The Stag, Lent Term 2, 2022

The Stag: Lent Term 1, 2022

Contents

Les Misérables review......…………….............................................................…Page 3 An Interview with Eddie Izzard .…….…………………………………...…......Page 4 Quiz: Guess the Movie…………………………………………………....….....Page 6 Be You Celebrates… ...……………………….…………….…………..…..…..Page 7 Sport Report…………...…………………………………………………….…..Page 8 Recipes……………...…………………………………………………….……Page 10 2021 Fashion Awards………………………………………………….……….Page 12 Personality Quiz…………….………..…………………...…………...…….…Page 13 The Refugee Crisis - A Moral Crisis?……………………….…………………Page 14 Make a Change Art Project.………………………………...…….….………...Page 16 House Reports………………………………………………………………….Page 18 Literature Review…………………………………………………..………….Page 21 What is the Classics Department reading?...............…………………………..Page 22

Horoscopes…………………………………………………...………………..Page 24 Movie Quiz answers…………………………………………….……………..Page 25

Welcome to the Stag Team!

Contributors: Polly Symes, Jessie Tarrant, Lily Curtis, Frankie Dussek, Akari Ikeda.

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, Aditya Kumar, Libby Thorley Photography Editor: Tiggy Tutt Design Team: Jessie Tarrant and Miss Curren Senior Editor: Miss Curren

REVIEW

Marvellous Les Mis In case you didn’t manage to see the College’s wonderful production of Les Miserables last term, here is what you missed.

It is safe to say that ‘Les Misérables’ did not live up to its name of being miserable; it was in fact described by an audience member as like being “transported to the West End”. The whole of the cast was simply fantastic, with special mention to the principles who transformed the school stage into 19th Century Paris.

Principle cast: Amelia Baldock - Eponine Orla Boulter - Cosette Fin Tomlinson - Javert Ben Young - Jean Val Jean Charlie Maidens - Marius Herbie Sleep - Thenardier

course, the star of the show Ben Young was simply amazing in his performance of the lead role, Jean Val Jean, completely transfixing the audience with his incredible singing and acting skills.

The best costume must be awarded to Orla Boulter for her enchanting pink wedding dress in the end scene. Her amazing skills in matching the high notes of Cossette’s songs was simply fantastic.

A huge congratulations to the cast of ‘Les Misérables’ and a special well done to Mr Russell and all the teachers involved for pulling the whole thing together; it was a truly amazing experience.

The live orchestra, conducted by Mr Jordan, deserves recognition and massive congratulations too for its amazing talent behind the scenes in performing countless pieces of music, making the play even more spectacular.

Joe Muschialli - Enjolras Polly Symes - Madame Thenardier Millie Cranston - Fantine Poppy Campion - Gavroche From the very opening of the musical, the audience was transported to the dirty, dank atmosphere of an 1815 French jail through the spectacularly solemn singing of the prisoners. This continued throughout the play through the extraordinary singing of the chorus, who really pulled the play together to create the ambience of the revolution.

Our cover star and the musical’s leading lady, Amelia Baldock, shone as Eponine with her exceptional musical and acting skills. Her dedication to the role was clear to see as she went to lessons with a croaky voice after singing her heart out the previous night, like many others.

The performance was perfectly balanced between tragedy and comedy enforced through the hilarious duo of Thenardier and Madame Thenardier (Herbie Sleep and Polly Symes). Their acting was fantastic, providing much needed comedic relief for the audience. And, of

Polly Symes, Year 12 Watt House

OE INTERVIEW

Interview with Eddie Izzard Last term, we had the opportunity to interview Eddie Izzard, a stand-up comedian and OE. We spoke about her life at Eastbourne College and her career ambitions. Here’s what she had to say: Who inspired you to become a comedian?

Monty Python really. They were very crazy and off the wall. Originally, I wanted to be an actor but they didn’t give me any parts at school. You had to be tall to get a role and I wasn’t tall or very good. But I did once play the Nazi in ‘Cabaret the Musical’ and it was my roles here at Eastbourne College that really launched me into my acting career and gave me ing, far away, and we tried to be bad kids but I the confidence to think that I could do it. wasn’t very good and I have some good memories Were you the class clown and always on stage at from there too. school?

Is being an MP still on your political agenda?

Ish. There was a guy called Trevor White and he Absolutely. I will be an MP. I can’t guarantee it but was funnier than I was. But in Chemistry A-level I am relentless and I will keep standing in an there was a teacher called Dr Edmundson and he election till I get it. If the public is willing, I will be taught in a very slow and understandable way. I found I could throw in suggestions and I upped my an MP. That should be interesting! hit rate in Chemistry. I consciously thought ‘I can Why were you a remainer and is that still the case? use this for training in comedy’. My brother Mark If you analyse humanity, you will see that we graduhad done exactly the same thing. The teacher was perfect for throw-in comedy, so I sort of became the ally learn to work together and live together, for example the United Kingdom with the Ireland situaclass clown. I was more the class wit. I used it to tion. Gradually, you come together and you get betimpress girls and then one day a girl said ‘I didn’t even know you existed until this term’ and I thought ter situations and life works in a better way. The ex‘This comedy thing is working’. I got a B in chemis- treme right wing idea of pulling away encourages people to hate other people. I just don’t think that’s try A-level. the way forward for humanity. I think the 21st CenWhat is your best memory from the College? tury will be a coming-of-age for humanity. I think this century will either make it a fair world for eveMy best memory was from doing performances.

Comedy varies; one part I played had a helmet with ryone or we are going to wipe ourselves off the planet. The stakes are that heavy because Covid is a visor and a teacher advised me to tie a piece of string and use that to open and close it. I did this in out there, it could be a chemical weapon but who Shakespeare and it got huge laughs. It was a village knows. We had Sars before, Hong Kong flu, Spanish flu and these bubonic plagues will keep happening. tavern scene and I was trying to drink beer and I couldn’t get to the visor and it went up and I drank If we are not learning to work together, vaccine and medical equality is not possible. In order for everyand then down again. And it just killed, it was the first time I had a really enormous laugh. Old Pennell one to have a fair life, we have to learn to work tohouse had a reputation. It was an old rickety build- gether. If you track the history of humanity, what we

are doing now does not help.

What can Labour offer people that the Conservatives can’t?

The Labour Party is about the many not the few. I think the Conservative Party encourages the few.

Thatcher did not care if people were thrown on the scrapheap and I just don’t believe people should be.

The NHS wouldn’t have existed had it not been for Labour; we would therefore be like America. Labour tries to give everyone a fair chance. Someone said to me ‘I don’t think fairness plays in politics’ but I think that is what has got to happen. I don’t like Boris Johnson’s racism or his sexism and homophobia and I don’t like his lying, his endless lying.

Now he is Prime Minister: what example is that to our children? He is a bad example to humanity. For example, at COP-26 he talked about the climate crisis then got a private jet home. I want to fight him and all that he stands for.

How do you think schools can better accommodate gender fluid students?

If teachers and head teachers are encouraged to try and find out how our attitudes are changing and they then adopt those attitudes or encourage others to adopt this. Schools should try to be more positive which should allow children to be more tolerant.

Bullies at school get away with much more than in real life as we have laws. It would be a totally different world if we were more accepting.

What is your favourite joke?

I don’t really have jokes. One of my favourite pieces I do is about Julius Caesar. He killed and enslaved many people, did he ever think he would become a salad?! I really like this piece as it is incredibly silly but also intelligent. I do stories more than jokes.

And finally - Cake or Death?

Well I normally go for ‘or’. That was based on Why do you think it is important to perform in multi- Church of England fundamentalism. When I was thinking of this, I was channelling a village fate and ple languages? a vicar going ‘cake or death’. But cake probably.

I believe in ‘live together, work together’ in some shape or form. We used to fight the French and the Germans. Then someone said why don’t we work together and then I started to do gigs in French .

Sometimes on the stage, the words go away from me but I pushed myself. If German kids can learn it then I can. Then I started to learn Spanish but I am not so good at that. I believe in making connections. It is the young at heart who want to make a more positive and tolerant world. The old at heart want separation.

What is your most exciting project coming up in the future?

I am now rehearsing a one woman show of ‘Hamlet’. I am not exactly what you would expect to play this role but it is still incredibly exciting. I already do a one woman show of ‘Great Expectations’. But these one woman shows are great to do and I am a trans woman so why not. If Trump continues to lie, then we should all work on being more tolerant and more positive. I want to do more film projects. But I am going to become an MP soon so I will have to put my career in hibernation. But I may still continue to put on shows for charity and to pay for my political office.

Kiri Marshall & Lily O’Brien, Year 12, Watt House

QUIZ

Movie Quotes Have a go at guessing where these famous movie quotes are from…

K) Martini. Gin, not vodka. Obviously.

Stirred for 10 seconds whilst glancing at an unopened bottle of Vermouth.

A) Just keep swimming

L) You is kind. You is smart. You is important.

M) It’s not a man purse. It’s called a satchel.

B) That’s why her hair is so big… it’s full of Indiana Jones wears one. secrets!

N) You guys are getting paid?!

C) I am your father O) Carpe diem. Seize the day boys.

D) If you’re nothing without the suit, then P) Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop you shouldn’t have it and look around once in a while, you could E) Nobody puts Baby in a corner! miss it.

F) I can see your toner through those jeans!

G) Draw me like one of your French girls H) As if!

I) They call it a Royale with cheese

J) Wax on, wax off

ANSWERS ON THE LAST PAGE! Megan Moffat, Year 12, School House

BE YOU CELEBRATES...

Be You Celebrates… Patsy Mink The Be You groups celebrate important cultural figures. In this issue, they celebrate the life and work of Patsy Mink.

Brought up on a sugar cane plantation in Hawai’i where many immigrants from Imperial Japan were employed, Patsy Matsu Mink (née Takemoto) grew up wondering why she had to study constantly. Not finding education entertaining or particularly important, she often skipped classes and was despised by the staff at her Christian boarding school.

However, all of that changed when she experienced what it was like to be the target of sexism. Her dreams of becoming a doctor being dashed by her teachers and watching her male classmates get commended for their efforts in the STEM field encouraged her to work harder and succeed. Studying without the support others received was draining and frustrating, and many of her friends quit their studies to work in the plantations they spent their lives in; not Patsy. Graduating as valedictorian after her gruelling years at high school, she described it later as “one of the proudest moments of her life.”

She was the first woman of colour and the first Asian American woman elected to Congress and, determined to make a change, she served 24 years as a senator. She is most known for playing a significant role in the introduction of the Early Childhood Education Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (which required public schools to promote bilingual education and STEM for every student), as well as the Title XI federal civil rights law. The latter prohibited sex-based discrimination of any kind in state-funded schools, and was a huge step forward for many like her, and was renamed the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act in honour of her accomplishments.

Unfortunately, Patsy passed away in 2002 but her outspoken advocacy for gender equality and equity in education and affordable childcare has made possible many different careers for everyone. The changes she made and her legacy are still very much visible and has promised so many people a better future.

“We have to build the things we want to see accomplished.” (Patsy Mink) She then applied for twelve medical schools and was rejected by all of them. Patsy realized that, to make sure no one else would have to go through the prejudice and barriers she had to, she’d have to smash down the walls herself and “level the playing field”, inspiring her to pursue a career in law. Challenges still continued in the department, such as being denied the right to take the bar examination due to her marriage status, but the futures of young people like her ultimately relied on what she did; she couldn’t just give up.

In 1964, Patsy ran for the federal office and won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, with the support of many voters desperate for an improved standard of education and equal chances for women.

Akari Ikeda, Year 10, School House

SPORT

Rugby Highlights Over the whole of Michaelmas Term, twelve ing who cracked first; the game ebbed and sports were played with 31 teams participat- flowed just like the inconsistent weather at the ing in 178 matches! This is an outstanding College. We made it to a (6-3) lead by half time. feat for Eastbourne College as the first sportThe great sight of competitive ing term was completed without any major covid disruption. rugby back on College Field has Our rugby 1XV and girl’s hockey XI have both made it to national semi-finals where the boys will play Glyn School and the girls will play St. John’s Leatherhead after a very recent win playing away at Leeds Grammar School; good luck to those competing. It should be said that the U15’s rugby squad made it to the national quarter finals and were knocked out of said cup when playing away against Langley Park School. However, the future does look bright...

The 1XV 6 hour trip down to Devon to play West Buckland School was an exhilarating experience. Playing in front of a massive crowd that consisted of the opponent’s whole school was seen as a ‘cauldron’ in Mr Torri’s eyes as everyone was against us. This was a test of see-

been a highlight.

However, holding a lead of (9-6) with ten minutes to spare, Eastbourne suffered a costly mistake by conceding a yellow card and the opponents being awarded a penalty try for it to put them (13-9) up. After many attempts by the forwards to break through the strong WBS defence, Dylan Pearson seemed to be up for the task and slipped through the defence scoring a try in the dying seconds of the game. However, WBS still had a kick off and EBC were as determined as they’d ever been in defence and managed to withstand the opposition’s final attempts forcing the whistle to be blown. An emphatic victory for the College as the 1XV march on into the semis.

SPORT

The rugby teams have shown the character that Eastbourne rugby is all about in the 60 fixtures played and 240 boys who have played them.

ensuring all boys in Year 9 and Year 10 have experienced the game. Of course, the great sight of competitive rugby back on College Field has been a highlight.

Unlike in any other sport, the boys have gone through true physical exertion for the College Additionally, 18 wins and three draws have been teams and are commended on their attitude and recorded from the 2nd XV to U14C teams incommitment. The development of players has cluding a great block against Christ’s Hospital. been very impressive considering this is the first contact rugby in two years for many. The attitude to improve and compete has been fantastic as well as the role played by touch rugby in Aditya Kumar, Year 12, Wargrave House

RECIPES

All About the Pancakes!

Why are we eating pancakes again?

famous race takes place at Olney, Buckinghamshire.

Shrove Tuesday, better known Pancake Day, is the It originated in 1445, when a woman of Olney heard traditional feast day before the Lent begins on Ash the Pancake Bell whilst making pancakes and so ran Wednesday. Lent is a time for fasting and on Shrove with her pan to the church. Each contestant must be Tuesday, Anglo-Saxons attended confessions (where a housewife, wear an apron and toss the pancake three times. The first woman to arrive must serve they confessed their sins). A bell was rung to call her pancake to the bell-ringer and be kissed by him, people to confession and this came to be called as and is then considered the winner. the “Pancake Bell”. It is still rung today.

Shrove Tuesday was seen as a time to use up all milks, eggs and fats before committing to the fast.

The ingredients are said to symbolise: Eggs - creation Flour - the stuff of life Salt - wholesomeness Milk - purity The “First Pancake” The first official mention of any pancake in literature was in 600BC in Ancient Greece. A poet appeared to be describing a pancake in his writing.

Recipe Ingredients: - 8oz plain flour - 2 large eggs - 1 pint of milk - pinch of salt

Pancake Celebrations

1)

Mix all together and whisk well. Let it sit for 30 minutes

2)

Heat some oil in a pan then pour enough batter into the pan to cover the base

3)

Flip the pancake and let the other side turn brown

In the UK, pancake races form an integral part of Shrove Tuesday celebrations. It provides an oppor- 4) tunity for large groups of people to run down streets, in fancy dress, whilst tossing pancakes. The most

Let cool and add yummy toppings!

Megan Moffat, Year 12, School House

RECIPES

Hidden Heart Cake Ingredients FOR THE CAKE: 2 x 175g unsalted butter, softened

mins in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack. When cool, cut the cake into 4cm slices. Using a 5cm cutter, stamp out the hearts (save any remaining cake for another treat).

2 x 175g golden caster sugar 6 large eggs

STEP 3

2 x 140g self-raising flour, sifted

Repeat step 1 to make a second cake mixture – you won’t have cocoa or food colour in this batch. Pour 2 x ½ tsp baking powder 3⁄4 of the mixture into the prepared loaf tin. Push the 3 tbsp cocoa powder bottoms of the hearts into the batter in a tightly 2 x 85g ground almonds packed row. Spoon over the remaining cake mixture, covering as much of the hearts as possible. bake for 2 x 100ml milk 1 hr or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool for 10 3 tsp vanilla extract mins in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool 28ml bottle red food colouring or ½ tsp red food col- completely. ouring gel FOR THE ICING:

STEP 4

100ml double cream

For the icing, gently heat all the ingredients over a low heat until combined. Leave to cool, then chill until needed. Spread over the cooled cake and decorate with the sprinkles, if using. Will keep for 3 days stored in a cake tin.

200g dark chocolate, finely chopped 50g unsalted butter Pink sprinkles (optional) Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Grease a 900g loaf tin and line with a long strip of baking parchment. Cream 175g butter and 175g sugar until light and fluffy. Beat three of the eggs and pour in, a little at a time, mixing after each addition. Sift together 140g flour, 1⁄2 tsp baking powder and the cocoa, then fold into the butter mixture along with the almonds. Combine 100ml milk, 11⁄2 tsp vanilla and all the food colouring and add to the batter, then mix until evenly coloured.

STEP 2 Pour into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 1 hr 10 mins until a skewer comes out clean. Cool for 10

Tiggy Tutt, Year 10, School House

FASHION

2021 Fashion Awards

Restrictions placed over the last year have pushed further creativity to be reached through digital visions and social distanced catwalks. Awards go to those making positive impacts, whether it is through inclusivity and representation, environmental or innovative jaw-dropping designs.

Designer of the Year was awarded to Kim Jones for his work in Fendi and Dior Men. He was recognised for providing Dior with a ‘vital new energy’ from a ‘monochromatic rut’. He has collaborated with popular modern influences such as Travis Scott, Shawn Stussy and many more in order to modernise the house.

Kim Jones for Dior

The 2021 Fashion Awards went ahead in person staged at the Royal Albert Hall in London following the digital function of 2020 due to Covid 19 interruptions. This renowned event entails extensive line-ups of celebrities impacting the fashion industry and this year was presented by tiktok, a popular video-sharing app.

Eye Catching Looks cancer just 24 hours before the awards were due to go ahead.

The night was dedicated to his life, beginning with a speech by the actor Idris Elba about the fashion legend before reciting Maya Angelou’s poem ‘When Great Trees Fall.’ Celebrities and influencers continued to make references and pay tribute to Abloh throughout the night from name mentioning in Billy Porter’s opening note to dedicating awards by Kim Jones.

Griff, singer, wearing Munroe Bergdorf, Simon Rocha model, wearing Robert Wun

Iris Law, influencer, wearing Dilara Findikoglu

On the Path to an Eco-Friendly Future As we emerge to a greener society, an environmental acknowledgement is now made at the British Fashion Awards. It commemorates those who aid the sustainability of the environmentally problematic industry and reduce their negative impact in order to fabricate beneficial change. One of the recipients of the ‘Leaders Of Change Awards’ was Gabriela Hearst, the creative director of Chloé. She focusses on reducing emissions across the supply chain to reach targets.

Farewell to a Fashion Legend This ceremony also payed tribute to key faces of the fashion industry that had been lost. Virgil Abloh, the founder of OffWhite, died at the young age of 41 when he lost his battle with

Maja Marten, Year 12, School House

QUIZ

What is your Aesthetic?

What city would you live in?

What is your favourite colour?

A)

Malibu

A)

Baby blue

B)

London

B)

Sage green

C)

Paris

C)

Beige

D)

Tokyo

D)

Red

What is your least favourite subject?

A)

Maths

Answers:

B)

Physics

C)

Chemistry

If you mainly picked A then you are VSCO girl

D)

French

What is your favourite music genre?

A)

Indie-rock

B)

Classical music

A)

Taylor Swift

B)

Heavy-metal

What is your favourite movie?

A)

Mean Girls

B)

Harry Potter

C)

The Notebook

D)

Divergent

In which venue would you get married in?

A)

Beach

B)

Castle

C)

Village Hall

D)

Graveyard

If you mainly picked B then you are Dark Academia If you mainly picked C then you are Cottage core If you mainly picked D then you are PunkGoth VSCO girl - you love the envir onment and nature. You are always on social media and you are outgoing.

Dark Academia - you love education, especially literature and you are always making art whether it is poetry or music.

Cottage core - you ar e always daydr eaming and you live a simple life in harmony with nature.

Punk-Goth - you ar e dar k and myster ious.

You love making and playing music.

What pet would you have?

A)

Cat

B)

Parrot

C)

Duck

D)

Dog Kiri Marshall, Marshall, Year Year 12, 12, Watt Watt House House Kiri

POLITICS

The Refugee Crisis: A Moral Crisis?

Every minute, thirty people around the world are newly displaced.

This shocking statistic shows why the refugee crisis has long been a topic for debate and is always in the headlines. Once we know the context around why people leave their birth country and the ethical arguments within this issue, we can begin to understand why it happens and what we can do to help.

Why do people move in the first place?

When fleeing their country, refugees often have to travel over very difficult territory, on both land and sea, in order to reach a safe and welcoming country. The desperate plight of people seeking safety in Europe continues, and the UN reports that more than 95,000 refugees reached Europe by sea in 2020. Whilst the number has fallen since 2015, the relative number of casualties has increased. In 2020, 1,401 people died or went missing whilst trying to enter Europe. So what are they fleeing from, and how desperate is the situation if they are willing to put their lives on the line?

According to the UN, more than a million refugees had crossed into Europe by the end of 2015 and the majority were fleeing Syria, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Taking Syria as an example, the civil war there has been one of the biggest drivers of the global refugee crisis which has left 68.5 million people displaced. The conflict lasted ten years and is possibly the worst humanitarian crisis of our time. Over 500,000 people were killed and 80% are now living in poverty, whilst food insecurity levels are at an all time high. The Afghanistan crisis is another which has affected the global immigration situation, especially more recently last year. The situation in Afghanistan is highly complex with decades of conflict that have taken a terrible toll on Afghan people, resulting in many deaths and pushing families further into poverty. Drought and coronavirus have added even greater problems for vulnerable families struggling with hunger and healthcare. In late 2021, US troops and allies pulled out of the country for the first time since they entered in 2001. In a miscalculation of epic proportions, they overestimated the ability of the patchwork Afghan government to face threats on their own and the Taliban soon resurfaced to take hold of the country. This led to the horrific images we saw of refugees crowding the airports, being evacuated by many countries, including the UK, and even holding onto planes as they took off. More than 123,000 were evacuated by US forces and partners after the Taliban took control of the capital (Kabul) on the 14th August last year,

but it is unclear how many of them are Afghan nationals.

The US said that they had flown nearly 80,000 civilians out and of those, 5,500 were Americans and more than 73,500 were either Afghans or other foreign nationals.

The UK Ministry for Defence said that it had flown out more than 15,000 people and 8,000 of them were Afghans. Whilst the UN urged surrounding countries to keep their borders open and to accept refugees, many have said they cannot hold anymore or are keeping their borders closed due to the security risk of the Taliban.

Even if they did stay open, the Taliban now control every main exit and entrance to the country and are only allowing traders with the appropriate paperwork to leave.

It is clear that the main reason for the refugee crisis is political turmoil within countries but other reasons involve drought, starvation, healthcare and persecution of minorities (including women and members of the LGBTQ+ community).

What are the ethical arguments?

Almost all moral and political philosophers, regardless of their general stance on immigration controls, argue that developed nations have a duty to grant asylum; people shouldn’t be turned back to countries where they would face persecution or severe human rights violations. Yet there are a number of controversial ethical issues raised by the displacement of people.

For example, there is a school of thought that believes eventually, the internal conflict in these countries will end but many of the inhabitants will have left and will not be there to aid the vital reconstruction efforts of their birthplace. Before the war, Syria had 31,000 doctors, but this number is believed to have halved, with many now treating patients in Europe. Iraq complains of a serious ‘brain drain’ as its skilled young professionals seek work in the West. Some think that rather than re-settling refugees in Europe, we should be investing in the long term futures of those places they wish to leave by working for peace and security there as well as making training, education and work opportunities more accessible.

Another reason why some believe we should limit immigration is that it is unpopular with voters and so is a recruitment call for populists. Welcoming more refugees is a gift for the demagogues challenging Europe’s democratic order. As an example, voter unease in Germany has fueled support for the anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany (AfD) and they have had significant successes in recent elections, threatening to become the biggest opposition party. At a time when Europe’s democracy is facing grave dangers, it is argued that the refugee influx may have to be curbed to avoid a lurch to the farright.

A final ethical issue, according to some, is that Europe is already full and there are simply too many people for our social services, housing departments, health systems and schools to cope with. Because the influx is concentrated in certain regions, this creates local tensions and strains within communities, and the absence of a pragmatic redistribution scheme along with the unwillingness of refugees to relocate means some nations are unfairly burdened, Germany and Sweden in particular. This all places undue pressure on European solidarity, something which is already under threat because of Brexit and parties in other countries becoming more euro-hostile. Would it be foolish to add to those strains by allowing more refugees?

will only serve to increase antagonism, alienation and anti-Western sentiment. Abandoning refugees could allow resentment to fester which would leave them vulnerable to becoming prey for extremist recruiters. Ensuring their integration into European society could help reduce this risk and allow them to develop an understanding of our shared values. Whilst it may be true that a small number of people smuggled in as refugees might have been radicalised, this isn’t the case for the majority and an over-reaction would be counter-productive.

Finally, economics and demographics is another issue to consider when it comes to this topic. In 1960, nations now making up the European Union had an average birth -rate of 2.6. In 2014, the rate had dropped to 1.4 children per woman, well below the 2.1 needed to keep the population from decline. Europe’s native population is shrinking fast. That means a declining workforce has to support more older people. Proposed solutions include persuading women to have more children, raising the retirement age and increasing taxes to pay for pensions. These options may cause significant opposition in public opinion and so one of the only other alternatives is to bring in more migrants. Refugees arriving in Europe are mostly young, willing to do work shunned by natives, and equipped with skills the job market needs. History is full of refugees making successful contributions to their host countries, from waves of Europeans fleeing to the US to escape persecution, to Ugandan Asians in the UK. When the latter group fled to Britain in the 1970s, the reaction from many resembled today’s anti-refugee hysteria. Forty years later, a former teenage refugee turned businessman and legislator told parliament how British people with South Asian roots make up 2.5% of the UK population but contribute 10% of its national output.

We are very lucky to be born in such a developed, industrialised and relatively peaceful country. However, However, there are also many positives about accepting this debate leaves many questions unanswered. Why should people be punished just because they drew the refugees into our countries and many think these advantages outweigh the disadvantages, as well as support- short straw in terms of where they were born? Why ing the consensus that we shouldn’t send people back to should we attempt to stop people fleeing humanitarian disasters and making a better life for themselves? persecution and suffering.

Would this be as big of an issue if there were no conThere is a philosophical view that Western ideals of uni- ventional borders and separate countries - if we were ty, democracy and basic rights are values that matter and all one global nation? But that’s for another time. are core to the heart of European civilisation. Compassion, solidarity, respect for minorities and the vulnerable and the application of the rule of law are vital for our way of life and to not allow those who need it to seek refuge within our borders goes against everything we stand for. The Geneva Convention on Refugees, as well as other international agreements, clearly commit governments to protect refugees; violation of such commitments would undermine international law and respect for a rules -based world order. Failure to help families threatened by war, oppression and genocide would be catastrophic to our democratic way of life.

In addition, it is a dangerous illusion to think that shutting out refugees will bolster Europe’s security as it is suggested that closing the door to those fleeing violence

Lily O’Brien, Year 12, Watt House

Make The Change

The Junior Art Scholars began back in September with a brief of 2020-21 and pupils decided to respond to the climate crisis steps as witness to the development of cities and loss of veget created during our Monday evening sessions. 'Walking Backw

Pupils involved: James Dunlop, Isaac Lee, Mana Zhang, Emil

f from The Big Draw entitled 'Make The Change'. This project was an attempt to make sense of the events and our part in it. Beginning with well known imagery of human evolution and the idea to retrace our tation, pupils used a range of drawing materials to create this mural that will be exhibited alongside prints wards From The Past' can be seen in the Birley Centre foyer from Friday 28th Jan - 12th Feb.

lia Dixon, Izzie Steed, James Rimington, Fergus Lawson-Johnston, Arsene Chate

ART

TYPE OF FEATURE

School House Report School House has been a chilly one so far this term but the movie nights cuddled up in blankets with dozens of snacks seem to be helping!

Not sure where to order a takeaway from? The Year Tens can help with that! Here are five top takeaway places picked by our Year Tens (they are the experts): Taco Bell - cheap Prezzo – good pasta Pizza Express McDonald’s Papa John’s Going back to before the Christmas break, we had our Christmas party with the prizes given out for the best decorated doors with Tess Garrett taking first prize and Millie Grantham taking second.

An incredible effort from Tess!

The weekends have been busy as relaxing spa evenings and tie dyeing regularly take place for the whole house (with prosecco for the Upper Sixth!) which have helped to give the Year 11s a break from revising for their mocks exams!

We have also just had a great team of School House representatives running in the Sussex Schools Cross Country Competition with Lisa Shi coming third in her division!

The house hats were also given out at the Christmas party whilst watching some very entertaining performances such as a nativity from the upper sixth and some very entertaining dancing!

Tiggy Tutt, Year 10, School House

HOUSE REPORTS

Wargrave House Report I think it’s fair to say Wargrave House was privileged to have an exceptional Christmas evening, courtesy of Mr Spiers, that consisted of firstly the House Book tradition where a book from the early 20th Century was used.

The awards were dished out during for various accolades such as for sport and academics, but the most comedic award went to Toby Bright who was given a hoover for having the messiest room in the house. However, House Book did not come before the infamous Annual House Pool Plate and Cup Finals of which Brooke Haycock and Mr AT Roberts came out on top. The pool competition provided great entertainment for the Wargrave household as the pool table was pushed into the middle of the common room with Wargravians situated in a big circle surrounding said pool table. This would have been intimidating for contestants although their confident entrances with variously different lighting arrangements and cheering from the crowd would have said otherwise. On the other hand, the hog roast in typical Wargrave tradition seemed to progressively bring about a smile on the runners ups’ faces due to the quality of the food.

After a substantial Christmas break and time with families, I am sure that the whole of Wargrave are refreshed and ready to kick on in the new year and more importantly the beginning of the Lent Term.

Aditya Kumar, Year 12, Wargrave House

HOUSE REPORTS

Watt House Report Watt House ended last term with the wonderful the House Singing Competition. The night has all Christmas party. The laughter could be hear d the hallmarks of a resounding success, and we look from miles around, and our thanks go to the diligent forward to an enjoyable evening for all who attend. organisers who did an incredible job with the activities that were chosen. Some of the activities included ‘chubby bunny’, the ‘after eight’ game and the infamous ‘decorating a person like a Christmas tree’, very festive! All games were an undeniable success, and all involved were still talking about the party for days after.

With news of personal achievements to celebrate, we should recognise Millie White who is set to compete in the champions of champions dance competition in Blackpool over the 22nd and 23rd of Within Watt House, it’s been a case of ‘all hands on January. A busy weekend awaits for her, and we deck’ as Watt busily prepares for the annual house keep our fingers firmly crossed. review. Each year group have been tasked with preparing a year group piece. Year Nine have opted for comedy skits in three groups; the scripts include one by Catherine Tate and another created by a Watt student. The Year Tens have also chosen a bake-off skit which already promises to be amazing.

The Year Elevens have made time in their busy schedules to showcase a ‘sofa-dance’ video, fulfilling two purposes as it also helps Millie White gain her Gold Arts award. The Year Twelves have created an artistic masterpiece in the form of a spectacular dance act which is bound to be an incredible success. Setting the bar even higher, our Year Thirteens are producing a film that is set to be premiered at the revue. To help the evening flow, there promises to be further group and solo effort throughout the evening. The night will finish with the winning house song “Pompeii” by Bastille from Libby Thorley, Year 9, Watt House

LITERATURE REVIEW

‘Northanger Abbey’: Austen’s ‘Gothic Parody’ What Happens…?

Up until Catherine Morland turns seventeen, she has had a fairly sedate life. Neither noticeably stunning, nor extremely unattractive; not wealthy yet by no means struggling financially, Catherine’s entire existence sits on a fence.

However, when family friends, the Allens, invite her to stay in Bath for a month, how can she refuse?

What follows is a tale of first friendships, romance, and even a bit of gothic storytelling!

Never before had I struggled so much to put down an Austen!

What Went Well:     

Accessible, exciting prose Hugely entertaining depictions of Regency era social etiquette Engaging characters Satisfying romantic pacing Defies being defined by any one genre

Small Complaint: 

A slight sense of unfinished-ness about the novel, and quite a rushed ending

My Rating: 4 / 5

About the Author: Jane Austen was an author alive from 1775 - 1817 whose novels drew attention for centring around the lives of early 19th Century women.

One of eight siblings, Austen published all of her work anonymously as women of the gentry were not expected to pursue a profession.

She died at forty two years old, likely due to Addison’s disease (a disorder of the adrenal glands).

Her novels include: ‘Sense and Sensibility’, ‘Pride and Prejudice’, ‘Mansfield Park’, ‘Emma’, ‘Northanger Abbey’ and ‘Persuasion’, the last two being published posthumously.

Reviews: ‘Northanger Abbey is more broadly satirical and less finely nuanced than Austen's acknowledged masterpieces’ - Alfred Hickling, The Guardian.

‘This satire laughed at the idea that all young girls were beautiful and good-natured and all large buildings imposing and full of mystery.’

- Kim Bunce, The Observer

Polly Symes, Year 12 Watt House

LITERATURE

What is the Classics D Mrs Canning is reading two books at the moment, the first of which being ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ about a group of OAPs in a retirement home solving murders.

The second book is called ‘More than a Woman’ by Caitlin Moran which she describes as “very entertaining. I would personally recommend ‘How to be a Woman’, also by Moran.”

Mr Jourdain has just finished ‘In the Shadow of Vesuvius’, which is “packed with the sort of stuff that made me want to study classics in the first place, and I became completely immersed in the world of the Romans”.

He is now reading ‘Catallus’ Bedspread’ which he describes as “dazzling”.

For any aspiring chefs who appreciate a good laugh, Mr Joudain recommends ‘Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat’ by Samin Nostrat.

Miss Daniels is about to star t ‘The Orchestra of Minorities’ by Chigozie Obioma, which is a contemporary twist of Homer’s Odyssey, set in Africa.

LITERATURE

Department reading?

Ms Scalvini| is reading ‘Ravenna’ by Judith Herrin which she says is “WONDERFUL”, and “full of exceptional images and outrageously colourful characters”, especially the “powerful women”.

Mr Sands is enjoying ‘The Silence of the Girls’ by Pat Barker because it retells the story of Troy from a female perspective, which “has been particularly helpful for my teaching of some key texts.” I can myself attest to the high quality of his lessons!

Reverend Merceron is reading ‘Dominion – the Making of the Western Mind’ by Tom Holland (nope, that’s not the British actor from ‘Spider Man’ - I googled it) which he calls a “popular tour de force”.

If you need even more recommendations, I found ‘Song of Achilles’ by Madeline Miller to be exceptional. I also have a blog about books which you can find on Instagram: @pollyblogsbooks

Polly Symes, Year 12 Watt House

FEATURES

Horoscopes

Aquarius:

Aries:

Capricorn:

Gemini:

(Jan 20-Feb 18)

(Mar 21-Apr 19)

(Dec 22-Jan 19)

(May 21-June20)

Don’t stop working hard to achieve your goals!

You will be in a joyous mood this term and it will show on your face!

Be more adventurous!

People will want to hear what you have to say

Cancer:

Leo:

Libra:

Pisces:

(June 21-July 22)

(Jul 23-Aug 22)

(Sep 23-Oct 22)

(Feb 19-Mar 20)-

You may feel stagnant or stuck in a routine. Don’t be scared to shake up your life.

Change is in the air for you!

Don’t be scared, go for it.

This is a term in which you must work had to achieve your goals.

Things may be a bit chaotic at the moment. Just take a step back and breathe.

Sagittarius:

Scorpio:

Taurus:

Virgo:

(Nov 22-Dec 21)

(Oct 23-Nov 21)

(Apr 20-May 20)

(Aug 23-Sep 22)

Romance could be in the cards for you this term!

Don’t be afraid to try.

A lucky break is coming your way. It could be a dream come true, but it might disrupt your life.

Stop avoiding your responsiYou may meet someone who shows a lot of promise next term. bilities and take action.

MEDIA

Movie Quotes Quiz: Answers!

Did you manage to get them all? Have a look...

I) Pulp Fiction J) The Karate Kid K) Kingsman

A) Finding Nemo B) Mean Girls

L) The Help

M) The Hangover C) Star Wars D) Spiderman E) Dirty Dancing F) Pitch Perfect G) Titanic H) Clueless N) We’re the Millers O) Dead Poets’ Society P) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Megan Moffat, Year 12, School House