BAROMETER THe ApRIL - MAY 2023 HALF TERm 5
CONTENTS:
Houses of Parliament TripJonathan R, Year 12
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead - Coby L, Year 11
Operation Mincemeat - Alan L R, Year 9
Inter-Trib Creative Writing Competition: A Christmas Story - Leo A, Year 8
Trib Drama: CockroachesKaveh K, Year 11
Year 7: Mixed Media Collages inspired by Scott Garrett
Arjun’s Science Update - Arjun D, Year 12
Brass and Wind Day - Felipe E, Year 8
Hampton Court Visit - Manu K, Year 8
Folgarida Ski Trip - Felipe E, Year 8
Duke of Edinburgh - Zain H, Year 12
An Insight into Minimalism in Interior Design - Sebastian A, Year 12
Year 9: Landscapes inspired by Van Gogh
The Future of Marylebone Village - Sebastian A, Year 12
The Howard de Walden EstatePaul C, Year 12
Hello Kitty - Daniel W, Year 9
Air Pollution - Kaveh K, Year 11
The Hawker Hurricane: The Secret Hero of WWII - Jasper H, Year 10
The X-10: The Flying MissileJasper H, Year 10
The Role of Peacekeeping Troops in Ukraine - Andreas R, Year 12
NFL Draft - Sam M, Year 10
Can Red Bull’s Formula 1 Team be Beaten? - Jonathan R, Year 12
Juventus - Fifteen Points Deduction - Panos K, Year 9
Cover photograph by Sammy Shawkat, Year 9
Write for the Barometer
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To submit articles or cover photos, join the Barometer club at Friday lunchtimes (B11)
Or, you can email Mr s Bradley at nicola.bradley
@wetherbysenior.co.uk
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HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT TRIP
they were too weak, compared to the king, to rival him. This subsequently decreased the power the House of Lords.
The House of Lords has crimson red seats and, in the middle of the chamber, are two big sofas. The House of Lords has 776 members. When you are in the chamber you cannot believe how they can fit 776 Lords into the chamber, but they do.
Jonathan R, Year 12 writes...
On Wednesday 22nd March, Year our 12 A Level Politics class went for a tour around Houses of Parliament. We spotted a few famous faces and got to enter the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
The establishing of the House of Commons dates back to 1327, since Edward III came to the throne. When he became king, the Knights of the Shire and the Burgesses became a permanent part of parliament.
After 1332, they sat together in one chamber and the chamber was known as the House of Commons. The House of Commons has olive green seats and, above every chair, is a microphone hanging on a thin wire from the ceiling. This is because, every Wednesday, Prime Minister’s questions is aired on television for the nation. At every corner of the House of Commons are large cameras, used to capture every MP’s face.
The House of Lords was established in Edward III’ s reign. The House of Lords consisted
originally of borough and shire representatives. Until the fifteenth century, the House of Lords was significantly more powerful than the House of Commons. The civil war in the fifteenth century killed a lot of the nobility, this caused the king to gain most of the power in England, making nobility and their armies obsolete because
Outside the entrance of the House of Lords is a large statue of Queen Victoria. Her husband, Prince Albert, built the statue because he wanted Queen Victoria to not be afraid or nervous when entering the House of Lords. Apparently, she was frightened every time she attended the meetings because she was the only woman with hundreds of men.
Drive your plow over the bones of the dead
Coby L, Year 11 writes…
GCSE Drama pupils took a trip on 23rd March to watch Complicité’s Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead. Throughout my two years of GCSE Drama, I have attended various plays such as Blood Brothers,A Streetcar Named Desire, and Leopoldstadt, but this performance was by far the most unique production I have seen.
Located in London, Complicité is a well-known company that has been pushing the boundaries of theatre since 1983. They are famous for producing immersive and thought-provoking performances that merge text, music, projections, and physical acting to create ambiguous scenes. After the play, we were able to attend a Q&A session with the actors, who shared their experience of working at Complicité. They revealed that the play was continuously evolving as it did not have a fixed script,
and that some scenes were even constructed on the day of the performance. This seemed insane given that our class spent months preparing for our acting exams on a twenty-minute extract.
The play was about an elderly woman, called Janina, who looked after people’s houses in Poland throughout the harsh winters. She lived in a remote region with only a few quirky neighbours and friend, then things took a turn for the worse when people began to be found dead. The play endeavoured to tackle problems of hunting and vegetarianism, which is particularly significant with our increasing of awareness for the environment, through the idea of animals fighting back and reclaiming their land. It also explored the idea of fate and horoscopes, which I found nteresting as I had previously thought of star signs as meaningless and nonsensical.
I found the design of the play was great as it had captivating lighting and sound, plus stunning projections that added details to the minimalistic set.
One of my favourite moments was when the three main characters were driving through a forest, and the projection of a snowy setting created a mesmerising effect that brought the stage to life. However, despite the impressive design, for the majority of Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, the main character stood at the microphone and other actors would act out movements depicting what she was saying. There were some moments where she would interact with the people around her but these were not plentiful, so was hard to focus on the overall message.
Despite what I found to be an unengaging delivery of the story, it did manage to evoke questions about my omnivorous diet, as the
play highlighted the immorality of killing and eating animals by portraying them as more intelligent and thoughtful than we
currently perceive them as. Personally, I didn’t love the play, as I felt it had too many different sub plots that were ineffective.
However, I would recommend Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead to anyone interested in lighting design or philosophy.
Operation Mincemeat
Alan L R, Year 9 writes...
On Wednesday 19th April, I went with our School to see a new musical, Operation Mincemeat. It talks about a party of Mi5 agents trying to work out how to win the Second World War.
As the agents struggle with ideas, they refuse help from a biologist willing to help them, since they don’t remember him working there (even though he had worked
there for six years!). In the end Montague, an agent, asks him what his plan would be and he suggests to get a dead man, pretend he was an RAF pilot who had crashed into the sea and put some false plans on him about invading Sardinia, in order to get Hitler to move his troops away from their actual attack spot.
The biologist and Montague team up and pitch their plan, but you will have to watch the musical in order to know the rest!
This play had a unique trait since there were only five actors, and they all changed roles, sometimes during the same scene! They demonstrated being someone new by changing their clothes and personality to such an extent that, if had look at them in only one character, I would say they had rehearsed solely in that character!
The design of the play was very good. Although it was no Phantom of the Opera,they made it work so well and kept everything fast paced and comedic. The songs were fantastic and funny, However, the one that stood out to memost was the first - Born To Lead - which outlined how they were protecting England and that it was such an essential job.
In the end, I thought Operation Mincemeat was nice to all ages, and would make you laugh a lot.
INTER-TRIB CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION
As promised, in our last edition, here is another winning story from our Inter-Trib Creative Writing Competition, chosen by Michael Mann, a celebrated children’s author.
Lower School winner, Leo A, Year 8 writes...
Christmas Snow Story
It was a bleak morning, the air was damp with misery and hatred as I slouched out of my great ugly bed, I looked out the window, and took a breath as I saw London as I had never seen it covered in a bleak white mist, the sun penetrating the white morning air as I took another breath, and another, and another. As my eyes acclimated to the light of the sun, I took a step out of my room, expecting a heavy black filth to cover my window. I walked down the sad lonely steps of my house, creeks reverberated through the halls, I was alone, I drew myself a cup of tea, thinking what was to come, what I would have to face. The dangers of my difficult work and my employer. The snow would create a dangerous drive but I knew I had to endure as the last straw with him. I’d been late for work five times enough My tea spilled all over my morning robe. Yes, it was time for me to change into my uniform. I put on my worn and ragged pants, buttoned up my beautiful linen shirt, and put on my cotton sweater full of holes, which was a vivid blue that stood out among the London regulars. My pants, however, were dark and dirty, just like the protesting coal workers who filled the streets. I’d stroll down those rickety steps once again. Down on my knees to that hard wooden floor to clean up my hot morning tea, I could hear the rats scuttling on the floorboards, eating away at
what was left of my meal from the day before. I flung them up into the sink, finished off what was left of a stale baguette, put on my old cap, and left the home.
As I opened the door, I felt a great rush of wind on my face, and I felt like I was transported to another world. I took a moment, and I could feel my body slowly lifting, and a great smile appeared on my face. I’ve been known to be a miserable man, but for the first time in forever, I knew it would take a great disappointment to remove this glowing grin off my face. I took one step out into the very cold frosty morning, and I could feel the crunching of the snow beneath my feet, and then another, and another, and another, and nothing could dull the burning fire within of me. I felt like the happiest man in the planet, and I could hear the birds singing now. I walked with a particular stride that made me feel like a king, I seem to walk with urgency and longing to do well in the world. I saw the nearest dirty black revolting cab and hopped right into it, though my bum really did seem to burn, I was determined yet again to conquer the day. I looked out the window of the cab to see the London regulars slugging away at their normal London jobs I thought to myself I could tell there was a certain hint to them a certain misery maybe feel like Scrooge sitting there in a cab going to my boring job course in the end everyone in London was a London regular and I guess that included me, after all I was no royal, no rich extravagant man, I was merely an mechanical supervisor.
I arrived at work, another factory, another day. I checked machine after machine, these men had no idea what they were doing pushing
and pulling and hacking and slashing then I came to the large VAT of acid they used to make clothes but unlike the others I could just ignore there were large clumps of snow in there. I knew it wasn’t supposed to be that way but I also knew I would have to shut this factory down. I went to the closest manager and asked him if he knew about this, and he responded by speaking to me in a huge, thick voice. I think this is crazy because my plant uses the latest technology and has the best employees in the area.
I advised him to shut down the plant, and I promised to inform Mr. Harkrodanald. My boss knew there would be protests, of course, but I was unprepared for what was about to happen because these men had been starved and had no money or food. They were prepared to kill for what I had; they had already killed for that job, and they were prepared to kill me. I tried to explain to them, but because I was outnumbered, they forced me into a corner, and I wondered whether it would have been worthwhile to approach them and tell them that; it is too late now. My face was dripping with perspiration. I could feel my feet becoming uneasy as they moved back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, my heart pounded, my lungs gasping for air, pleading me, no, just a bit more, just a bit more. I was back into a corner again, further and closer, further and closer to the pit of acid that had caused these men to lose their jobs, felt like I was being hunted by a pack of lions and then I fell down, down. I could feel my life leaving my body, this was the end no one would remember. I felt a scorching feeling on my skin, followed by blackness.
INTER-TrIB DRAMA: COCKROACHES
Kaveh K, Year 11 writes...
Inter-Trib Drama 2023: Cockroaches
As the Spring Term came to a close, Wetherby Senior School hosted one of its most competitive events of the year: Inter-Trib Drama. This competition, organised by Miss Twomey, involves a purpose-written play split into five scenes for all five Tribs, with each scene being equal in length and significance in the wider story.
This year, the play was a thrilling whodunnit called Cockroaches. It told the story of Bridlington, a frustrated prison guard, as he is tasked with solving a mystery that involves a note, a murderous threat and five prisoners; one of whom (according to the note), is planning to murder another.
Set within the confines of the prison, Bridlington gets increasingly stressed as he tries to unravel the clues to discover that
not everything is as it appears. And, all the while, the clock ticks down…
Preparation for the big night began months before the final performance. Right at the beginning of the Spring Term, each scene was cast, which required six actors from every Trib, and at least one director. After a team had been assembled, rehearsals took place every Friday, in the lunchtime club slot. Over the course of the term, each Trib iterated through basic blocking,
memorising lines, refining and improving.
Monday 27th March saw the dress rehearsal, followed by the first performance, allowing each Trib 48 hours to improve their scene, before the final performance the following Thursday. By the time Thursday evening came around, the atmosphere was highly competitive.
First to perform was Walbrook, which immediately set a high bar for performance quality, and had excellent chemistry between all six actors. After that, it was Effra, which included a number of younger years, yet still managed to bring an impressive energy and volume, followed by Fleet, with a tangible manic energy and excitement that closed out the first half. After the interval, Ravensbourne swept the stage with creative staging and direction, excellently utilising crosscutting. Finally, to end the play, was Tyburn, a very strong team.
Trib groups then waited anxiously to find out the winners of each
category while an external judge, who had watched the entire performance, came to her decisions. The award winners were:
Best director- Maani N, Fleet
Most engaging actor- Oscar F, Fleet
Best characterisation- Matteo M, Ravensbourne
5th place - Tyburn
4th place - Walbrook
3rd place - Effra
2nd place - Fleet
1st place - Ravensbourne
Totals:
Tyburn = 20 points
Walbrook = 40 points
Effra = 60 points
Fleet = 100 points
Ravensbourne = 110 points
Well done to everyone involved, and congratulations to Effra, Fleet and Ravensbourne.
YEAR 7: MIXED MEDIA COLLAGES INSPIRED BY SCOTT GARRETT
ARJUN’s SCIENCE UPDATE
Arjun D, Year 12 writes...
‘Snowflakes’ of yeast uncover secrets of our evolution following an experiment with 600 repeats!
Hundreds of millions of years ago, life on earth transitioned from unicellular (single-celled) organisms to multicellular (many-celled) organisms, and ‘snowflakes’ of yeast hints at how.
Thousands of the unicellular yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) have competed for survival every day in an Atlanta lab, eventually becoming multicellular about a decade into the process!
These yeast cells offer insight into what it was like when eukaryotic (containing a nucleus) cells first became multicellular.
There are two processes unicellular organisms can undergo to become multicellular:
1. Aggregation - Organism develops unicellular and multicellular stages in its life cycle, eg Dictyostelium (species with a nucleus) is found in leaf litter from forests to deserts. They become unicellular when nutrients in leaf litter are high, increasing their surface area to volume ratio. This maximises food absorption. However, when nutrients are low, cells of Dictyostelium become multicellular, turning into a dormant cyst (hollow cavity) to conserve energy.
or
2. Post division adhesion - Division of single cell by
mitosis (cell division producing genetically identical cells) without cell separation because divided cells are strongly attracted to each other, eg Clustered snowflakephenotype (structure) of yeast remain multicellular under both high-and low-nutrient conditions because cells are attracted to each other so post division adhesion is used to make yeast multicellular.
Life cycle of multicellular yeast
The life cycle of multicellular yeast is:
1. Propagule (structure that can be detached to produce new multicelled organism, ie baby yeast) from parent yeast
2. Juvenile phase
3. Adult phase
This keeps repeating and clusters of yeast are genetically identical.
What caused yeast to become multicellular?
Unicellular yeast cells were placed in nutrient rich liquid.
Multicellular yeast sinks in liquid more quickly than unicellular yeast, so they can access more nutrients more quickly as cells settle to bottom of nutrient solution. Therefore, multicellular yeast are more likely to survive than unicellular yeast (they have calculated a 34% advantage in surviving, compared to unicellular cells). This means that the unicellular yeast is encouraged to become multicellular.
Sixty days later it worked: the first snowflake of multicellular yeast appeared because of a mutation (random change in structure of gene) that caused unicellular yeast cells to stay bonded to each other, when they divide, producing multicellular yeast snowflakes!
Key stages in development of multicellular organism:
1. Unicellular DNA forms clusters
- In yeast, a mutation (rare and random change in structure of gene) caused new yeast cells to stay bonded and each cell of multicellular yeast can form a new ‘snowflake’ cluster by cell division.
2. Adaptations of multicelled organism that benefit organism as a whole are much more frequent than adaptations that benefit just individual cells - In yeast, programmed cell death (apoptosis) increases the number of offspring (propagules) even though it decreases size of offspring. This is because cells programmed to die (apoptotic) act as breaking points to produce a greater number of offspring (propagules) from a given number of cells.
3. Cells within a cluster carry out specific tasks which must increase cluster-level fitness (ie the ability of the cluster to survive) - In yeast, some cells are offspring (propagules) attached to parent, while others are involved in maintaining structure of yeast. Both contribute to cluster survival as an organism.
Side effects of multicellularity seen in yeast
1. Larger size, as cell division occurs cells are attracted to each other and so do not separate.
2. New structures form in yeast clusters. For example, branches form in clusters of cells and are clones of multicellular yeast, which eventually separates from parent yeast.
3. Cells specialise into reproductive and nonreproductive tasks, instead of one cell undergoing all these processes. This is shown by evolution of cells in clusters.
What have we learned about multicellularity in yeast (hinting to humans)?
1. Multicellularity can evolve very quickly, under the right conditions, as seen by yeast within 60 days in solution.
2. Unicellular yeast divides into two daughter cells of similar size. However, in multicellular yeast, propagules (offspring) are less than half the size of the parent. So, to produce offspring a cluster has to be a certain size. This is the difference between juvenile and adult life stages.
In general, multicellularity has evolved in many unrelated
groups of organisms and, by uncovering the story of yeast, we now have more insight into what humans were like when we first multicelled.
Mysteries still awaiting discovery: Can clumps of ‘snowflake’ yeast develop ways to get nutrients to their innermost members?
In transition from unicellular to multicellular organisms, which cell structures are lost due to extinction?
BRASS AND WIND DAY
Felipe E, Year 8 writes...
First of all, I would like to say that Mr Pippen (Head of Concert Band) and Mr Lewis ( Head of Brass Band) are brilliant conductors! Teaching us on and off, for nearly seven hours, is no easy feat, and especially when you have lost your voice!
Our day started at Hannah House and some highly-talented musicians arrived from Bishops Challoner, Godstone Prep and Portland Place School. We played a lot of ‘80s music including Take on Me, Final Countdown, and Sweet Child O’mine. The dedication that was shown by all was amazing.
Alongside those from Wetherby Senior, we also had some specialists teachers from the schools that took part, which was really good.
We ended this wonderful day with a concert, which was attended by some parents and members of staff. All in all, it was great practice for our upcoming tour to Disneyland, Paris!
During our Year 8 trip to Hampton Court, I had the chance to explore the captivating world of Henry VIII and the Tudors. This experience left me with a valuable understanding of this fascinating period in history. Here are some key things that I learned on this visitt:
Henry VIII’s Palace: Hampton Court itself was evidence to the wealth and greatness of Henry VIII’s court. Exploring the Great Hall gave me a sense of the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by the Tudor monarchs and their courtiers. The beautiful tapestries, excellent furniture, and detailed architecture showcased the wealth and power of the era.
Tudor Kitchens: One of the highlights of my visit was the Tudor Kitchens. This area provided a glimpse into the enormous scale of food preparation during the Tudor period. From massive fireplaces
HAMPTON COURT VISIT
to the display of cooking utensils, I learned about the complex processes involved in feeding the royal household and the logistics of serving lavish feasts.
Henry VIII’s wives: Hampton Court brought to life the stories of Henry VIII’s six wives. Walking through the bastion, I could imagine the complexities and challenges faced by each queen. From Catherine of Aragon to Catherine Parr, I gained a deeper understanding of the personal and political implications of these marriages and the consequences they had for both the monarchy and the country.
The Haunted Gallery: The Haunted Gallery at Hampton Court intrigued me with its tales of paranormal activity. Learning about Catherine Howard’s ghost and the mysterious occurrences in this gallery added a layer of curiosity to my visit. It reminded me that history is not just about facts and figures but also involves legends and the human experience.
Tudor gardens: The grounds surrounding Hampton Court were a beautiful retreat. Exploring the gardens allowed me to enjoy the Tudor love for nature and the art of landscaping. It made me realise that the Tudor period was not just about political issues but also an appreciation for beauty and leisure.
Tudor life and vulture: Hampton Court provided evidence of aspects of Tudor life and culture. From the interactive exhibits to the displays of historical artifacts, I gained a sense of the daily routines, clothing, and pastimes of the Tudor era. These insights added depth to my understanding of the topic.
Overall, our visit to Hampton Court was a great experience. It allowed me to step back in time and connect with the lives and legacies of Henry VIII and the Tudors. The court itself, with its majesty and history, provided a tangible link to the past.
Manu K, Year 8 writes...
FOLGARIDA SKI TRIP
Felipe E, Year 8 writes...
Day 1
At 7.30am on Saturday 1st April, all 50 of us arrived in Hannah House with our heavy bags and backpacks. We went to Gatwick with our teachers : Miss Walters, Mr Smith, Mr Stokoe, Mr Wynter and Mr Thornton.
After checking in and passing security, we boarded our flight to Verona. Once in Italy, we rok our second coach ride of the journey, which was about double the amount of our travel to Gatwick. We then arrived at the hotel to have dinner and sort our ski stuff, before heading to bed after more than 12 hours of travelling
Day 2 (first day of skiing)
We all woke up at 6.30am, still quite tired from the day before. We walked down to the gondola that took us to the top of the mountain, which was our first sight of snow.
We got settled and went off in our respective ski groups. There were some people on the ski trip that
had never gone skiing before and they went on the same chairlift as the intermediate groups, which was amazing!
We then came down for lunch after a good morning of skiing, without too much time spent waiting for chairlifts). After eating, we went back up and had a great afternoon of skiing. We then skied back to the gondola, which took us down to the hotel.
Day 3
We all woke up at 6.30am again, having slept better because of how tired we had been. Breakfast was quite simple and the, this day, we started skiing straight down to the gondola. (Our beginner group still walked to the gondola). We again met up at the top of the mountain.
My group went over to Maddona di Campaglio, another mountain in the ski resort. I found that the gondolas there were a lot more modern. We then skied all the way back to the gondola, which took us back to the hotel. That afternoon was the first time we were able to ski down to the hotel.
That night we went to the pizzeria and had a fun evening of activities.
The following mornings and afternoons turned out to be as you would expect on a ski trip.
Day 7 (Travel day)
We got on the coach at 9.30am and set off for Verona Airport, arriving with plenty of time to spare.
We went through passports (on the Italian side) and then boarded our plane. We landed back in London and went through passports (the second time), before making our coach journey from Gatwick straight back to our School.
A massive thank you must go to all our teachers for putting up with our shenanigans during the trip.
In addition, Mr Underwood also deserves credit for setting up and organising a wonderful opportunity to go skiing.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Zain H, Year 12 writes...
Over the last bank holiday weekend, our Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition took place in the Chilterns. The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DoE) provides young people with the opportunity to develop life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving through outdoor activities.
Boys doing their Silver DoE expedition left on Thursday 3rd May. They started their journey with a great day of sunshine, verging on perfect walking
conditions. Both groups then set up their first campsite, ready to be joined by the Bronze DoE groups the next day.
On Friday 4th May, our seven Bronze DoE groups started their journey. Having had a pleasant day, most boys were in high spirits. Both Bronze and Silver DoE groups then set up tents in the same campsite, preparing for the next day and cooking dinner.
All food had to be made by groups on their own, without any sort of help or supervision from the instructors. As we can see in these
pictures, boys really put in their maximum effort for the entire group to have enough food and be satisfied!
Unfortunately, on the final day, the weather was not as kind as we had hoped for. Even though there was constant heavy rain, every single person involved put in their best effort to finish their expedition, make their way to the coach and get home.
Overall, all involved had a great expedition and developed lifelong skills which, hopefully, our Bronze DoE groups will be able to apply in their potential Silver DoE expedition!
AN INSIGHT INTO MINIMALISIM IN INTERIOR DESIGN
Sebastian A, Year 12 writes...
Minimalism has recently been heavily popularised in housing design, especially interiors. This comes from the wave of “modern houses” and their simple forms and colours.
Minimalism is a design style that emerged in the 1960s as an art movement, although variations of minimalism can be traced back to the 1930s with artists like Piet Mondrian creating his famous piece, Composition with Red Blue and Yellow. Nowadays, when applied to architecture, minimalism is characterised by the use of simple basic forms, neutral colours, and a focus on functionality over aesthetic. In interior design, minimalism means creating a space that is clean, uncluttered, and organised. It is a style that emphasises simplicity, with the idea that less is more.
Minimalism is achieved through the use of clean lines, symmetry, simple shapes, a neutral colour pallet and a focus on functionality. This means that furniture and decor is chosen based on usefulness and purpose, rather than aesthetic appeal. Minimalist spaces are typically free of clutter and excess, with only the essentials on display. Usually, minimalistic interiors can cause a feeling of coldness but, done correctly with light beiges and greys, can create a sense of calm and order in the room. A minimalist space can help reduce distractions and promote productivity.
There are several different types
and variations of minimalist interior design, each with its own unique characteristics. These are the most popular styles:
Japanese minimalism: This form of minimalism is inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. It focuses on creating peaceful environments. This is carried out by incorporating natural materials such as wood and bamboo. There is also an emphasis on open spaces and natural light, accompanied by simplicity and a sense of harmony.
Industrial minimalism: Quite opposite to the calming nature of the Japanese minimalism, industrial minimalism combines raw and utilitarian elements to form its own unique style. It often features materials like exposed brick, unpainted concrete walls, metal accents and a monochromatic colour scheme. Industrial minimalist interiors have a sleek and cold
feel, with a sense of efficiency in their functionality, which is often exaggerated by minimalistic furniture.
Modern Minimalism: Perhaps the most well-known, modern minimalistic interiors embrace a streamlined look with minimal ornamentation, accompanied by sharp lines and edges. These designs often feature large open plans, big windows, and a focus on how natural light interacts with different shapes. Modern minimalist interiors usually utilise neutral colour schemes, with potential of subtle accents of more vibrant colours. These interiors prioritise organisation and simplicity, while incorporating contemporary design elements.
Although there are many variations in minimalistic interior design, they all have the same main objective, to create neutral, simple, and most importantly, functional interiors.
YEAR 9: LANDSCAPES INSPIRED BY VAN GOGH
THE FUTURE OF MARYLEBONE VILLAGE
Sebastian A, Year 12 writes...
As one travels through central London, a continuous sense of excitement follows but, take a turn away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, and one will find themselves in an area where life moves at a gentler pace. Nestled in the heart of London, Marylebone Village stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. This charming area has captivated residents and visitors with its picturesque streets, abundant culinary scene, and harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
While Marylebone Village continues to honour its past, with restaurants such as Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecote, it also embraces its future with new independent restaurants, shops and innovative projects. The neighbourhood has recently witnessed a wave of sustainable initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility and conservation. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions include the City of Westminster’s project to lower carbon emissions. Since 2019, across the whole council, there has been an 11.4% reduction in emissions.
Alongside this, Marylebone Village is now a Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN). Working with the City of Westminster, many new changes have been implemented with progression to follow. These include a charge on diesel vehicles entering the area, 180 square metres of planted trees, cycle lanes across the neighbourhood and 60 electric car charging stations.
One of the most notable changes is improved pedestrian areas. Sections of the village have been losed to cars, allowing more areas to walk and a more open feel. There is also an abundance of large green spaces that are regularly maintained, providing areas for recreation and relaxation.
Marylebone High Street is a treasured destination within the Marylebone Village. While the street already possesses a unique allure, along with
the improvements previously mentioned, there is a tremendous effort to promote local and independent businesses.
Marylebone High Street is known for its independent shops and boutiques but, with the modern age of chain restaurants and retail stores, Marylebone aims to keep these businesses off the street, to preserve the unique diversity that it provides. This promotes local businesses and a place where individuality can thrive.
THE HOWARD DE WALDEN ESTATE
Paul C, Year 12 writes...
The Howard de Walden Estate is responsible for overseeing a diverse community of residents, educational institutions, and businesses.
Founded in 1834, to manage the family’s substantial property holdings, the company has expanded and currently owns 92 acres of land in Marylebone, which covers over 850 properties.
The company holds an exceptional reputation and is widely commended for its commitment towards preserving the heritage and character of the Marylebone area. Nonetheless, it continues to invest in the future and develop Marylebone sustainably for the future. Howard de Walden Estates have worked closely with local communities and stakeholders,
in order to create a vibrant and unique area which attracts business, residents and visitors.
In March, our A Level Geography class were lucky to have a visit from the Howard de Walden Estates’ CEO, to speak about the company’s role in the community and commitment to the area’s development, and answered all our questions.
Howard de Walden Estates’ CEO spoke about the recent and distinctive development of Marylebone Village. He s mentioned the importance of having a variety of independent clothing shops for women and how they hoped to have more independent clothing shops for men as well. Howard de Walden Estates expressed their desire to have independent and distinctive shops in order to attract visitors.
One of the company’s largest occupying sectors is the healthcare sector, which accounts for over 40% of their rents. The Howard de Walden Estate recognises the importance of providing healthcare services of the highest level for the local community. They share spaces to high-end healthcare providers such as hospitals, clinics, and specialist practitioners. King Edward’s VII’s hospital is one of the most prestigious hospitals globally, and lies at the heart of Marylebone.
This was incredibly insightful for the A Level geographers, who study Marylebone as a case study for their A Level. We truly look forward to seeing the continued positive impact that the Howard de Walden Estate will have on our community, and thank them for their visit.
HELLO KITTY
How big is the Hello Kitty franchise?
Hello Kitty has enjoyed a massive presence in pop culture. She has been cemented as one of the world’s most famous characters and successfully marketed in practically any product and media. She started as a character on accessories and stationery. In fact, Sanrio originally used her to increase the appeal of unassuming products, following the observations of Sanrio founder, Shintaro Tsuji, on the success generated by simply adding cute designs to sandals. Hello Kitty’s first appearance was on a vinyl purse, and she is still marketed on merchandise but, now, she is the reason some products are created in the first place.
There have been multiple Hello Kitty animated series over the years, usually including an ensemble cast of other Sanrio characters and Hello Kitty’s relatives. Most animated series have targeted a pre-school audience with a simple story structure and three shows have opted to adapt popular fairytales, rather than producing original plots, perhaps due to the sparse characterisation of Sanrio characters in most media.
Most productions originate in Japan, with Japanese dialogue, and have been dubbed into other languages because of Hello Kitty’s global popularity, usually direct to video. Although past distribution methods have been through home media and television syndication, recent series are now published
online, on YouTube, like Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, with an appropriately shorter runtime for individual episodes.
Specialty Sanrio stores in high streets and shopping centres provide merchandise that wouldn’t have as much success in a general store, and have a greater appeal for fans of Sanrio characters with products that make sense inserting into a collection, notably plushies and figurines.
Hello Kitty establishments, like cafes, have been opened globally and offer a menu of sweet snacks designed like Hello Kitty or branded packaging. Cafés are also constructed in a bright pink palette and are plastered with cute patterns that feature major Sanrio characters, serving to reinforce the very cute atmosphere.
The Sanrio Puroland is a larg indoor theme park in Tama New Town, Tokyo, which challenged the Disneyland empire with their own cast of characters. It hosts attractions like a boat ride
(that has a story involving Sanrio characters preparing a party for Hello Kitty,) a walk through a manor decorated in Hello Kitty’s image, and live stage shows.
Hello Kitty’s global success has prompted numerous collaborations with popular companies and characters. These often feature Sanro’s cast of cute characters, maybe alongside characters from series like Doraemon, on promotional art or decorated on apparel collections. A common catalyst for these collaborations are anniversary celebrations between collaborators, because of the magnitude and strong reputation that Hello Kitty has throughout multiple generations, attracting numerous brands. Notable Hello Kitty collaborators includes Gundam, Pusheen, GIRL Skateboards, Nike, Puma, Swatch, and Pringles.
It’s clear that, with the enormous volume of Hello Kitty merchandise and Sanrio endeavours, you can find almost anything with Hello Kitty on it.
Daniel W, Year 9 writes...
Every year an estimated seven million premature deaths internationally are caused by air pollution, according to the WHO. Whilst a seemingly large number, 99% of the global population still breathe air that exceeds WHO standards, and even in seemingly “green” cities of London, thousands of lives are still cut short by unhealthy air pollution levels.
In 2020, a landmark coroner ruling attributed the death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah to “excessive air pollution” near her home in Lewisham, South London. One in three schools in London are close to roads with NO2 concentrations that are illegal. In fact, both Wetherby Senior’s sites, despite being inside three lowemission zones, have hazardously high levels of NO2, above the legal limit, according to 2019 data. These hazardous air levels cost the NHS an estimated £3.7 billion a year but the lack of awareness of the risks posed by harmful air levels, or rather being able to see palpable effects, has meant action has been slow and ineffective.
That is not to say that change is difficult or will have to be implemented over decades. Inter-governmental and even internal policies can result in clear decreases in air pollution levels. According to the WHO Ambient Air Quality database (AAQ), 11 of the 25 most polluted are in China, mostly in areas of high industrial development. In a study from the University of Notre Dame, researchers found that the total lockdown in China - which resulted in the suspension of work in all factories - resulted in a PM2.5 decrease of 29.7%, saving
an estimated 24,000 deaths in the short-term alone, showing that even short-term measures can significantly improve air quality and save tens of thousands of lives.
PM2.5 is a measurement of tiny particulate matter that is generally released by exhausts and, whilst both NO2 and PM2.5 heighten the risk of pulmonary diseases, PM2.5 is generally agreed to be the most hazardous to health, especially in children. It’s why “idling”, where the car engine is on but the car is not moving, is illegal per the Highway Code. Both PM2.5 and NO2 are primarily released from combustion engines and are widely agreed to be highly detrimental to a child’s immune system, mainly in an increased probability of asthma. Despite these risks, 60% of drivers are unaware that idling outside schools is illegal and, alarmingly, more than a quarter admit to idling on the school run, according to research by Renault.
In fact, a 2019 report by King’s College London found primary school pupils are five times more exposed to air pollution on the school run than other times of day. That’s not to say London’s general air pollution is satisfactory: it isn’t, as seen above, and it’s part of the reason for mayor Sadiq Khan’s proposals to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to cover the entire boundary of Greater London.
Air pollution has always been a key point in Sadiq Khan’s manifesto but it is simultaneously incredibly divisive, especially between the outer and inner London boroughs. There are a series of conflicting YouGov polls, with some showing broad opposition to the plans: confusingly, Conservative commissioned surveys show a large
AIR POLLUTION
opposition, yet those issued by City Hall always show support, excluding one survey leaked to The Telegraph earlier last year. The latest polling, conducted by City Hall, showed that 51% supported the scheme, though it is hard to appreciate an overall view with the number of conflicting datasets being pushed to members of the public.
Five Tory councils, all from outer London, have lodged a high court challenge against the expansion proposals, citing a lack of public services in outer London that, in effect, makes car ownership a requisite, especially to travel around the suburbs. Transport for London has in response, rather belatedly, announced plans for a “Superloop” of buses around the outer boroughs, though these are forecast to be operational by 2025, leaving a two-year gap that will trouble residents. Those who live inside the current ULEZ zone are often wealthier and able to afford alternative methods of transport, so critics see it as unfair that suburbanites are being roped into a scheme with barely any consultation.
Nevertheless, whilst TfL’s approach to introducing the expansion may have been inappropriate, it is unequivocal that low-emission zones work. In Germany, estimated savings of between €760m and €2.6bn were made by LEZs, and research by Imperial College London found that the initial ULEZ pilot did reduce air pollution levels by a few percent. The same study also acknowledged, that LEZs are not a “silver bullet” and that improving London’s air quality will require multiple measures, such as preventing idling outside schools and making buses hybrid, as 44% of London buses currently are.
Kaveh K, Year 11 writes...
The hawker hurricane: the secret hero of the battle of britain
Jasper H, Year 11 writes...
The Second World War’s Battle of Britain, which lasted from July to October 1940, was incredibly important. The RAF prevented an invasion of the UK and marked a turning point in the war, by defending the skies over Britain against the German Luftwaffe. Although the Battle of Britain is most frequently associated with the iconic Spitfire, the Hurricane MkI actually played a significant part in the RAF’s triumph and might be regarded as its unsung hero.
The Hurricane MkI was the backbone of the RAF’s fighter force during the Battle of Britain. With almost 3,000 constructed by the start of the campaign, it made up the majority of the fighter aircraft available to the RAF. While the Spitfire was faster and nimbler, the Hurricane was tougher, more reliable, and could withstand a lot of punishment, making it useful in dogfights against Luftwaffe
Messerschmitt Bf 109s and Focke-Wulf Fw 190s.
The Hurricane’s tough construction enabled it to take heavy damage while remaining aloft. Its metal structure, as opposed to the Spitfire’s wooden chassis, made it less prone to catching fire in combat. Furthermore, the engine of the Hurricane was installed on a steel frame, making it less vulnerable to hostile fire.
The armament of the Hurricane was also essential in the Battle of Britain. Its machine guns were positioned in four pairs, two pairs in each wing. This allowed it to fire at a high rate and with greater accuracy, making it a powerful weapon against Luftwaffe aircraft.
Another significant feature of the Hurricane was its capacity to be mass-produced in a short period of time. The Hurricane was simpler and less expensive to produce than the Spitfire, and it
could be built in bigger quantities. This enabled the RAF to quickly replace any losses, which was important during the Battle of Britain’s heavy fighting.
The Hurricane’s kill record reflects its effectiveness in the Battle of Britain. With over 1,700 verified kills, the Hurricane claimed more enemy aircraft destroyed than any other British fighter during the battle. In comparison, the Spitfire was responsible for almost 1,500 confirmed kills.
The RAF’s high brass recognised the Hurricane’s services to the Battle of Britain. During the battle, Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, the commander-in-chief of RAF Fighter Command, lauded the Hurricane for its part in the victory. While the Spitfire gained greater publicity and media coverage, he stated that the Hurricane was the “backbone” of the RAF’s fighter force.
Jasper H, Year 11 writes...
During the Cold War, the North American X-10 - also called the Navaho missile - was a ground-breaking intercontinental cruise missile created in the USA. The predecessor to contemporary intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), it was one of the first long-range guided missiles ever made.
The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the forerunner of NASA, and the United States Air Force collaborated on the development of the Navaho missile in the early 1950s. With a combination of jet and rocket engines, the missile was built to be fired from the US and flown across the Atlantic Ocean to Soviet Union targets.
The Navaho missile’s development cost amounted to more than $3 billion, which is more than $30 billion in today’s dollars. One of the biggest missiles ever produced, it was over 69 feet long and weighed more than 86,000
THE X-10 : THE FLYING MISSILE
pounds. It was propelled initially by two jet engines for takeoff and ascent, before switching to a rocket engine for continuous high-speed flight.
The missile also included sophisticated guidance and navigational systems, including an early version of inertial guidance, which enabled it to fly over great distances without requiring continuous updates from ground-based radar systems. Additionally, it had a sophisticated terrain-following radar that allowed it to fly stealthily and low to the ground without being seen by enemy radar.
Despite having cutting-edge technology, the Navaho missile’s development was plagued by a multitude of logistical and technical problems. With over 10,000 unique parts, the missile was incredibly intricate and prone to failures with its motors, guidance systems, and other vital parts.
Despite these problems, funding for the Navaho missile programme persisted throughout the 1950s as the US and the USSR competed in a nuclear weapons race. Due to a mix of technical difficulties, increasing expenses, and shifting geopolitical priorities, the missile was ultimately scrapped in 1958.
The Navaho missile programme was a significant turning point in the development of intercontinental missiles despite its failure to reach service. The Minuteman ICBM, which would serve as the mainstay of the USA’s nuclear deterrence throughout the Cold War, was developed using the lessons learnt from the Navaho programme and other later missile programmers.
The Navaho missile is recognised as a ground-breaking innovation in the world of missile technology today. Although it was never operational, its legacy can still be seen in the numerous improved missiles that came after, and in the global arms race still going today.
The role of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine
United Nations (UN) peacekeeping forces have been deployed in various conflict zones worldwide, to maintain peace and security in these regions and protect civilians. However, their role has become increasingly complicated in recent times, due to the changing nature of conflicts and the emergence of non-state actors.
One of the most significant recent involvements of UN peacekeeping troops has been in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This conflict began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, a move that was widely condemned by the international community. Since then, fighting has broken out in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian government forces are facing off against Russian-backed separatists.
The UN has been involved in efforts to resolve the conflict from the start, establishing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine in 2014. The mission’s mandate is to observe and report on the situation, and facilitate dialogue between parties.
Despite these efforts, the situation on the ground has continued to deteriorate, with civilians caught in the crossfire and human rights violations committed by both sides. As a response, the UN Security Council passed a resolution in 2015 authorizing the deployment of a peacekeeping force to Ukraine. However, Russia
has repeatedly vetoed any such deployment, citing concerns about the mandate and composition of the force.
Nevertheless, UN peacekeeping troops have still been involved. The OSCE mission consists of unarmed civilian monitors from various countries, including Russia, who observe and report on the situation on the ground. They have documented ceasefire violations, civilian casualties, and human rights abuses, which have been used to put pressure on the parties to respect international law and reach a peaceful solution to the conflict.
The involvement of UN peacekeeping forces in the conflict in Ukraine highlights the difficulties faced by such missions in modern conflicts. The changing nature of conflicts, with the rise of non-state actors and the
blurring of the lines between war and peace, makes it increasingly challenging for peacekeepers to carry out their mandate effectively. The lack of a clear mandate and the unwillingness of some parties to allow peacekeepers to operate freely also poses significant obstacles.
In conclusion, UN peacekeeping forces have been involved in various conflicts around the world, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While their role is crucial in maintaining peace and security and protecting civilians, their effectiveness is limited by the challenges posed by modern conflicts and the unwillingness of some parties to cooperate. Nonetheless, their presence and efforts to report on the situation can help build pressure on parties to respect international law and work towards a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Andreas R, Year 12 writes...
Sam M, Year 10 writes...
There is a lot of excitement for NFL fans, with the new off-season in full swing and the annual NFL draft right around the corner.
With Ohio State and Alabama quarterbacks, C.J Stroud and Bryce Young, up for grabs, most predictions by pundits and expert analysts are that both will be swooped up early in the first round, with potential teams lined up that need a solid replacement in that position being in the running for the college stars.
Although there was a free agency frenzy due to certain NFL stars being in the mix, one name standing out from the rest is Green Bay Packers veteran, Aaron Rodgers. The veteran quarterback had his interests peaked on going to the New York Jets, although both franchises are at a crossroads in the deal. Charles Davis, an NFL Media analyst, predicts C.J Stroud will be picked by the Carolina Panthers, in round one, as the first
pick of the draft. His number two pick, for the first round, is Bryce Young selected by the Houston Texans. Both Texans and the Jets finished the season on downright horrible records of 3-13 (Texans) and 7-10 (Jets). This puts both teams at the bottom of their respective conferences. While neither team has seen remarkable success in recent years, that could all change with one player and if they rebuild the right way with the right
NFL COMBINE
coaches. C.J stroud is predicted by Charles Davis to start in week one, if picked by the Panthers, setting grand expectations for the Sophomore. Young also goes into this draft as the top ranked QB overall, which will make things interesting as to who will be picked first out of these two watched prospects.
Of course, another exciting name being thrown around is Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech. His position on the field is edge, and he is also predicted to make the first round of the draft.
In the money move of the decade, Aaron Rodgers has recently moved from Green Bay to the Jets. Although I don’t believe he will gain anything from the trade, the sacrifice of a potential replacement QB for an old-timer who has been recently off his game has made the draft more interesting. There is a chance it could help them finally rebuild. Will Levis was also recently picked up by the Titans as a replacement for Tannehill.
CAN RED BULL’S FORMULA ONE TEAM BE BEATEN?
Jonathan Rudd, Year 12 writes...
For eight years, from 2014 to 2021, Mercedes dominated the F1 Constructors’ Championship, winning every year. Then, in 2022, times changed.
After Max Verstappen won the Drivers Championship in 2021, Red Bull followed his victory with an extremely successful 2022 season, with 17 race wins for the Austrian racing team.
The RB19 is the Red Bull car and, so far this seeason, it has been notorious for its blistering pace. The navy-blue rocket recorded a speed of 343 km/h at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, 10km/h faster than the next fastest car.
What makes the RB19 so fast?
The Red Bull’s ability to create immense downforce separates it from the rest of the field. The downforce created by the RB19’s
floor is 20 times more important and powerful than what is generated by the surfaces on the top of the car. Kravitz, a very prominent face in F1 said: “Red Bull are able to run their floor flat and low to the track which gives the car immense useable downforce across the speed range.”
Yet it is Red Bull’s powerful Drag Reduction System that has perhaps been most evident in their 2023 domination, so far. The DRS aids the driver in overtaking, which enables Super Max or Checo to climb places if they do badly in qualifying. The immense strength of the RB19’s DRS makes it virtually impossible for anyone else on the grid to defend against them.
How will the rest of the field catch them?
Frankly, the only way other teams will be able to catch Red Bull, this season, is by copying them.
Aston Matin received a lot of flack at pre-season testing because it was obvious that they copied the Red Bull. Horner, Red Bull’s team principle, said that he was “flattered” by their design.
However, having copied Red Bull, Aston Martin are flying this year, really looking like the only consistent team to even make Red Bull struggle in the slightest. If it works for Aston Martin, then it must be the only option for the other teams.
In conclusion, the RB19 is looking like the fastest and most consistent car since the legendary W12. It will be extremely hard to catch, and we have seen this in the races, so far, this year.
Yet not all hope is lost! Hamilton, in his W14, was able to be only 0.179s behind Verstappen in Australia. Mercedes or Aston Martin has a chance....
JUVENTUS - FIFTEEN POINTS DEDUCTION
accounting in the terms of historic transfer dealings in the exchange of players between clubs.
Juventus were second in the Serie A Table, ten points behind league leaders Napoli. They have slipped to tenth, due to this punishment with the club’s owners. Juventus’ hopes of winning the Serie A title are all but over and they must go on an impressive winning run to salvage European football.
UPDATED: Juventus FC announced, and just a couple of hours before the vital Europa League quarterfinal tie, that Juventus’ appeal of the fifteen points deduction they had received was successful. Well, at least temporarily!
On Friday 26th January, the Italian Football Fderation announced that Juventus had been deducted fifteen points for financial irregularities and false
Juventus’ entire board resigned just four months ago, after the investigation was launched into their alleged financial irregularities. The Italian giants also published an annual loss of £220 million for the 2021-22 campaign, which is a club record for the team in black and white.
This means that Juventus will now get their fifteen points back, at least for now. There will be a new trial at the Federal Court of Appeal taking place soon. However, considering that this could be in a month, or even next season, Juventus will continue to play with a bit of uncertainty over their heads.
Following this exciting news for Juventus, they have now climbed up the table up to second.
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