THE DRUM @WOODFORD
Issue 10, October 6th 2023
W.I.S in Singapore
By LangYing ZhuFive Woodford students departed from the Solomon Islands on Wednesday the 4th, heading over to Singapore to participate in an annual robotics competition hosted by the US-based non profit FIRST Global.
Six students, along with two chaperones have worked hard over the holidays on planning and building the
Woodford International School
Welcome back!
The two week break had just ended and we are now stepping into Term 4! We are happy to see laughter and smiles back on the campus and can’t wait to hear about your holidays! Term 4 is a short but definitely a busy term. So stay tuned about the events throughout Term 4!
robot in which they have named it ‘Nothing’.
The theme for this year’s competition is called ‘Hydrogen Horizons’ in which challenges are given out for the robots to complete. The theme this year revolves around allowing new generations to reimagine the future of energy, and create more sustainable ways to power our planet.
The six students have done a wonderful job even with the short amount of time given to them, which was two weeks.Many trials and errors occurred therefore the final robot ‘Nothing’ was actually
built in just three days!
These students not just represent Woodford, but also the Solomon Islands, therefore they have caught the attention of the media. Tavuli news, Island Sun and SIBC have all come in to interview the students. Competition begins on the 7th and ends on the 10th, let's wish them all the best!
A-level exams
By Idamali Wickham
We started off this term very busily, the upcoming Pacific games has caused our fourth and final term to be a very short one, with exams starting on the second week and the ongoing process would continue until week 6.
But as of right now, the year 12’s are having their A-level exams. We were able to interview a fellow student; Arianna Saavedra, and find out simple things about this exam.
Senior Formals
By Tanya YeeTo the question; ‘How do you feel?’ Arianna replied with a simple; “I feel alright, but I also feel kinda nervous.”. We can only assume that the other students must feel a similar way. She also stated that “the exams are quite difficult because they cover both year 11 and 12.”
She also admits that her strongest subject is business whereas her weakest subject is mathematics, though she believes that she could at least pass. She says, “I don’t want to be arrogant and say she’ll get straight A’s, but I think I’ll pass, like an average..”
So let’s wish her and all the other students good luck as they have spent their days studying for 4 to 5 hours on average for this program.
The dedicated year 11s have been working diligently to organise the annual seniors’ formal night which will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023. It commemorates our Woodford seniors students’ hard work and achievements.
The organizing comitee, along with the homeroom teachers, are determined to create a whimsical “Midnight Masquerade” occasion filled with joy and memorable moments to treasure. With a spread of delicious buffet-style dishes and fun activities, the night is surely not one to miss.
Robo-cop?
By Hudson PreeceMalaita Day 2023: Showcasing
Solomon Islands’ rich heritage
By Tyronne TongiThe Solomon Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its diverse cultural tapestry, vibrant customs, and connection to nature.
Malaita Day stands out when the spotlight turns to Malaita, Solomon Island's biggest province, it is celebrated annually on August 15th, and highlights the province's unique heritage and contributions to the nation's identity, uniting its people and preserving their traditions.
Malaita Day is characterized by a kaleidoscope of events that bring together the past and present.
Traditional dances, music performances, and rituals are showcased, all beautifully depicting the island's history and its close relationship with nature. From mesmerizing bamboo flute melodies to intricate dances passed down through generations, the festivities provide a captivating window into Malaita’s cultural soul.
Artisans and craftsmen take center stage, displaying their skills in crafting intricate shell jewelry, handwoven baskets, and finely carved canoes. Visitors are offered a chance to experience the intricate craftsmanship that forms an integral part of Malaita’s identity. And what’s a celebration without delicious culinary offerings? Traditional Malaita dishes, prepared with age-old recipes, tempt the taste buds and provide a delightful journey into the island’s flavors. Malaita Day isn’t just about reveling in tradition; it’s also about forging bonds across generations. Elders share stories of yesteryears, passing on the legacy of their ancestors to young minds eager to soak in their history. This intergenerational exchange nurtures a sense of belonging and reinforces the importance of preserving cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.
The NYPD in the US are planning to deploy a fully autonomous security bot in a busy train station in New York city. The robot officially named K5 was made by California based robotics company Knightscope, has already been deployed in other places like hospitals and airports and has faced varying praises and criticisms with some claiming it to be nothing more than a trash-can on wheels and others claiming it to be the evolution of law enforcement.
End of writers’ strike
By Hudson Preece
On May 2, 2023, the WGA, writer’s guild of America went on strike which lasted for 148 days (which is the second longest in Hollywood history) and has finally come to an official end on Wednesday September 27. This strike resulted in the WGA reaching an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and television producers to increase pay because the writers couldn’t afford to live with the increasing inflation. The writers will resume the projects they were working on and have said that they will have a lot of catching up to do.
