most idyllic, picturesque locations in the UK. If you’re fed up with just being in England like you have been for the past year, why not venture east to the countryside and experience something a little different.
6. The Isles of Silly (specifically Tresco) A personal favourite of mine, close to my heart. Last but not least, a destination that should be visited by all. If you want to experience a sense of the Caribbean in the UK, not hear the sound of a car for a few days, hire a tiny boat to wiz across to different islands or dine in the mouth-watering restaurants (I recommend ‘The Ruin’), you must try out Tresco or in fact any island in the Isles of Scilly (I might see you there!)
experience a sense of the Caribbean in the UK
one of the most idyllic, picturesque locations in the UK. Elo Quitman, Year 13, Nugent House
FASHION
Trends we are saying goodbye to in 2021 Out with the old, in with the new. A saying we all would Whether boots, blazers, or a total look, snake print was love to be able to say about 2021; whether it’s the virus, really to be seen everywhere in the past year. But we've school, or fashion trends, sometimes we have to let go! had enough of fake snakes for now. While Leo is still a long runner, we prefer to provide variety with the zebra Yes, we admit: the batik trend has successfully brought instead of wild snakes us through the first lockdown phase. Whether homemade on the animal print front. or shopped, it was colourful in spring and summer. We make an exception for everyone for whom the separation Even if gold and silver is still too difficult: for vacation on the beach or in the booties have always festival season, the boho pieces can be dug out again. But made for shiny appearwe should leave it at that. ances in the past, they will remain in the back Flashy hair accessories row of our shoe cupwere very popular in boards in 2021. Instead, 2020. And while statewe use crocodile emment hair clips with bossing or ankle boots in rhinestones or pearls trendy white. Just as eye will continue to ac-catching and stylish, but company us in the New more elegant and timeYear, especially on less. Even if we say chic occasions, we are goodbye to these trends for the time being, that does not saying goodbye to the mean that they will never come back. You know that. layering variant with Everything comes back at some point. thin clips and only using our bobby pins in Hach, the micro-bag trend with its cute size and bright 2021 to fix our haircolours was already fun this year and put you in a good style. However, bold mood! But let's be honest: the mini bags have never been and brilliant accessories are not making an exit entirely… particularly practical. That's why the motto for 2021 is: chunky rings have taken over. These resin rings, as a The bigger the better! Or so big that you can at least stow modern-day trend are brave and here to stay for the sum- your phone, wallet, and keys without any problems. What mer. luck, the trendy bags from the French label Jacquemus are also one size larger.
FASHION
Meanwhile, we welcome these trends into the men’s fashion world New Utility, this style of jacket has never quite disappeared within the fashion, doing the rounds in spring of 2020, and apparently making a return for spring/ summer of 2021, having been updated for a more allround high function vibe.. From the military-man-meets -twitcher-in-town field jackets at Gucci and Zegna (cut from canvas at the former and leather at the latter) to the all-over safari looks at Balmain and that insanely luxurious crocodile field jacket at Dior, next summer it’s all about looking like you're coming out of the apocalypse fighting, (which we kind of have).
trend is designed young, tailored to be old, perfect for all. Groundbreaking news… bomber jackets are going to be big for summer 2021, whilst this probably isn’t a shock, you have the SS21 shows to thank for that. Gucci, once again leading the way with their 1970s-style cropped bomber jacket in functional nylon, about as functional as Gucci gets. On the other end of the spectrum, the cropped minimalist bombers by Hermès and Prada avoided the maximalist look they have embodied in previous seasons. Men and women’s fashion has seen a run of wide leg trousers and they are continuing to go wide or go home. Some of the ultra-wide bottoms went the Yves Saint Laurent route, being cut chic, pleated, and draped with tailoring prowess of Zegna and Casablanca. Gucci and Hermès are renowned for their somewhat retro style and will throwing it back in summer 2021. For a sportier, tracksuit style head over to Rick Owens who cut enough room for two in his cargo wide cuts.
After the year we have had, we all need a break. What better staple piece to carry with you than big and bold Bermuda shorts! Whilst not traditionally displayed on The micro-trend of ‘Nautical’ was a statement made by runways, these non-essential but Mallorca must haves Gucci at the Casablanca show which included the took to the stage, finishing just above the knee to rebrand’s anchor-covered intarsia-knit sweaters. They mind us all that there are sunnier days ahead! were closely followed by Dolce&Gabbana with their exaggerated Breton-style tops, which allow plenty of air offering a looser fit to their sailor sweats, which could come in appropriate for the more adventurous. This Megan Moore, Year 12 Nugent House
POLITICS
An Interview with Lord Lawson An Interview with The Rt Hon Lord Lawson of Blaby PC In October 1989 Nigel Lawson resigned as Chancellor of the Exchequer after six years in the role, an earthquake in the landscape of British politics. Then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was outwardly calm; however, her personal papers, released in 2019, showed she was anything but. “She would have loved to have really punched hard, I think,” Chris Collins, a historian at the Margaret Thatcher Foundation, told the Guardian newspaper at the time. Lord Lawson of Blaby was elected to Parliament in 1974 and served as a cabinet minister under Margaret Thatcher from 1981 to 1989. Among other things, he oversaw the deregulation of financial markets in 1986, known as the Big Bang. Prior to the half-term break, three Eastbourne students – James Grout, Elizabeth Harvey and Sasha Rozanov, along with Dr Flanagan had the privilege of interviewing Lord Lawson, now 89, at his home in Eastbourne about his experiences in government and views on some current events. And, yes, in case you’re wondering, Lord Lawson is indeed the father of another Lawson, who fortunately gets to run the show at Eastbourne unopposed and so will hopefully remain for many years to come. What follows are lightly edited excerpts from that interview. Lord Lawson’s complete account of his time as Chancellor can be found in his autobiography, Memoirs of a Tory Radical (Biteback Publishing, 2010). Question: Can you talk to us about the day that [Michael] Heseltine resigned and how did that alter the mood in cabinet and Thatcher’s authority? Lord Lawson: We were in a Cabinet meeting when
he resigned. It was a bit of a shock because he walked out very dramatically. But it was something that we were able to survive although, it was clear that he was extremely ambitious and thought that he ought to be the prime minister, and he was always there in the wings, as it were, following his resignation. In terms of the Tory party, we were at rather different ends of the spectrum but we always got on very well personally. Q: When you resigned from cabinet, how much impact do you think it had, not only on Thatcher but on her downfall? Lord Lawson: Well, I didn’t resign without great thought, and it was certainly not intended to dam-
We were at rather different ends of the spectrum but we always got on very well personally age her. But, I think it was damaging for her. Q: Could you tell us a bit more about that, in what ways do you think your resignation most effect Thatcher’s government? Lord Lawson: Well I think that as time went on during her very long prime ministership she deteriorated, and her judgement deteriorated gradually, it was a very gradual process, and she became more and more intolerant of opposition. I have always been somebody who speaks their mind; there were many others in the cabinet who were critical of her but didn’t speak their mind. So I do think probably that my resignation -- and it’s not often that a Chancellor resigns, most ministers who leave are sacked -- did sort of consolidate a feeling that had been growing on the Tory benches. She was not, perhaps, as popular amongst her colleagues as she had been, but there was one particular thing that caused her downfall, which I tried to protect her from.
POLITICS
She deteriorated during her long time as prime minister. At the beginning she was very careful, but as time went by, she became more and more careless, and towards the end she got obsessed with a proposal to change to a different kind of local tax, which became known as the ‘poll tax’. I tried very hard to persuade her not to do this and was unsuccessful. Q: Was it the influence of advisers that were pushing her towards these kinds of policies? Lord Lawson: Of course she had bad advisers, but you take that for granted. When she first became a leader, she was in favour of replacing the rates with something more related to peoples’ ability to pay. Fortunately, when she got in office, she forgot about all that… but she hadn’t really forgotten. And so later in her time, she suddenly took it up again and she espoused this disastrous proposal, which became known as the poll tax. By that time she was less amenable to reason. That was why she was voted out by her own party; it was an extraordinary thing. Here was this great prime minister, who had had numerous successes, who had won three elections in a row, and was voted out by her own party. It was simply because Conservative Members of Parliament had found that the poll tax was extremely unpopular. I tried very hard to persuade her that it was a bad idea, and so much so, that when I failed to persuade her, at the decisive cabinet meeting, I put in a “paper.” I don’t know whether [the practice] still exists: If any proposal goes to the cabinet of which the Chancellor of the Exchequer disapproves, he or she (but there’s never really been a she) can put in a “paper” explaining why this was not a good idea; which I did. So that’s all on the record. Q: Just going back to your time in cabinet with Margaret Thatcher; you said that she was more
prone to talking than listening. Did she often come in with ideas and proposals and pre-made decisions, or did she genuinely value input from the cabinet? Lord Lawson: I don’t think she particularly valued input from the cabinet but I think she realised, certainly in the earlier years, that she had to take note of it. Q: Was it not a comfortable atmosphere for everyone to share their opinions or was everyone really open about discussing things? Lord Lawson: Well, people differ don’t they? I mean, I enjoyed it. If I disagreed with anything I would say so, and she actually enjoyed, for the most part -- not so much towards the end of her time – having a good debate and discussion.
Q: In terms of your role in parliament, and obviously as Chancellor, what do you think was the greatest thing you achieved during your time? Lord Lawson: I think that the success of the British economy during that time, which was recognised all over the world, was great. When we took office in 1979 the British economy was a basket case, and around the world people pitied us. But by the end, the British economy was doing so well that we became an object of admiration and emulation throughout the world, so that was satisfying. And more specific things: we invented — and I played quite a big part in this because I’d been preparing it before we got into office — privatisation. And that had never happened anywhere in the world, not just in the U.K. Nationalisation was a one-way street; part of the economy would become nationalised and when that happened there was never any going back, and then even more bits became nationalised. Other countries became impressed with it and did the same thing. Indeed, my good friend Édouard Balladur, who was the French
POLITICS finance minister at the time, officially changed the title of his office to be the Ministry of Finance and Privatisation. That was an occasion where, not only did we improve our own economy, but we set a trend in much of the rest of the world. Q: So would you say that, 40 years on, the positive impact that privatisation had was short lived. There’s an argument that trains, Royal Mail, aren’t working as well now that they’re privatised. Would you regret any of the privatisation you’ve done? Lord Lawson: No, I don’t regret any of it. The privatisation of the railways and Royal Mail occurred after my time. Nothing is ever perfect, but I don’t think there are many people nowadays arguing for wholesale renationalisation. Q: Turning now to the pandemic and our current period, what is your opinion on the government’s response to the pandemic? For example, how do you see the level of government intervention -- the furlough scheme, the “eat out to help out” scheme and the amount that the government is investing in the economy?
Q: So you sympathise with the fact that initially it probably did save lives and therefore you think it was worth it or too much? Lord Lawson: Yes, I think that initially you can make a case for it. But even then, the infringement of liberty is a heavy price to pay. I mean, I have no objection to people of a nervous disposition locking themselves down, that’s their choice, that’s fine. But making it legally compulsory is another matter. But anyway, we’re past that now because we have the vaccine which is a great success story.
The infringement of liberty is a heavy price to pay Q: Well, you say we’re sort of past this period of lockdown, but how do you think it will have affected our democracy and, as you say, our liberties in the long run?
Lord Lawson: I think the furlough scheme was a sensible response to a crisis. The furlough is obviously very limited, in time I mean; it’s not going to go on forever. But as a short-term measure to deal with the crisis I think it was useful and sensible. We’re hopefully coming out of the pandemic crisis now. My main criticism of the government would be the lockdown policy, which I think is completely over the top.
Lord Lawson: Well, I hope it’ll never happen again, certainly. I think that the British people have been quite extraordinarily law abiding, and while that is, in principle, a good thing. I think that when the law goes too far, which it has done… it may have been sensible until the vaccine had been developed, but I think that now it is slightly scary, people doing what they’re told. I mean I was alive, and I remember it very well, during the war. And, we were under considerable threat in this country, but we never had anything like the lockdown which has been during this episode.
The furlough scheme was a sensible response to a crisis
Q: How do you feel about the economic consequences of the pandemic, for example inflation has doubled now?
Q: Do you mean the multiple lockdowns of the idea of a lockdown at all? Lord Lawson: Well, I think that I am instinctively unattracted by infringements of liberty, and this is a major infringement of liberty. But you could make a case for something of the kind until we got the vaccine; but now we have the vaccine, I think it is mistaken, completely mistaken.
Lord Lawson: I’m obviously worried. I think that there were a lot of things that were done, like, as you mentioned there, the furlough scheme. There were a lot of things which made sense as temporary measures, but the sooner we can get away from these crisis measures and get back to economic common sense, the better. Q: Can you see interest rates needing to rise in the immediate future?
POLITICS Lord Lawson: I think they probably will; they probably will. When I first became Chancellor, the great enemy was inflation. I mean we inherited from the Labour government an annual inflation rate in the 20s [in percent terms] and projected to rise, so exorcising inflation was a primary objective of economic policy. And in a short time, we did it. I’m not saying that it will come back as badly as it was during the ‘70s. This is partly because of China, curiously enough. Because, China’s large contribution — obviously the Chinese regime is thoroughly odious — but their contribution to the world economy has been substantial.
London. There is no other Conservative whose ever been elected Mayor of London twice, or even once let alone twice.
It is clear that global competition means that prices can’t rise as fast as they did in the ‘70s. But nevertheless, I think there is a real danger that inflation will take off and it is not all that easy to arrest it when it does. And the key to that is expectations. [Turning to Dr. Flanagan] I don’t know what you teach, but people who teach economics, in my opinion, don’t teach how important expectations are. And if the expectation that prices will rise takes root, then it is very difficult to prevent prices from rising. And of course inflation does huge damage, not just economic damage, but social damage. It makes saving not worthwhile. So I think although it has been largely removed from the discourse now, I don’t think you can ever say that it has been permanently removed.
Q: When you say that you think that the Conservative Party at the moment is the only party that anybody in their right mind would vote for, is this because of your general dislike for the other parties or is it because of Labour leader Keir Starmer?
Q: What’s your opinion on the current Tory Party? Lord Lawson: Well, I think that the Conservative Party is the only party, which anybody in their right minds could vote for. I mean, no party is faultless but I think the other parties are worse, so that leaves the Conservative Party. Obviously you can’t talk about a party without talking about a leader, and I think Boris [Johnson], who I know well, though far from faultless, has a pretty good instinct of the way to go. And also, he has a knack, which is very useful, and it is greater than Margaret Thatcher’s (though I don’t think he’s anything like the political figure that Margaret was) but he does have a knack of winning elections, which is why he’s quite useful. As you know he was twice elected as mayor of
Every election is a struggle between two sentiments: time for a change versus fear of change. Q: Do you have any advice to Boris Johnson if you were to see him today? Lord Lawson: Maybe, but I doubt whether he would take it.
Lord Lawson: Well, it is difficult to know what the Labour Party stands for now. And it is difficult to know what Keir Starmer stands for. And the other parties, they may be very nice people, but they’re of no consequence. Neither the Liberal Democrats or the Greens. So I think it is the destiny of the Conservative Party to government and if it governs badly it’ll be kicked out — quite right too — that’s how democracy works. Oppositions don’t win elections: governments lose them. Every election is a struggle between two sentiments: time for a change versus fear of change.
Sasha Rozanov, Year 12 Nugent House
CRAIG
In our last issue of The Stag, we ran a feature to s house’s Year 13 pupils. Here is the
say ‘Goodbye to Year 13’ featuring photos of each e collage for Craig’s Year 13 cohort.
ESSAY
Do male pseudonyms represent rep female w ‘Currer Bell, George Eliot, George Sand, all the victims of inner strife as their writings prove, sought ineffectively to veil themselves by using the name of a man’.
Do male pseudonyms represent repression or liberation when used by female writers? Over the years, women have chosen to mask their identity by using a male pseudonym but whether this represents repression in their society or liberation by their ability to bypass the normalities should first be addressed by understanding some definitions. Repression is the action of repressing, with repress being defined as to “check, keep down or restrain (something bad or objectionable)” and liberation, by contrast, is “setting someone free from bondage or oppression”. Thus, to measure and evaluate how women writing under a male name represent and fulfil the previous definitions an exploration between the individual liberties and place in society is necessary.
“Literature cannot be the business of a woman’s life, and it ought not to be” Historically, women’s inferiority was reflected in society by their lack of liberties such as their inability to vote until 1918. The nature of this societal inequality significantly prevented women’s work to be published on the same grounds as men. Yet through using a male pseudonym women’s literary work was able to be published more readily with the literature itself being viewed rather than through the lens of gender discrimination. Expanding on
this point, the renowned Charlotte Brontë initially sent a bundle of poems to Robert Southey, who was the poet laureate, but when he replied, deliberately stated that “Literature cannot be the business of a woman’s life, and it ought not to be”, which shows repressive nature of literary giants towards women of the time. Yet this did not stop her publishing her novel Jane Eyre under the pseudonym Currer Bell and various poems by herself and her sisters also using male names. The Brontë sisters were now able to place their work among their male peers, defying the oppressive patriarchal society they were living in ultimately fulfilling the definition of liberation. One contemporary writing in the Era newspaper went so far as to say that Currer holds “the gift of being able to write as he thinks and feels” showing that her work was being viewed and criticised for the content only, not the fact she was a woman, clearly showing that the Brontë sisters experienced the freedom to write by using a male mask. Prior to the 1882 Married Women’s Property Act, any earnings that a woman made became their husband’s property, so even if women were able to publish their work, their facades would not bypass this law so the luxury and benefits of a successful literary career cannot be fulfilled. Thus, by veiling their name in a man’s identity, they are accepting that the patriarchal society makes women unequal by being afraid to submit work with their real names. Furthermore, by being able to name members such as George Sands, George Eliot, Acton, Ellis and Currer Bell, the number of female writers using a male pseudonym is certainly within the minority, which in turn highlights the repression against the rest of women during this period. These women all previously mentioned were literate and had access to education but the illiteracy rate in women in England, by 1840, was 50% therefore these women were not an accurate representation of
ESSAY
pression or liberation when used by writers? the female population. Woolf supports this idea through the imaginary symbol of Judith Shakespeare, William Shakespeare’s gifted sister whom “had no chance of learning grammar and logic” due to the repressive nature of a male dominated society. Woolf portrays this repression through the choice of noun “chance” suggesting the sheer extend of the lack of opportunities given to women still despite speaking decades later. Moreover, the lack of female writers and representation is held and maintained by faking a man’s name as it builds the illusion that women do not write and confirming their status. The lost potential of the future writers by these very women who were hiding behind this mask, will never be known. The number of women who wrote under a male name as well, unless revealed, will never be known so liberation cannot be justified as a definitive conclusion with the repression so much greater. Currer Bell’s anonymity was short lived, as Virginia Woolf said herself, Charlotte Brontë “ineffectively” veiled herself using a man’s name so her newfound freedom in her career was continued after her true identity came to light. After the release of the preface to her sister’s novel W uthering Heights, Charlotte Brontë revealed their names “we did not like to declare ourselves women, because without at that time suspecting that our mode of writing and thinking was not what is called “feminine” we had a vague impression that authoresses are liable to be looked upon with prejudice; we had noticed how critics sometimes use for their chastisement the weapon of personality” clearly indicating that due her perception of society at that time these names were used to punch the through the surface to place themselves on the same page as men. Following this acknowledgement, their works have continued to be studied by students across the globe and recognised showing that their liberation
was maintained longer than the initial break through with Charlotte’s in particular as “a work of genius”. Though, it must be noted the subtle undertones in the reviews began to alter; Emily Brontë’s W uthering Heights began to be labelled according to her gender. In the Atheanaeum an implied identifiable difference between male and female work begins to emerge, “female genius and female authorship” which is still regarding the work in a positive manner but alluding to the idea that female “genius” should be separate to male “genius”.
“Gender bias is still apparent within genres and by masquerading as a male author her female identity would not influence the everyday sexism among readers” Surely using a male pseudonym is lodged within the confinements of history? Yet women have continued to use them to cover their identity such as Alice Bradley Sheldon (James Tiptree) and Joanne Rowling (Robert Galbraith). Sheldon remarked that her reason for doing so was that “A male name seemed like a good camouflage… a man would slip by less observed” indicative that gender bias is still apparent within genres and by masquerading as a male author her female identity would not influence the everyday sexism among readers. Rowling, however, took a different approach explaining that she wanted to “take my writing persona as far away as possible from me” so implying that it should be the work that is criticised and held in high regard rather than being a woman writing crime fiction or her reputation for being the author of the Harry Potter series. Later this is enforced when Rowling admitted that “Robert’s success during his first three
ESSAY
three months as a published writer actually compares favourably with JK Rowling’s success over the equivalent period of her career” showing that her success is deemed by her writing, but this also could allude to the possibility that men are able to gain quicker success. The editor of the Robert Galbraith books, David Shelly stated that “I never would have thought a woman wrote that” confirming that gender stereotypes are still enforced in literature harking back to the idea that women should not be writing in certain genres. Prior to using the name Robert Galbraith, when first attempting to publish the Harry Potter series J.K. Rowling explained that her publisher asked her to use her initials so the book would appeal to boys who may not want to read a book written by a woman. Similar to the Brontë sisters, Rowling was encouraged to adopt a name which held ambiguity to mask the fact she was a woman for the target audience implying that her gender would hinder her chances. Furthermore, the gender stereotypes start young if the publisher deems it necessary to influence the choices that children make when choosing a book to read. Samantha Howell notes how modern women writers are “often having to prove worthiness and importance of their works” clearly showing that prejudice still lies within the fields of literature.
“Between 2005 and 2016 only 16% of the 3,310 writers with at least one credit on a UK film feature were female” Women across all aspects of literature are subjected to prejudice, particularly women within the film writing industry. Between 2005 and 2016 only 16% of the 3,310 writers with at least one credit on a UK film feature were female illustrating that women remain firmly within the minority. The report continues to show that 11% of films are written predominately by women and on average the budgets
for male-written films are higher than the budgets for female-written films yet female-written films are often more positively received by audiences than those written by their male counterparts. Sadly, a change has not occurred since Woolf remarked that “there are no plays by women” with statistics here which clearly indicate that women’s work is still not being viewed or funded in an equal manner to men, thus illustrating the need for women to adopt a male pseudonym. Here, being a woman automatically places them on the back foot with the mask of a man being harder to craft due to working onset and the working conditions of the film industry. Though society has changed since the Brontë sisters and is taking steps to ensure that gender discrimination is less, the problem has not vanished. The gender pay gap across all sectors still remains so the ground for inequality (gender pay gap among all employees in 2020 was 15.5%) is still fertile otherwise women would not continue to use a mask to hide behind. Yes, Jane Austen still managed to become famous around the same time as the Brontë sister though hiding behind the veil of “a Lady” but this is only one example of success from a female standpoint. Therefore, it can be decided that in the past, using a male pseudonym represents liberation but only by initially punching through the stereotypes whereas in the longer-term gender divides still remain within society, as Woolf would not have felt the need to write about her concerns in A Room of One’s Own. The mere fact that women still, presently, feel that they need to use a male name to either appeal to a certain audience or have their work published in a certain genre shows that it represents repression.
Liv Reeves, Year 13 School House
DANCE
“A New Normal” This term in dance, our priority has been focusing on our upcoming group dance competition. Following the success of the solo competition, where Year Ten pupil Herbie Sleep won the overall award, we decided to enter the same competition “The Great Big Dance Off”. This time we shall be performing our new contemporary group dance entitled
“A New Normal”,
received our wonderful dance equipment. Already, these have been used well in all our classes, especially by the Year Nine pupils who have been using it for their dance technique. We have seen a substantial improvement, especially in our male dancers, across a range of technique elements such as turns and leaps. Miss Reid and Miss Lister have been particularly impressed with the following pupils from Year Nine who have all received Show Hsms for their continued outstanding work:
focusing on the current situation in the world and adapting to new beginnings. The dancers have been working extremely hard to produce a powerful and captivating piece, with dancers from Year Nine to Year Thirteen. Collaboratively, they have been com-
bining ideas, which have been extending their choreographic experience as well as dance and performance technique. We shall also be entering a duet performance, danced and choreographed by Millie Rose White and Herbie Sleep. This duet will be in the style of jazz to the song “Bicicletta”. Our final group dance is entitled “One Night Only” and once again involved all year groups. We wish all the dancers the best of luck in this upcoming competition and will update you all on the results as soon as they have been announced.
Following our last update in the newspaper, we have Millie Rose White, Year 12 Watt House
Sam Angelina
Lorena
Harry
Alice
Ella
Clarissa
Tiggy
FEATURES
Horoscopes
Aquarius:
Aries:
Capricorn:
Gemini:
(Jan 20-Feb 18)
(Mar 21-Apr 19)
(Dec 22-Jan 19)
(May 21-June20)
Previous friends may return and try to throw you off course. Don't let them.
A big opportunity could come to light if you wait a bit longer!
You were too good for them anyway
It’s croc season babyyyyy
Cancer:
Leo:
Libra:
Pisces:
(June 21-July 22)
(Jul 23-Aug 22)
(Sep 23-Oct 22)
(Feb 19-Mar 20)-
The pubs are open so what are you waiting for!
Don’t trust them. You know who I mean
Food is better than boys anyway so forget about them
Stop talking about Friends. No one really cares
Sagittarius:
Scorpio:
Taurus:
Virgo:
(Nov 22-Dec 21)
(Oct 23-Nov 21)
(Apr 20-May 20)
(Aug 23-Sep 22)
You do you boo
Still in those lockdown trackies? Burn them and buy a new wardrobe
Your Tiktok is going to go viral
Get on that plane and take a break—you deserve it :)
a
REVIEW
Book Review: ‘The Brain: The Story of You’ by David Eagleman This fascinating book explores the intricacies of the human brain. Through a combination of stories and science, ‘The Brain’ is able to convey what we know of the brain today and the mysteries that still elude the science community about the human brain. It especially highlights the technology of today that helps neuroscientists examine subjects such as consciousness, neurological diseases, the consequences of environmental factors on the development of the brain, and the way that the physicality of it links to the psychology of our very actions.
experiments to see how easily people could be made to discriminate against others.
This book highlights the complications that comes with being human This book highlights the complications that comes with being human, and the confusing yet wondrous way that our brain works.
A book that explores the very limits of what we as humans can take I picked up this book because I’ve been incredibly interested in the medicine of neuroscience and the progress in medicine today when it comes to the brain. This book was insightful and after finishing the book I felt a greater appreciation for the intricacy of this part of our body. It was a book that explores the very limits of what we as humans can take whether through solitary confinement for decades, and also showed the ease at which our ideals and sense of what is wrong or right can be shifted, using examples from Nazi Germany or from thought-
Izehi Ebhohimen, Year 12 Watt House
FOOD
It’s Summer! Picnic or BBQ? Here are some summer treats for you to enjoy this summer! Please send in if you try out the recipes, and send in a photo of the bake if it works! I would love to hear how it tasted!
cook for about 1 hour to 1hr 15mins. 8.
When it’s ready it should be crispy around the edges and on the sides and be dry on top. When you prod the centre you should feel some squidginess beneath your fingers. Turn off the oven and open the oven door slightly and let the meringue disc cool completely
9.
When its completely cooled (otherwise your cream will melt into the meringue), whisk the cream till thick but soft
10.
Add to the top of the base and scatter over the raspberries. Finally, add the grated chocolate.
Chocolate Pavlova – serves 8-10 (but keeps for a bit so you don’t have to eat it all in one go.) Ingredients Base
To
6 egg whites 300g caster sugar 3 tablespoons (tbs) of coco powder sieved 1 teaspoon of red wine or balsamic vinegar 50g dark chocolate, finely chopped Topping 500ml double cream 300g raspberries 2-3 tbs coarsely grated dark chocolate Method 1.
Preheat oven 180/gas mark 4 & line your baking tray with parchment
2.
Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks
Potato Salad – great cold or hot Ingredients 10-12 potatoes (new or old) 3 hard-boiled eggs 2 sticks of celery 6 spring onions 8 rounded tablespoons of mayonnaise
Keep whisking and at the sugar one spoonful at a time until the meringue is stiff and shiny
2 rounded tablespoons of finely chopped parsley
4.
Sprinkle the cocoa and vinegar and chopped chocolate
Baking tin = 18cm x 23
5.
Gently fold (using either a spatula or metal spoon in a figure of eight movement) until everything is thoroughly mixed in
6.
Mound onto the baking sheet in a fat circle (approx. 23cm diameter)
7.
Place in the oven and immediately turn down temperature to 150 degrees/gas mark 2 and
3.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method 1.
Boil the potatoes in their skins in salted water until cooked but only just
2.
When they are cool enough to touch, peel the skin off them and cut into neat chunks
3.
Shell the hard-boiled eggs and chop into pieces
4.
Wash the sticks of celery and slice into very thin pieces
5.
Slice the spring onion into very thin pieces
6.
Mix all together with the mayonnaise and parsley and place into serving bowl
7.
Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Enjoy!
Summer Quiche Here’s how to do the pastry if you are feeling adventurous. (You can always buy the pastry if you want to save time) Ingredients
FOOD 4.
Gather mixture with your hands (make sure your hands are cold) but don’t knead it; just make sure it isn’t too dry or sticky. The less you handle the pastry the lighter it will be!
5.
Wrap in cling film and put in fridge for any thing from 30 mins to 8 hours (you can freeze it for later)
6.
Preheat oven to 180 degrees and grease a 28cm quiche tin with butter
7.
Take the dough out of the fridge & roll it out dusting with flour so it doesn’t get stuck
8.
When it reaches the thickness of about 4mm put into the tin. Don’t stretch it and add a little extra as it will shrink
9.
Bake the quiche pastry adding in a weight (anything such as foil filled with beans) and bake for 25-30 mins. The pastry should be dry and just turning golden
For the mixture: 500ml of single cream 4 eggs 1 egg yolk Pinch of salt
170g plain flour (strong approaching bread flour) Large pinch of salt
1.
Mix the single cream, eggs, and egg yolk together and add a pinch of salt and pepper with some grated nutmeg
2.
Add your own ingredients such as bacon pre -cooked veg sundried tomatoes. But if you are using ingredients like leeks, it is best to line the pastry with them and then the cream mixture to make sure that everything is evenly spread
3.
Place back into the oven and cook until the mixture becomes form and doesn’t wobble, usually for about half an hour.
80g good quality cold unsalted butter 1 egg yolk (you’ll have plenty from the pavlova) 80 ml of cold water Method 1.
Put the flour, salt, and butter into a food processor for 5-8 seconds
2.
If you are doing it by hand mix flour salt and cut the butter into pieces and rub together with fingertips
3.
Create a well in the mixture and pour 1/3 of the water in and mix together quickly with a fork (add more water if you need it)
Liv Reeves, Year 12 School House
SPORT
A Beginner’s Guide to Cricket If you’re anything like me you are relieved to finally be back outside enjoying playing and watching sports. A very popular sport at the college is cricket in which we have exceptional First and Second teams often playing on college field. If you are unfamiliar to the rules of cricket and confused by the strange mannerisms, I have got you covered!
‘Confused by the strange mannerisms? I have got you covered!’ As you may well know, cricket is a sport played by two opposing sides usually formed of 11 players on each team, although recreational cricket can be played with as many or few people as you wish. Club cricket is usually played on a cricket ground, a large stretch of flat grass and has a pitch positioned in the middle of the field. Both teams take it in turns batting and fielding with players batting in pairs at either wicket, the stumps spaced 22 yards apart. Runs are scored by players on the batting
side running between the wickets without being “stumped out”. Teams bat until they have either completed their overs or 10 batsmen have been “dismissed” by the fielding side. An “over” consists of six balls delivered by a bowler from the fielding team. The team with the highest number of runs at the end of the game are the winners.
Did you know? You may have heard cricketers shouting “Howzat” during a game. This is an abbreviated form of “how’s that?”. This is to appeal a dismissal of a batsman, asking if the player is out or not. Without this appeal, the umpires can not mark a batsman out even if she or he should be. 10 ways to be dismissed in cricket: Caught Bowled Out leg before wicket
Run out Stumped Hit wicket Handling the ball Hitting the ball twice Obstructing the field Timed out
SPORT
Cricket can be adapted to play in any space with any variety of age groups, here’s a few variations you may recognise, and may have played yourself: Lord’s game Pairs cricket Continuous cricket Diamond cricket
[pictured] A diagram of diamond cricket in which a ball is bowled to one player. If hit, all players must run in an anti- clockwise direction without being dismissed. Harriet Armstrong, Year 12, School House