Perkin Post
Spring Term 2018
In this special travel and languages edition: Drama fundraiser (including Take Me Out!) Why you should learn a language Why Latin is important ‘Times up’: a feminist movement Austerity: a necessary evil? and much more...
Notes from the editors: Welcome to the third edition of the new and improved ‘Perkin Post’. This edition will focus on the wonders of languages, culture and travel. We always welcome your feedback and invite you to join us to help write the fourth edition of the ‘Perkin Post’. Until then, enjoy! Anisa Patel 11W & Zulekha Powell 11W On Friday 26th of January, the drama production team organised an array of activities suited to students and teachers alike in order to raise money for the drama production: “School will rock you”. From bake sales to an elaborate flash mob, the events were both unique and interactive.
Drama Fundraiser
Overall, the day was magnificently staged with everyone eager to take part in some way or another. Hopefully, WP raised enough and more, for the production which will happen on the 7th and 8th of March. If it was as much fun as the fundraiser, it can be guaranteed that more laughter will occur at the actual production.
One event that clearly stood out was the long-awaited Teacher’s Take Me Out. With Mr Barnsley’s intensely similar impersonation of Paddy McGuinness, lunch at William Perkin seemed to light up with the possibility of teachers going on “Friendship Dates”. The almost pantomime production, saw the likes of Mr Beard, Mr Chugg and Mr Bhardwaj select teachers they felt they were most compatible with. With a surprising closing, the Teacher’s Take Me Out spectacle may have left some students shocked by the result but also anticipating the prospects of Dinner Dates.
St Benedicts Netball Match
On Tuesday 16th January, the Year 10 netball squad visited St Benedict’s, eager and ready to play. The Year 10s started off at a slow pace due to their lack of practice prior to the match, and a loss of a key player (Julia Kuswik). However, despite this, a skillful performance, full of energy and enthusiasm was brought to the match.
Great work displayed by the defenders, notably Ilhan, Kamiah, Melesa and Dante enabled us to retrieve the ball and bring it back towards the attacking end of the court. By working in harmony and unity, with Mae and Sarah in particular working well
together, the team executed their first astonishing goal. Brilliant work was also shown by Khadija and Allana, who, as well as working effectively, enhanced the team’s spirit. Unfortunately, St Benedict’s team won that match but with more practice and drive the Year 10 team should be victorious.
M.U.N Weekend Away MUN: a fruitful, fascinating three days filled with passionate debating and inspiring speeches. From Friday January 13th to Sunday January 15th, twelve William Perkin students attended the Saint Pauls annual Model United Nations Conference. It started with a captivating opening speech in the grand
hall where we were informed about the history of the United Nations. The following two days consisted of serious discussions and debates over resolutions and amendments between delegates from various committees. Delegates also took part in an exciting quiz and on the last day, all of the committees gathered to take part in the general assembly.
Ultimately, SPSMUN was exceptionally catered by the school and formidably executed by all the students who took part, so for anyone interested in politics, the MUN is definitely not a decision you will regret.
Greenwich Observatory Trip
On Friday 26th January, the Year 10 triple scientists embarked on an enlightening trip to the Greenwich Observatory. It was here where they first entered the planetarium and experienced the process of the beginning of the Solar Systems to its presence in society now. Later they explored the evolution of stars and plotted some of them in order to see the difference in gradients and patterns between certain stars. This fuelled some already present excitement and interest in the world of astronomy, and furthered questions regarding both, the world now and life before us.
This was only possible however, because of help from the Jack Petchey Foundation, which funded the enlightening trip and allowed students to explore their lingering queries about astronomy.
Teacher Interviews: Skills By Brahim
We have regularly heard pupils say ‘I don’t need to learn that; I will never use it again in my life’. For this reason we asked teachers three questions to find out what skills they now use which they thought they might not need when they were younger.
Miss Champ: I used maths the other day. It reminded me that I have skills from my GCSE’s. I wouldn’t have had a mental break down because of work and stress!
Mr Amon-Ra: Organisation skills e.g. having my bag. It has made me more organised. I wish my school was more like William Perkin.
The questions asked were as follows: 1. What skill that you never thought you would use have you used in your job recently? 2. How has it affected you? 3. What would you change about your time in school? Miss Kapila: I used face paint and makeup for the Kelvin Enterprise Day. It makes me feel good for charity. I would ban homework until year nine, that’s when GCSE’s start. Drawings by Andre Mr Bhardwaj: My problem solving skills. It has helped me to find the best solution for the department when faced with a problem. I should have paid more attention in classes that I hated like English, RE and history.
Teacher Interviews: Miss Scott - STEM vs STEAM By Vanessa As 2018 unfolds, the Perkin Post has decided interview one of our key science teachers: Miss Scott. Embarking on a realisation of the value of science, not just a subject but a way of thinkingcolouring each thought and action in our lives. Upon questioning, Miss Scott’s purpose as a teacher seemed clear: to inspire new generations to appreciate the scientific industries. To colour each lesson with the knowledge garnered throughout her life and to aid students with their learning. Or so it seemed. Gradually, however her motives became less and less transparent. Slowly, less of a reflection of her career, but the true reigns of her morality. Her role as a science teacher not just for us to gain knowledge but ‘a role in society.’ This role in society, she claims, would be coloured by our scientific background: from analysing the information ‘we read daily critically, such as newspapers, to awareness when buying basic things such as tablets.’ Clearly, seeing her purpose to not just inform, or provide a definitive future pathway but ‘purpose within us.’ This critical thinking is what is so valuable in Miss Scott’s eyes to society now. The provision of an improved society, tainted less with poverty and inequality. A prime example being sanitation: the knowledge we learn in science allowing us to make more valued judgements.
Hence, making us more informed and willing to appease this problem, such as helping charities or volteering. However, Miss Scott remarks that this critical thinking is a skill that can be contributed to through other factors such as the arts and reading. Reading, in her opinion, makes you not only ‘more curious and interesting as a person’ but gives one a sense of awareness to the world around us.
Miss Scott view of science is as an industry not just fuelling our imagination, but inspiring us to propel society forward through our awareness and understanding of social issues. This culminated through both ‘recognition of certain traits within protagonists,’ and the written work. Examples, being the novel ‘Half of a yellow sun’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie which Miss Scott says ‘struck a nerve’ enlightening her to the gender inequality present in society today.
Are Science and Languages truly compatible with each other? Today we will tackle the theory that science and languages cannot be paired together. If one has a wide interest for both these subjects, there are multiple career options to consider. This article will focus purely on medicine. A global organisation called “Medecin sans frontiers” (doctors without borders) is a key example of how one’s passion of both science and languages can merge together. Their teams act quickly in order to save people’s lives in natural disasters, epidemics and conflict zones: “We go where we are needed most”. This organisation is a global movement with 30,000 staff across 65 countries. In order for this to be a successful project, they need to be able to respond to emergencies wisely and manage their network in such a way that it’s accessible for all. Moreover, in order to aid those in need of medical attention, one key quality needed is to be able to speak and understand several languages; this proves that languages plays a significant role as you need to completely comprehend your patient’s concerns. of lives. If you would like to find out more, visit: https://www.msf. org.uk
By Imaan and Haiqah Regardless of whether or not the dilemma is in the country, the organisation is able to deploy in hours, mainly consisting of communication officers and doctors: “From the democratic republic of Congo to document conditions to collecting testimonies of people on board one of the MSF rescue boats”. This suggests that, both medicine and languages can be associated with one another in order to create a colossal impact in order to save millions of lives. If you would like to find out more, visit: https://www.msf. org.uk Another method to develop your passion for science and languages together are gap years. This is another example of fusing medicine and languages. There are 1-8 week placements for 16-25 year olds in Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. Statistics show that there have been 11,482 students joining since 2010. These placements also cover dentistry, midwifery, nursing and physician associates, thereby offering an invaluable insight into diversity in global healthcare systems. Depending on the amount of effort you commit to this, you will ultimately gain a once in a life time experience. Evidently, both languages and biology play into this. If you’re interested, find out more at https://www.gapmedics. com/uk/
In contrast, if your fascination extends to languages e.g. Spanish, French or Italian, then all one needs to do is a little research. Here are some courses which may spark enthusiasm: - At University of Sheffield : Mechanical Engineering with German MEng - At Ulster University : Electronic Engineering and German Master’s Degree - At Imperial College London : MSci Chemistry with German for Science - At Cardiff University : Mechanical engineering with a year in Germany - At Imperial College London : BSc Biological Services with German Science - At UCL: Chemistry with a European Language. There are endless possibilities to see where your passions lie. All you need to do is research your opportunities. Once you have enlightened yourself of the very unique possibilities ensure you are fully equipped to pursue your dream career. So get out there and do what you want to do.
The Ignorance of the Arts by Vanessa
The future seems to have been given rise to a sparkling digital age: a myriad of possibility and invention in the hands of STEM. Yet literature seems to have been forgotten: a pile of dithering dusty books wilted by age and watered by nothing but absent interest. This perception loiters in the minds of many- a snaring seedling blossoming through stereotypes that are in due need of being addressed. Literature: a beating heart booming at the core of the complexities of both digital and real life. Or so it was. The arts have now become integrated into a vast and sweeping sludge of misconception. Instead, another industry has laid its foundations: one where you will become ‘richer’, ‘better’ and ‘more successful,’ or so people say. Now arise: the world of STEM. Standing for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math’s, STEM has influenced all of our lives. Whether from the digital age or scientific advancements, it is clear STEM is not just an abbreviation but the door to possibility. However, this doorway to greatness, this industry of great beauty which thrives in creativity, is now infused by a false belief: that it is an industry that should be held in greater esteem than others.
Slowly, this notion has been ingrained into us from various sources: from cultures whose focus lies primarily in the scientific industry, or from the endless opportunities, seemingly far greater in amount than the other subjects. A worrying aspect drip fed into us by society. Instead of acting as a gate to opportunity, this only presents a startling barrier from all those who passions lie elsewhere such as in languages or the spoken word. This therefore not only taints the perception of the arts but also STEM: those that enjoy both STEM and art subjects may feel they must choose the former as it guarantees employment prospects and disregard their passion for the latter. Most worryingly, however, is that the arts have so much to offer for STEM industries. Reading has been proven to help, one philosophise and develop their critical ideas; a crucial skill necessary for the development of ethical technology and a sustainable future.
Great scientists throughout history have all possessed this skill, seeing literature as providing a differing perspective of the world – one that could not be granted by only quantitative thinking. For example, the renowned scientist Albert Einstein, bore great influence to both the field of physics but also philosophy – the two working in unison to help garner the advancements that the world relies upon now. The next time, the arts are marred by the thorn of narrow perceptions, snaring ideals of success, remember that this sparkling digital age and future lies upon the arts and STEM working together. They thrive and blossom through sharing significance and understanding in both society and our minds. Slowly, this notion has been ingrained into us from various sources: from cultures whose focus lies primarily in the scientific industry, or from the end
Austerity: a necessary evil? By Leonardo
Austerity. The word so often heard in political debates, and the current centre of political polarisation. To the Conservative Party and the economic right is seen as the saviour of the British economy, but to the Labour party and the economic left it’s the death of the county’s social institutions provided by the government. So what is austerity and what are the effects on the country? Austerity is the process of a government reducing its public expenditure in response to a fiscal deficit. The policy of austerity within the United Kingdom was put into effect because of the 2007-2008 financial crisis when the United Kingdom’s economy shrunk in size due to a series of economic incidents. These factors led to the economic income received by the central government falling because of lower market confidence and investment, loss of business and less employment combined altogether with the increasing demand of public sector spending (for a greater need for benefits and further government assistance due to higher rates of unemployment) resulting in the government running into a deficit. Austerity within the UK saw a decrease in the deficit from 10% of GDP in 2010, to around 2% of GDP in 2017 and by 2015, the sale of government assets had resulted in government debt because of GDP falling.
This has resulted in the government requiring less borrowing from foreign powers and banks lessening the fiscal burden placed on the future generations of this country. In addition, reducing government spending drew parallels with the greater levels of employment and GDP growth, which rivalled Germany’s: the economic powerhouse and largest economy by GDP within Europe.
Austerity, in conjunction with other policies enacted by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government during 2010-2015 and the Conservative government of 2015 to the current day have helped put the United Kingdom’s economy back on track, minimising the fiscal downsides of the country’s situation.
Although, just like any economic doctrine or policy, austerity has downsides. With public services, such as the NHS being cut as a result of austerity, the people most reliant on government healthcare, suffer due to lower government spending in this particular sector. In 2017 research published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation identified an increase in child poverty and pensioner poverty compared to the previous year, a stark contrast to 20 years ago. Reductions in benefit support as a result of austerity was considered to be one of many contributing factors by the report. To conclude, the question, is austerity worth the social cost, will be shaped by your perception of the role of government. If you hold the belief that one of the government’s primary roles is to maintain the fiscal health of the country, you will most likely perceive austerity as the future of the country’s economy. If you perceive the primary role of government to provide social services to its citizens then austerity is a government policy that fails to meet the needs of the people. It’s purely a matter of perspective.
Arrival Film Review By Hope King
The Oscar nominated film ‘Arrival’ is a remarkable science-fiction movie which explores the phenomenal power of languages. Since it is based on an alien invasion which dominates the Earth, you may refer to similar films in this genre. Yet swiftly it is evident that ‘Arrival’ has a much more optimistic tone compared to other movies in the Science-fiction genre. The protagonist Louise- an outstanding linguistics expert- is the fundamental key to addressing the intentions of the 12 extraterrestrial ships scattered across the globe. When she is taken into one of the ships by the US Military, she quickly develops a relationship with the beings. Louise is unlike most in society and holds no hostility towards the aliens, instead she uses her intelligence to unpick their intentions with an audacious approach. She continuously asks questions, overcoming many obstacles when translating the creatures’ language. In the end the message she discovers is beyond anything anyone expected and holds great importance to the human race. Overall Louise wasn’t just a translator but someone who reconstructed the mind-set of humanity. Arrival has a compelling and vital message about the world we live in and the way we perceive language.
Undoubtedly, the film depicts of the importance of communication and society’s perception of unknown cultures. It also stipulates many questions about our ability to fully comprehend someone that we can’t initially interact with verbally. Reminding us that relationships can form regardless of initial barriers to communication and the outstanding benefits we can get from other cultures.
Time’s up By Shamima
Recently, a feminist movement erupted with a clear mission to diminish sexual harassment and inequality in the workplace. The “Time’s Up” organisation aims to support the hundreds of women in the entertainment industry, but also others as well, who have been raped, sexually harassed or disrespected by their colleagues because of their gender. While they’re still far from abolishing harassment, the Hollywood women of Time’s Up have been granted a large platform in the wake of #MeToo campaign and the motive of these campaigns aren’t focussed on themselves but are on behalf of all
women that have been unspoken for when faced with this form of discrimination. To celebrate this new, improved and long-awaited era of Hollywood, celebrities wore black at the Golden Globe Awards 2018. The whole event was painted with a sea of ebony and silver as actresses and actors walked on the red carpet, proudly and openly supporting women’s rights. As a response to the “Me Too” movement as well, some actresses such as Emma Watson and Meryl Streep, also brought along with them activists who have worked tirelessly to obtain sexual and racial equality for all. As if she couldn’t get any more amazing, Oprah Winfrey made a truly spectacular speech at the award ceremony- being the first black woman to receive the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. In her speech, Oprah addressed issues of race and gender that warmed the hearts and dampened the faces of everyone in the room even the people behind the screens. She told the story of the unsung hero Recy Taylor who had recently passed away and how misogyny had affected her and her family’s lives. Oprah lit up the room and became a beacon of hope for countless people and inspired men and women to believe in a better world: “For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up.”
Why everyone should learn another language By Divna
Federico Fellini said: “a different language is a different vision of life.” For centuries mankind has spoken. We have used speech to achieve, to progress, but also to destroy. Words can singularly be the inspiration for mass murder, whilst simultaneously being figments of beauty and vehicles for inspiration. But what has caused humanity to start taking speech and language for granted? Languages are not simple subjects but are in fact more ambiguous than anyone could imagine. Their origins are ancient and complex and many phrases and expressions from other languages cannot be translated into another. Aside from the enigmatic nature of language, why does it matter? Multilingualism is one of the most rewarding capabilities one can have: not only is it practical when travelling abroad but, psychologically, research shows that knowing several languages can make a person more fulfilled, self-confident, and outgoing. Linguistic knowledge can differentiate you from others and also open you up to fruitful cultures from every corner of the world,that can fascinate and enrich you. For example, knowing French or Russian has extraordinary benefits for literature and film lovers. Being able to read books such as War and Peace or Les Miserables in their native language is in fact shockingly different and more beautiful than just reading them in English.
Furthermore, film fanatics will be enchanted by being able to watch cinematic masterpieces (Masculin Feminin - Francois Truffaut, Le silence de la merJean-Pierre Melville) without subtitles. Most importantly, learning a new language is a new experience, it’s a step out of our comfort zone; the safe shells in which we revel to comfortably rest in.
Unfortunately, we have seen a decline in acceptance of other cultures and rejection to diversity in recent years. This has manifested itself in many societal milestones: most notably the election of Donald Trump.
We dwell in the age of laziness, and although we don’t admit it, we have birthed a culture of arrogance and apathy which we make an effort to repress but in fact stop us from progressing. We reject languages and deem them unimportant, even though knowing languages in the workplace has significant benefit: being multilingual can rocket one’s reputation in the eyes of an employer. Although it may sound far-fetched, the foreign tongue is a formidable way to venture into unchartered territories, to push our own limits, and perceive the world in a new way. So I urge everyone, even if it is in a small, discreet way, try to explore a new language, immerse yourself in a foreign culture, even if that means watching a foreign film or spending as little as five minutes a day learning new words. It is these small practices and habits in life which make all the difference and rewire us to be more gracious individuals that live life to the very fullest.
Why Latin is important By Varia
Latin: a fundamental subject of great significance or a deceased language wrongly imposed by a lifeless teaching system? In reception, the beginning of formal education, language lessons include ‘phonics’. Those wanting to study English generally come to understand that the language itself is a combination of many others, most notably – Latin. Ironically, we do not currently teach Latin in the most accurate way from our early years like we do with phonics and since, like phonics, Latin is root of all the Romantic languages, surely it should be treated with the same respect? It has been proven that the only truly methodical way to continue the study of the English language after phonics is to teach Latin, making the study of Latin paramount for those who aspire to specialise in English Language. Students who study Latin develop an interest in words. They learn something they had never thought of before.
Latin has also been proven to be more helpful than taking vocabulary courses and teaches you the history of words. An example of this is the Latin word for father Pater which forms the root of similar words such as patriarchy, paternal and patrimony. All of these words derive from Pater and even share its meaning as all in some way relate to a father or authoritative figure.
Now, think back to the scientific words we know so well biology, chemistry or psychology. All these words are taken directly from the Latin language. An important part of science is learning the vocabulary that comes along with it and Latin provides the root for many specialised terms for not one, but all the modern sciences.
Knowing Latin helps us understand the links between words and their meanings, ultimately, boosting our vocabulary and understanding of our language.
Not only does Latin provide the root words for modern sciences but it is also the language of politics, law and theology. All legal terms are in Latin as the Romans excelled in the practical arts including in law and government. Our legal and political language used is from Latin and so Latin is therefore indispensable for a business or law graduate.
We live in an era dominated by science which often leads to parents asking, “Why study something useless and impractical like Latin? What we need is more science and math education.” However this is erroneous; many scientific terms derive from ancient languages such as Greek and Latin and are still used today. This is particularly prevalent in industries such as medicine.
All in all, Latin is proven to be a principle factor when studying English Language, Science and Law. Although Latin may contribute to strengthening students’ understanding in many other subjects, it is still uncertain whether the language itself is critically important in the modern world aligned with such as French, Spanish or German. However, for those studying for certain jobs – doctors, lawyers, teachers etc. – this dead language is proving to be alive and well.
Can you find these greetings? Be the first to bring your completed
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wordsearch to Mr Beard for a prize Ahoy konichiwa Bom dia namaste Bonjour ni hao Ciao Gday Goddag Good day Good morning Greetings Guten tag Hail Hej Hey Hi there konichiwa
Tickets for our school’s awesome production available now!
Caption competition The pupil who offers the best caption before the end of this term will receive 5 positives!