Autumn 2 Edition 6 – Christmas 2014

WELCOME TO STW
D.GREALISH (ENGLISH TEACHER)
Students, parents, teachers, governors
and other members of the Rutlish
community. Welcome to the Christmas
edition of STW. While it has been one of
my favourite editions to work on, I am
sad to say that it will be my last before I
depart for sunnier shores.
It does not seem like two years ago since
Ms Batchelor and I, with the help of the
current student editor George Stokes,
formed Spread the Word, and it is with
a smile that I consider how much we have
changed since then. Growing from a
small team of four huddled around
scraps of paper and a bowl of popcorn
in En2 to a bustling workforce in the
search of a larger premises than the LRC,
we have gone from strength to strength.
I would like to thank our readers, and
encourage them to ‘spread the word’
about all of the interesting articles to be
found here each term. However, mostly I
would like to thank, and congratulate, our
dedicated Spread the Word team, and
to welcome new members whose work
features in this edition. Thank you also to
the many members of staff who continue
to contribute to STW each half term.
Finally, I wish Ms Batchelor and the
team every success in the future, and
I look forward to reading the next
edition on a beach somewhere in
the land down under.
From myself, and all at Spread the
Word, we wish you a very…
Merry Christmas.
Deirdré Grealish
(English Teacher)
EBOLA
JACK OLDRIDGE 10A
Ebola. A viral illness of which the initial symptoms can include: a sudden fever,
intense weakness, muscle pain and a sore throat. This is just the start of it.
Subsequently, internal and external bleeding can occur and in the most extreme
circumstances, death. This has been the case in Africa.
How Does The Virus Spread?
Well, the Ebola virus spreads through bodily fluids (sweat, urine, blood etc.). The
virus fuses with cells lining the respiratory tract, eyes or body cavities. Then, the
virus’s genetic contents are released into the cell. This genetic material takes over
the cell machinery to duplicate itself. What makes the virus so deadly is what
happens next. New copies of the virus are produced and released back into the
system of the victim.
Disease Hits Africa
In March 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a major Ebola
outbreak in Guinea, West Africa. Researchers traced the outbreak to a two-year
old child who died on the 28th December 2013. The place in which the outbreak
of the disease occurred was in Gueckedou, a town in Guinea extremely close to
the Liberian border. This year’s outbreak is very unusual as it started in Guinea
which has never been affected before, and has quickly spread to urban areas.
From Nzerekore, a remote area of south-eastern Guinea, the virus spread to the
capital, Conakry, and neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone. These countries are
the most seriously affected by the disease with the majority of the deaths
occurring there. At the moment, here is what the numbers look like:
From the image, the shocking statistic is that Ebola
has taken the lives of around 7,000 people.
However, it is inevitable that these numbers will
change. The other African countries that have
been hit with the disease are Senegal and
Nigeria. There have been 20 cases of Ebola
being imported by someone travelling from a
country of widespread transmission to Nigeria,
with eight confirmed deaths. Whereas for
Senegal, there has been just the one case.
There has also been one case of the virus in America too. The US Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in September that the virus might
have been successfully contained in Nigeria and Senegal.
Changing Continents
In October, the Spanish nurse Teresa Romero was the first person to contract the
virus outside West Africa. She was part of a team of about 30 staff at the
Carlos II hospital in Madrid who had been looking after two missionaries. They
had returned from Liberia and Sierra Leone after becoming infected.
It isn’t only in Europe where cases have been confirmed. This deadly disease has
also spread across the Atlantic to America. The first case of the deadly virus
diagnosed on US soil was announced on 1st October. Thomas Eric Duncan, 42,
who contracted the virus in Liberia before travelling to the US, died on 8th
October.
In Europe, Germany, Norway, France, Italy, Switzerland and the UK have all
treated patients who contracted the virus in West Africa.
First Epidemic?
Surprisingly, this is not the first outbreak of Ebola in history, it is actually the fifth
time the disease has caused an outbreak. In 1976, Ebola (named after River
Ebola in Zaire , now know as the Democratic Republic of Congo,) first emerged
in Sudan and Zaire. The first outbreak infected over 280 people with a
mortality rate of around 53%. A few months later, the second Ebola virus
emerged from Yambuku, Zaire with the highest mortality rate of all the viruses
(88%), infecting over 300 people. Even to this day, the Ebola reservoir has
never been identified. The third strain of Ebola was first identified in 1989 when
infected monkeys were imported into Reston, Virginia, from Mindanao in the
Philippines. The last known Ebola virus (apart from the present outbreak) was
discovered in 1994 when a female ethologist performing a necropsy on a dead
chimpanzee became infected with the virus.
What will happen next?
Scientists are working on a cure to treat Ebola, but the actual date when the
cure will be identified is unknown. What is for certain, however, is that this Ebola
virus is one of the deadliest diseases in our history.
To find out the latest on the Ebola, visit
www.bbc.co.uk/ebola for news, statistics
and images.
A RUTLISH HERO: REMEMBERING JOHN ‘JACK’
DIMMER
JACK OLDRIDGE 10A
The Great War, also known as World War I, took the lives of 98 people who
counted themselves as Rutlish students at one point. All of these heroic men died
for their country in order to stop the German advance between 1914 – 1918,
helping contribute to the future of the Britain that we live in today. If it wasn’t
for them, the world might be a very different place to what it is now, one
hundred years on from the outbreak of war. Two of these Rutlish students won
the highest and most prestigious award possible for a soldier in the military: The
Victoria Cross. Their names are George Cates, who was awarded his cross
posthumously, and John ‘Jack’ Dimmer.
John Dimmer, also known as Jack, was one of four sons of John Dimmer, a
railway labourer and former Royal Navy serviceman, and his wife Ellen. John
was born in Gloster Road, Lambeth on the 9th October 1883. He was educated
at Merton Church School and gained a Surrey County Council scholarship to
Rutlish Science School in 1896. Leaving school at the age of 16, he went to
work for a firm of civil engineers in Westminster.
At the outbreak of the First World War, Dimmer was posted to join the 2nd
Battalion KRRC (King’s Royal Rifle Corps) which departed for France in August
1914. Lieutenant Dimmer was soon making his mark, catching the eye of many
for ‘gallant and distinguished services in the field.’ The 2nd Battalion War Diary
records also state that ‘Lieutenant Dimmer, with his machine gun, did excellent
work on the main road. Although the Germans constantly got within a few
yards of his guns he held them at bay, and inflicted very heavy losses on them ,
and eventually got back without losing his guns.’
These occasions of bravery and devotion contributed to Dimmer receiving a
Military Cross in the first ever list of recipients published on January 1st 1915.
After recovering from Gheluvelt ( a former battle in late October, 1914) in
which caused the loss of 408 ranks, 2nd Battalion KRRC entered the line at Klein
Zillebeke on November 10th 1914. Lieutenant Dimmer again commanded a
machine gun section of two guns. This was where Dimmer was awarded the
prestigious Victoria Cross.
On the 12th November, Lieut. Dimmer proved why he should be awarded the
VC. Working on two machine-guns, the German advance caused one to jam.
Climbing out of his placement, a rifle bullet struck him on the right side of his
jaw. He was then shot again in his shoulder when his machine-gun jammed for
a second time. Whilst inflicting casualties on the advancing Prussian Guard, a
burst shrapnel shell struck him, sending three further wounds to his shoulder.
With blood streaming from his injuries, Dimmer continued firing his gun until,
fifty yards from the British trenches, the Germans suddenly broke and ran for
cover.
Dimmer’s gun was hit and destroyed with his face splattered with splinters of
broken metal. Exhausted by pain and loss of blood, he lost consciousness
temporarily. Dimmer’s commanding officer later said that Jack’s actions had
‘saved the whole battalion, if not the whole line, on at least three occasions.
The citation of Dimmer’s VC was published in The London Gazette on 19
November, giving a much briefer and less enlightening statement. Dimmer
only learned of his award from reading a British newspaper while recovering
in a French hospital.
In October 1917, John was promoted to the rank of acting lieutenant-colonel
and appointed to command the 2nd and 4th Battalion, the Royal Berkshire
Regiment, serving on the Western Front. A couple of months later, Dimmer
married Dora Bayley-Parker in Birmingham; the couple bought a house in
Wilton Grove, Merton Park.
Dimmer’s military career came to an end when he was killed in action on the
21st March 1918, in Marteville, France. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the
Royal Green Jackets Museum, Winchester.
For his shear bravery on the front line, John Dimmer is not only a war hero but
a Rutlish hero too. A valiant human being. John ‘Jack’ Dimmer: he will be
remembered.
JOHN DIMMER COMMEMORATION EVENT
GEORGE STOKES (9P)
On Wednesday 12th November, a small group represented Rutlish School at an
event commemorating the life of former student, John “Jack” Dimmer on the
Southbank. There, a paving stone was unveiled to remember Victoria Cross
winner, John Dimmer. The date for the ceremony was chosen because it is now
one century since Dimmer performed the valiant actions that led to his award of
the Victoria Cross. During World War One , the VC was awarded 628 times to
627 people.
The ceremony was attended by current soldiers, the Mayor of Lambeth
(Councillor Adedamola Aminu) and members of John Dimmer’s family. These
family members removed the curtain over the newly-laid commemorative paving
stone which will forevermore celebrate Dimmer’s bravery.
It was very interesting to find out more about what Dimmer did and why he was
awarded the Victoria Cross. Also, it was good to have the opportunity to
represent the school when remembering someone who did so much for our
country and attended our school.
It began at 10.45am, with the Civic Procession and Father David Young
(representing the local parish) taking their places, followed by the welcome
message from the Mayor of Lambeth. Next, the citation for Dimmer’s Victoria
Cross was read out by Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Wing Commander Mike Dudgeon
OBE DL.
The stone was then unveiled in front of the Jubilee flagpole, very close to the
London Eye and the Royal Festival Hall. It can be easily found by anyone wishing
to pay homage to Dimmer. It was then blessed by the local parish Minister.
JOHN DIMMER COMMEMORATION EVENT
GEORGE STOKES (9P)
Finally, after the playing of ‘The Last Post’ and the minute of silence, the Mayor
and Dimmer’s descendants each laid wreaths. This was the most emotional part
of the ceremony because it allowed us to think about not only John Dimmer but
all the other former Rutlishians who fought in World War One. After the
response from Major General Edward Smyth-Osbourne CBE, the attendees
proceeded to a reception at the Royal Festival Hall.
Many people were interested in where Dimmer went to school, including another
former student who was at school with former Prime Minister, Sir John Major. He
told us how different life at Rutlish was when he attended and even some stories
about John Major that never reached the press! Meeting people who had been
to our school so many years ago was a great opportunity to understand how it
has changed as well as to contemplate the things the people they knew had
done from being Prime Minister to being awarded the Victoria Cross.
JOHN DIMMER COMMEMORATION EVENT
D. GREALISH (ENGLISH DEPARTMENT)
AN EXCELLENT START TO THE KS 3 PROJECTS BY
YEAR 7
MR LYONS – KS3 PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Rutlish School’s new initiative of improving
independent learning got off to a fantastic
start this year with the setting of the Year 7
Music Independent Projects. Miss Pearce and
Miss Maguire were thoroughly impressed by the
quality of the projects handed in, as well as the
attitudes of the boys towards completing them. Year 7
Star
The project asked the students to analyse a
Student
piece of music by Mozart; Eine Kleine
Nachtmusik. The students analysed the mood,
pitch and rhythm of the piece, as well as giving
some details into the background and life of
the famous composer.
LELIVELD Siem
MAQSOOD Usman
STOKES Ben
KHAN Haris
KINSELLA Jude
PAUZERS Max
BARRY Nicholas
DARLING Dylan
BLACKBURN Marcus
HEAFIELD Ollie
SAYANTHAKUMAR Kaartheesan
MALIK Daniaal
An extra big well done to the boys in the table
on the right, whose projects were picked out by
the music department as being of exceptional
quality and showing that extra effort!
Year 7
Star
Updates to follow on the rest of the projects set
Student
this year.
7V
7R
7P
7R
7V
7V
7R
7R
7S
7S
7S
7T
RUTLISH CCF
LUCAS ODEKEYE 9K
Rutlish CCF has a long and proud history stretching from
1921. Many of you may have heard of the annual BGI
event that took place on Wednesday the 15th October.
But if you think that it’s just the serious stuff we deal with,
then think again. Cadets at the event took part in
numerous events including a cookery
competition, camouflage & concealment and observation
stands, first aid, airmanship, command tasks and shooting
on a paintball range!
Camps are frequent and enthusiastically run, with
consistent camps at Christmas, Summer and the highly
anticipated Annual camp. During these awesome events
the sky’s the limit or maybe it could be more as on a few
events you may actually get the chance to take control of
a plane and soar through the sky!
If you are in a dilemma deciding want you want to do
when you’re there then don't worry; you can choose to be
an Army or RAF recruit and do your part for your
contingent as you work together and progress. There is a
healthy competion between the two groups so get ready
be competitive.
Cadets aim to offer numerous opportunities and
experiences for their recruits and from the time I have
spent there I have many memorable experiences. So I
suggest you get a slip from the Benton building if you
would like to join. If you want to find out more go to
http://www.rutlishccf.org.uk/index.php and enlist today.
AACHEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
TOBY FILE 8T, WILLIAM BENJAMIN 8R, MARKUS ABRAHAM 8S, ROBERT FOS TER
8S
On the Aachen trip we had a lot of fun. We got to go around with our friends
without the hawk eyes of our teachers following us. My favourite thing about the
trip was getting to buy whatever I wanted without my parents saying NO! The
most exciting bit was when I ordered things in German because I felt like I was
learning a lot. Toby File, 8T
The trip was very good. We drove all through the night on the coach but
nobody was tired when we got there. We went on a massive shopping spree
and bought lots of things. We thoroughly enjoyed walking around and eating
German food. I bought some great souvenirs for my family. The goods available
at the market were great. Robert Foster, 8S
When we arrived, the market was in full swing. I bought a ring and a talking
duck for my mum and a miniature toy Beatles guitar for my dad. My brother is
yet to get anything. The long journey home was not as bad because everyone
was tired and we got more sleep. Overall the trip was tiring and enjoyable.
William Benjamin, 8R
On the German trip we had a very long coach journey but it all paid off when
we had a massive shopping spree at the market and the teachers trusted us to
go alone. There was lots of nice food and lots of gifts to buy. The trip back was
tiring but when I got home I could give my gifts to everyone.
Markus Abraham, 8S
CYBER-BULLYING SONG COMPETITION
WINNERS
CYRIL OBENG, ABDUL RAFFY KHAN, EDWARD AGACID (7K)
Cyber bullying has been going on for a while now, not any more its got to stop now, it affects the
victim, friends and family (I should know because it’s happen to me, I didn’t like it at all, half the time
I ended up on the floor); lazy teachers say ‘ignore it’ all that does is stall it. Bullying is a continuous
thing (like January to the spring), cyber bullying is unwanted texts physical bullying is not needed
necks.
Most people don’t tell an adult when their being cyber bullied they pretend they’ve got everything
they need, nobody should do that everyone should be free to chat. Make sure your friends are okay,
anyone could be bullied any time any day. I watched this video at school, the guy got cyber bullied
‘cause he didn’t seem cool; man he looked so sad at that moment I felt really bad.
(In high school it’s easy to get bullied, with the exception of friendly nougies; people are committing
suicide ‘cause of this. Where are the days of the bliss)? Cusses mean more than you think; imagine
your tears dropping in a sink. When bullies come to you walk away, walk away stay safe for
another day.
(I was bullied in primary school so bad you don’t know how it got me mad, I was meant to be a
friend of him but he played with me like I was jungle gym. I got pushed around daily trust me I felt
sadder than Sam Bailey). People act as if bullying is nothing trust me they are bluffing; cusses on the
busses aren’t nice before you act think twice. Bullies start a new chapter; don’t make your life a
disaster.
Cyber Bullying is the main topic our aim is to not flop it. Me, Edward and Raffy agree that we
should make a decree, that: It’s time to stop cyber bullying carrying on not anymore can things go
wrong. At least with cyber bullying the bully ain’t brave ‘cause they didn’t have the courage to say it
to your face. Stop using Facebook and be Twitter, your life won’t be bitter. Change your phone
number if you’re getting rude texts tell a teacher if you’re being teased online about your “peps”.
WAR OF WORDS
COMPETITION WINNERS (H.KELLY, ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT)
First Place:
Green, blue and yellow
Josef Gartside (9C)
Lights, bright that sparkle the glorious name
Sights, eyes that capture the beautiful the beautiful game.
The stadium coats the monstrous sight of Brail.
In the favelas, robberies, evil people try to kill
The opening ceremony, colours of green, blue and yellow,
Friendly tour guides give a smile, say hello.
Out of the stadium, around the hill
Lies the crushed, damaged, scared side of Brazil.
Destruction, some say a massacre, lots of conflict, too many fights
Cold, shrivelled up, danger, get out of sight
Oblivious chanting cheering, “Come on Brazil”
Crying eyes as a child loses his mother, one down means one kid.
But no, Brazil have scored, whilst the other half get ignored.
Emotions thrive, but emotions die.
Hand shake as blood drips, “I thought there was no read in Brazil.”
The mental emotions start, “Are we mentally ill?”
No hope, “I couldn’t give a toss, we’re winning.”
Hunger, starvation, my patience is thinning.
Eyes seek black, as people form from out of their shell,
It’s time to change Brazil! Let’s give them a chill.
A nation split, ignored, left, left, left thumping in the brain,
“Why does football ruin us, it’s only a game.”
Then the lights go out on the World Cup
But nothing changes, Brazil are split, left, left, left, gone.
WAR OF WORDS
COMPETITION WINNERS
(H.KELLY, ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT)
Second place
War
Kashif Hameed (9T)
Fighting, slaying for our country, a thousand nights die,
The intoxicating smell engulfs you as million machines fly.
Serving our country, serving the nation, our soldiers leave us silently
This holds the image of warfare, still and soundlessly.
The material, the desert accompanies the remarkable volunteers
But during the massacre, it only contributes to the vast amount of fears.
The soldiers who have sacrificed their precious life towards the battlefield
Only manage to leave behind an ancient shield.
The defeat, the victory is quickly conveyed to the countries
As to achieve this they had to destroy multiple boundaries
The glistening sun only provides hope, but disappears
Why does this happen and result in tears?
The graves, the stones only portray a very vivid story,
Seeing the battlefield, the experience in action is the real glory.
RUTLISH IS CREATIVE
CRASH LANDING ON MARS (CREATIVE
WRITING)
FLYNN SPAIN (8P)
NOTE: This is all fictional, but may happen in the future…
It’s the year 2057 and space flight is now routine. Humans getting to the moon
everyday is now as exciting as taking the bus to work. The first British man had landed
on mars and made a Martian base. The human race is now more or less the dominant
species of not only the Earth, but the inner solar system. It now belongs to the human
race. In this article, I will be telling you what would happen when Mars 44 crash lands
on the Red Planet, Mars.
Mars 44 was in orbit around Mars.
The command module had
separated from the main engine. The
ship was going to head into the
atmosphere at more than 1000mph,
enough to head up the bottom of the
space craft or any side that was
facing the ground. The heat shield
was ensuring that the space craft
didn’t disintegrate, however it was
quite slim because Mars’ atmosphere
is very thin – much thinner than
Earth’s.
Everything was going well until the crew aboard Mars 44 realised that their command module
was burning up. The only option left open to the crew was to evacuate to the habitation module
attached to the command module. The landing was the hardest part for the crew. Not only were
they in a crippled space craft falling through the atmosphere at more that 600 mph, the
parachute had to be opened manually at just the correct moment. If they were opened too
early, the heat from the atmosphere would rip it to bits. However, if they were opened too late
and you would add another crater to the Martian surface (What would you expect when you
hit the surface at over 200 mph?). Once the crew landed, they had a lot of problems on their
hands. For example, during re-entry, the spacecraft had a oxygen leak,
meaning that they would only have a few hours to live out of the 500
day mission they were meant to endure. The crew had to formulate
a plan, and quickly otherwise they would all die from carbon dioxide
poisoning.
CRASH LANDING ON MARS (CREATIVE
WRITING)
FLYNN SPAIN (8P)
NOTE: This is all fictional, but may happen in the future…
Priority one was to land safely. After that, the crew could think
about food, water and oxygen. This could quite possibly be the
worst situation in the history of mankind. Around 224.3 million
miles away from Earth, there was no possible way that anyone
could rescue the crew of Mars 44. The landing would be very
difficult. The crew would have to go through lots of manoeuvres
to ensure that the ship didn’t break apart. The landing site that
they were supposed to land on was at least a few hundred miles
away from where they were to begin with. The worst thing was
that the crew module wasn’t the only module landing on Mars.
The others were not manned, however they were controlled by
computers. The other modules were still programmed to land at
the original site that the crew would land at. However, due to the
circumstances that the crew were in at the time, they would have
to walk to the other vehicles.
One day had passed since the landing of Mars 44. The crew were tired; they were low on
oxygen and food. The crew had to think on their feet. They didn’t have much time - if they
couldn’t find the re-supply pod in time, they would suffer a painful death. Suffocation wasn’t an
option. The first crew member stepped onto the surface of Mars and looked around for the
other pods. To their surprise, they were quite close. The GPS told the crew that they only had to
walk 182 miles. No problem until they realised what they had to cross. The Martian surface was
littered with craters as far as the eye could see.
To see part two of this article, make sure you read next
edition!
PERIODIC TABLE
AKSHAY GOPINATH (7T)
The periodic table shows all the elements found in the world so far. There are 90
elements in the periodic table; the rest of the elements are strictly man-made. The
rows on the periodic table are called periods. The periodic table has two parts to it:
metals and non-metals. Most of the elements are metal and they are all solids apart
from Mercury (Hg). Most of the non-metals are mainly gas and some are solid at
room temperature such as Silicon (Si). Every element has an atomic number. Basically
an atomic number is the amount of protons in the nucleus of an atom. The atomic
mass is the mass of an atom. It is approximately equivalent to the number of protons
and neutrons in the atom (the mass number).
Atomic
number
Symbol for element,
this one is oxygen
The air we breathe in, oxygen (02), is an element. In fact everything around us is made of
elements, compounds and mixtures; even humans are! The main elements of the human body are
oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. Most are non-metals and few are metals. There are universal
symbols for elements so that people around the world can identify them.
OXYGEN(O2)
AKSHAY GOPINATH (7T)
People think oxygen is nothing but the air we breathe in, but there are many
more interesting facts to it.
Oxygen is an element with the symbol ‘O’ and an atomic number of ‘8’. Oxygen
is essential to human life; it is found in the air we breathe and the water we
drink(H2O). Oxygen makes up 21% of the air we breathe. It is also the most
common element in the Earth’s crust(47%) and the third most common in the
universe(far less than hydrogen and helium, the two most common element in the
universe). Oxygen is known as O2 rather than O because in oxygen there are
two oxygen atoms together.
Periodic Table
Oxygen(O2
)
Ozone(O3) combines 3 oxygen atoms together. While the ground level ozone is
pollutant, the ozone layer provides protection from the suns harmful rays.
OXYGEN(O2)
AKSHAY GOPINATH (7T)
 The sun’s mass is made up of 1% oxygen
 Under standard temperature and pressure conditions two O2 atoms join from
dioxygen(O2), a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas.
 Oxygen is responsible for the red and yellow-green colours of the aurora.
Oxygen makes burning (combustion) possible. When an object combusts, it
releases light and heat. But this makes pure oxygen dangerous. If pure oxygen
touches a flame or a spark, it can combust and cause great damage. Combustion
is used in many ways, when oxygen is mixed with acetylene, (a chemical
compound - a colourless pungent-smelling hydro carbon with the formula C2H2,
which burns with a bright flame). It can create a very hot flame.
Acetylene.
Oxygen can also help power up very big vehicles like rockets and planes.
THE BIG RELEASE
JACK JOHNSON (10V)
This week, Jack reviews Christopher
Nolan’s latest escapade in the sci-fi
franchise, Interstellar.
In short:
In the near future, Earth has been
ravaged by drought and famine,
causing a scarcity in food and
extreme changes in climate. When
humanity is facing extinction, a
mysterious rip in the space-time
continuum is discovered, giving
mankind the opportunity to widen
its lifespan. A group of explorers
must travel beyond our solar
system in search of a planet that
can sustain life. Coop
(McConaughey), the pilot of
Endurance, must face a choice
between seeing his children again
and ensuring the future of the
human race.
So, is it worth seeing?
Certainly. Nolan weaves a modern
day masterpiece with an evercontorting plot and effectively
relatable characters. The film is
perfectly balanced, with no tilt in
favor of either storyline nor visual
effects- both are equally brilliant.
Luckily, these two key elements do
not clash with each other; they
merely assist each other in
delivering a film so thought
provoking that one can only
imagine the creative force
occupying Christopher Nolan’s
mind.
The film transfers seamlessly from
a rural American setting to a
backdrop of empty space in an
instant.
Above: Matthew McConaughey dons a space suit for Interstellar.
Young Murph (Mackenzie Foy)
and Tom (Timothee Chalamet)
grow into older versions of
themselves (Jessica Chainstain
and Casey Affleck) before our
very eyes on the big screen,
giving us a real connection with
these characters and pushing us
deeper into the film. Other than
Matthew McConaughey himself,
Anne Hathaway gives a classy
performance as Brand.
However, the show is stolen by
her on-screen father Professor
Brand (Michael Caine). Overall,
not one actor is off-pitch, and
they all give distinctly above
average performances.
Hans Zimmer’s musical score
echoes around the theatre,
contributing to the already
intense atmosphere.
Any downsides?
The film does run for a fulfilling
2 hours 48 minutes, and
although it is gripping from
start to finish, the plot is so
complex that if you were to
miss a minute, it would
require an hour of
explanation. Be sure to go to
the bathroom before the start
of the film!
Overall:
In my opinion, Nolan’s best
work. An achievement of epic
proportions, although it
certainly fits the criteria for a
second watch. Nonetheless, it
warrants a 5 star rating.
In short:
Director: Christopher Nolan
(Batman trilogy, Inception)
Stars: Matthew
McConaughey, Anne
Hathaway, Michael Caine.
Runtime: 2hrs 48mins.
Rating: 5*
Judgement: If you love
Nolan’s works, you will love
this. If you don’t, you will love
this anyway.
PINK FLOYD’S LAST ALBUM
JAGUN MESEORISA (10A)
Who are Pink Floyd and what’s their history?
Pink Floyd are a British rock band who formed in London in 1965 by students: Syd Barrett, Nick Mason,
Roger Waters and Richard Wright. Sadly, Syd Barrett died in 2006 of pancreatic cancer. Guitarist
Roger Waters and drummer Nick Mason met each other studying architecture at London Polytechnic at
Regent Street; they started having jam sessions together. Fellow architecture student Richard Wright
joined them on keyboards and they started playing music with many music groups. Roger Waters and
Nick Mason moved into a flat at 39 Stanhope Gardens owned by a part time tutor at London
Polytechnic called Mike Leonard. Mason moved out in 1964 and guitarist Bob Klose moved in so Roger
Waters moved to bass guitar. Syd Barrett then moved in with Roger Waters and Bob Klose which is
alright because Barrett and Waters were childhood friends. Klose introduce the rest of the band to
singer Chris Dennis, a technician for the RAF, and they got their first recording time at a studio through
Richard’s Wright’s friend. Chris Dennis was assigned a post in Bahrain making Syd Barrett the band’s
frontman. In 1968, Barrett left because of mental health issues and David Gilmour joined (but only for
a period of time).
What is their best work?
Their three most famous songs are: ‘Time’ in 1973, ‘Wish You Were Here’ in 1975 and ‘Comfortably
Numb’ in 1979.
So what is happening now?
Pink Floyd have done a one off and final album called The Endless River. Some of the songs on this
album even feature the late Syd Barrett. The album has five sides (discs).
My favourites for this album?
My favourites for this album are: TBS14, The Lost Art Conversation and Skins
HARDEST BOSSES
AKASH GOPINATH (7A)
Sometimes, the game isn’t hard - the bosses are hard. The bosses might be
challenging and might annoy you. But then you could find yourself losing all of a
sudden. This might frustrate you. These are arranged on a scale of 1-9.
9. Absolute Virtue (Final Fantasy XI): Absolute
Virtue is so hard you will need all the help you can
get. He can regain his life however many times he
wants and even return to full health.
Most people use cheat codes and glitches to beat him.
8. WizPig (Diddy Kong Racing): Good luck being
faster than this guy. He is huge compared to you and
even though he is fat you could easily underestimate his
speed. You battle him on Timber Island. To beat him,
you need to get as many boosts as possible at the right
angle or you will be losing by far. You battle him in
space again but it isn’t as hard as before.
7. Sinistar (Sinistar): That ugly face is Sinistar and that tiny
little thing is you. One touch from his face you are dead. You
have to dodge comets and at the same time you have to
attack him.
6. Jason (Friday the 13th): The boss is a zombie. He has
lots of health and is really hard to beat with your
character since your only weapon is throwing daggers.
You can only duck down to the left and you can’t move
your character while fighting him.
HARDEST BOSSES
AKASH GOPINATH (7A)
5. Ornstein and Smough (Dark Souls): You have to
battle both of these bosses at once. One is a giant
monster with a giant mallet, and one is a small warrior
with a swift sword. You will have to take each of their
punishing attacks at once. When one dies, the other one
absorbs its power, so the other boss will be harder and
stronger than before.
4.Mizar (Final Form) (Jet Force Jemini): He is a massive
robot. It is really hard to dodge his attack and he shoots
constantly but also randomly . His attacks are really
powerful and will drain your health badly. During the battle
you can’t restore your ammunition your health, so use your
ammo wisely.
3.The Red Falcon (Contra): He is a big
monster and once you defeat the outside of
him, you will also have to beat the inside of
him. Inside, you will need destroy his nervous
system or he will regenerate. You have to do
this in a really tight space. Monsters will
constantly be hatching from his nervous
system.
2. Alma (Ninja Gaiden Black): Alma is a female monster who is a really
hard and agile boss. She has fast reflexes and attacks very quickly. In
order to defeat her you have to be in the right angle so you can lay an
attack. You can only lay one hit at a time. She will definitely give you a
shiver down your spine!
HARDEST BOSSES
AKASH GOPINATH (7A)
1. Mike Tyson ( Mike Tyson’s Punch out):
This is the moment that you have all been waiting for. The hardest boss ever is
MIKE TYSON! He is from ‘Mike Tyson's Punch Out’. He is so huge compared to you.
He has hard, dynamic punches. He will make you sorry for entering the ring. He can
drain your energy very quickly and also gain energy so quickly. He almost never
faints. (The referee is Mario).
TOP TEN CHALLENGING GAMES!
AKASH GOPINATH (7A)
Do you like games? Here are some challenging games that you should
try... You might think it’s easy, but it will really take lots of tries to
complete.
10. Contra. This game is the game about Johnny Rambo. This game is so hard that
one hit can kill you. You only have three lives and if you die, you have to start the
game all over again. People say that the only way to stand against this game is to
use the 30 life glitch. Even with that good luck!
9. FTL Faster than light. It is a game where you have to build
an army inside a space. You only have one life and three hits
can kill you. If you lose, you also have to start the game all
over again.
contra
FTL
8. F-Zero GX. There is no reason why it is hard. It is a racing game.
It is like driving a sledge with a turbo.
7. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening. The game is hard but also really crazy.
The easy version option is as hard as the medium and the medium option is as
hard as the hard. The hard version was so difficult that everyone kept losing. The
game designers noticed that it was really hard and then re-introduced it as Devil
May Cry 3 Special Edition with a lowered difficulty.
TOP TEN CHALLENGING GAMES!
AKASH GOPINATH (7A)
6. Sims. The opening of this game is very difficult, with you starting in a very
small flat and then you find a job and feed the sim but only in the beginning of
the game so that’s why that’s at number six.
5. Super Mario: Lost Levels. The game is so hard. The
obstacles are very surprising and kill you in an instant.
People cheat and use the infinite life glitch to actually
complete the game. However, this glitch can make
your game a little glitchy.
4. Ninja Gaiden Black. It is so hard. You can’t even
see your enemy coming and where the attack is
coming from. You actually have to have the patience
of a ninja to complete the game. This game is so
hard that people take an extremely long time to
complete it.
3. Ghouls ‘n’ Ghosts. This game is one the only game
with two lives. If one step or jump goes wrong, you
are dead. If you jump in the wrong direction you can’t
change it. This is the funny part. If you complete the
game, you have to complete the game all over again
to see the real ending.
2. Mike Tyson’s Punch Out It is a really hard game with
incredibly hard opponents, especially Mike Tyson. He is
freakishly huge and really difficult to hit. He has
dynamic punches which will make you sorry for entering
the ring.
TOP TEN CHALLENGING GAMES!
AKASH GOPINATH (7A)
1. And now the challenge you have all been waiting for: The hardest game ever.
DARK SOULS! It is so hard as every time people try to invade your home. The
creatures are really hard and especially Ornsein and Smough (I won’t go into it
right now). The game is really hard to level up and if you die your humanity goes
back to zero. Every one uses cheats to win and complete the game.
INTERESTING DESIGN
ROBBIE WITCHELL 9P
Floating Table
Tap Charger
Book Staircase
Tree Chandelier
Useless Watering Can
Spinning Alarm Clock
Sun-Dial House
Bed and Room in One
Music School
CHRISTMAS GAMES
KAI-TYLER VASEY 9K
Alien Isolation
is one of the scariest games on ps4 right
now with only one alien on the whole ship.
You can’t kill him- believe me I've tried- but
let’s just say that at the end he gets what
he deserves. It puts you on the ship as
. commander Ripley and you hear a distress
signal of a different ship. The game uses
the same hide mechanic as outlast. It’s a
locker simulation. If you’re a nerd you
constantly hide in lockers and hold your
breath… one of the many joys of being a
nerd.
Drive club is a great game; it
plays like Gran Turismo. If you like not
crashing in the most violent possible way,
then this game is not for you… or for
me. I can only drive in video games but
the one thing that I enjoy is crashing and
taking everyone with me.
This game has multiplayer issues (unless
you like to lone wolf) but it’s still better
to go up against players than A.I.
CHRISTMAS GAMES
KAI-TYLER VASEY 9K
Battlefield Hardline
.
has got inspirations
from Die-Hard and Batman. Battflefield Hardliner
doesn’t focus on the military so they are going in a
new direction this year in terms of theme. You have
access to military guns, some street guns and some
top range military weaponry as it focuses on the
story of the war and crime. You also have handcuffs
and receive a score bonus if you capture one. It’s
basically a new hand to hand combat to arrest
players but involves defeating someone with a knife.
There is a zip line which is going to change
gameplay (not the way Call of Duty have added
jetpacks so you can double jump the zip line) but it
will make it easier to make it to snipers in buildings
damn snipers.
FAR CRY 4
Far cry returns this month. They only ever seem to
release one per console. It returns with the
introduction of a ruthless dictator pagan.
The story goes that your parents were part of the
revolution. Your mum’s dying wish is for you to
spread her ashes where she once fought but then
you yourself get dragged in to the current civil war
going on, and then its time for war and Far Cry 4 (I
think that rhymes ) and if you feel like you get
lonely in Far Cry 4 do not fear- well, you’re not
going to fear just feel lonely.
Here's a picture for you lucky people. The game
comes out on November 21.
TOP 5 ANDROID LAUNCHERS
AAMAR SHEZAD 8P
Now look at your phone, go on, I’ll wait. Now the chances are you’ve got one of the
following: TouchWiz (Samsung), HTC Sense or even a Sony Overlay. But aren’t you bored?
You should experiment! So I’m going to share with you the Top 5 launchers for Android.
5. Google Now Launcher
4. Yahoo Aviate
This launcher is made with
simplicity and accessibility in
mind. It makes having a launcher
necessary and useful. The main
concept is that you have
everything at a single swipe.
One swipe lets you access the
auto categorised folders, and
one more will get you to the A-Z
list of apps which consists of all
of your apps. One swipe from
the home screen to the left gets
you to your ‘today’ section.
Depending on the time or your
current location it can either
show you: Morning, Going
somewhere, Work, Restaurant,
Night or Music, which is
automatically activated when
your head phones are plugged
in. A bit more customizability is
given since icon packs and
widgets are allowed.
This launcher goes back to basics and
will not radically change your phone. It
basically gives the stock android feel to
whichever phone you have. The main new
addition is the ability to get Google
Now on the left hand side of your
phone. It also gives a more general stock
feel and makes it easier to access the
widget screen with just a hold on the
home screen. However, remember that
this will not give you too many
customisations..
Sadly though there isn’t a huge amount of
customizability since that really is the limit but it
does really make your phone amazing. This is the
launcher I am using now.
TOP 5 ANDROID LAUNCHERS
AAMAR SHEZAD 8P
3. Nova Launcher
Probably THE best known launcher with endless customizations which are possibly endless,
from icon sizes to animation
speeds. What you want will be
delivered. You could even
change what the search bar
looks like. In my opinion I think
this is one of the best launchers
for a beginner. It introduces
you to the world of change.
You can change whatever you
want! But there is not too much
to talk about… it simply is the
King Of Customization.
2. Go Launcher EX
This is the launcher which has
been
installed
over
200,000,000 times. A very
big number. It is deserving of
that number too. with an
amazing Ui, and skins that
you can download you’d be
surprised if it was anything
less.
It offers endless
possibilities, and the ability to
make your phone your own.
From an iPad to a windows
phone,
your
phone
is
completely yours.
TOP 5 ANDROID LAUNCHERS
AAMAR SHEZAD 8P
1. Action Launcher PRO
Now remember we’re talking about the pro
version and nothing less here. There is no
point in getting the free version since it
won’t be good enough. This is a launcher
which stresses widgets. It allows for an on
swipe motion which shows you where all of
your apps and widgets are allocated. A
swipe from the other side shows the active
widgets. But the number one feature is that
you can assign widgets to apps so when
you swipe up on a widget it displays that
widget. For example, I have the WhatsApp
app so when I swipe up on the icon it
displays the WhatsApp widget with
messages. A nice launcher which offers tons
of customizability and also lets you be
organised and helps make your phone
easier to use.
Smart Launcher
Other Notable Mentions:
Everything me is a launcher which organises
your phone and also has very special twist when
it comes to folders. Every time you make one it
also adds links and apps which you could install
if you wanted to. For example if I make a games
folder I will get suggestions like Angry Birds or
Minecraft.
MONEY SAVING TIPS!
TOP 5 BEST BUDGET PHONES
AAMAR SHEZAD 8 PARTHIANS
Now, not everyone can afford an iPhone 6 or a Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
You’ll be wanting to have a nice, fancy phone without having to pay a
premium price. I’m going to help you choose the best phone for the best price.
5. Moto E
Now, this phone is the best priced
phone in its category. It has
amazing battery life and has
decent specs for a £90 phone.
Running the Android 4.4.4
software but with a guaranteed
update to 5.0 it still is pretty up
to date. With incredible front
facing speakers and a custom
made Snap Dragon 200 you’ll be
rocking the best in its market.
4. Vodafone Smart 4 Turbo
The only reason this phone is on this list is that it gives
you amazing specs, a camera and 4G at £120. Now
think of all that for such a cheap price. It also has a 5
inch LCD screen and a 1.3Ghz processor. This phone
screams value for money. But alas the only network
that this is available currently is Vodafone. But don’t
let that hold you back.
3. The EE Kestral
The best named phone ever. This phone is extremely cheap with
a £90 deal as of now. It packs power with a 1.2Ghz processor
and a Qualcomm chi with Quad Cores. It is accompanied by a
magnificent 5Mp camera which is excellent value for money. It is
made by Huawei and you can see why. Probably the best
Smartphone from Huawei.
MONEY SAVING TIPS!
TOP 5 BEST BUDGET PHONES
AAMAR SHEZAD 8PARTHIANS
2. Nokia Lumia 635
The only non Android Phone on this list.
It was a big bump up from the
amazing Nokia Lumia 520 from last
year. The most significant improvement
is that it now enables 4G LTE. Other
Improvements are the Camera which is
now 5 Megapixels. The other
improvement is the 4.5 inches Clear
Black screen. A smashing price of
£110.
1. Moto G 2014
Ah here we are again. Our final phone is
the most amazing phone for the most
amazing price. A massive 5 inch screen
and literally cost nothing for what you get.
A quad Core processor which organises
your apps and speeds it up so you’ll never
be lagging behind. An amazing 8 MP
Camera and a crystal clear 5 inch screen.
With Full HD capabilities. With the price
of £150 you can’t go wrong here.
Well there you go. The top 5 best
smartphones for the best price. You
seriously can’t get better than this.
Aamar Shezad 8P
HOW TO MAKE
CHRISTMAS THEMED MUFFINS!
BY CHANU THEBUWANAGE 8P
Christmas is coming and everyone’s getting the Christmas spirit! Today I’m will be going step by
step to show you how to make a very festive and delicious dessert.
You will need:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2 Eggs
160g of either butter or margarine
A non-stick cake mix tray
150g of sugar
150g of self raising flour
½ a tea spoon of vanilla essence/cinnamon
Jam or Chocolate
A Big Spoon
A Tea Spoon
A Whisk
An Oven
White Icing
Any other cake decorations of your choice
STEP 1:
First of all, make sure your hands and table are completely clean. I’m
pretty sure you wouldn’t want a delicious cake infected with any
unwanted germs!
STEP 2:
Preheat your oven to 180C. Since we’re making this hasty, we
want to do everything in advance!
Even if you think your oven is a bit worn out, make sure you
keep it at 180C.
How to Make Christmas Themed
Muffins!
By Chanu Thebuwanage 8P
STEP 3:
Put your flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a
mixing bowl and start mixing it thoroughly.
STEP 4:
Take a separate mixing bowl and start to add the next set of
ingredients: milk, melted butter, (optional) vanilla essence and then
crack the egg. Make sure no egg shell is left in the mixture!
Afterwards, stir thoroughly.
STEP 5:
Now for the fun bit! Pour in your wet mixture into the nice smelling, fluffy
one. After you’ve done that start to stir. You want the batter to stay all nice
and fluffy.
OPTIONAL:
This is the point where you can make your muffins unique! Add in all
your special ingredients and alter the cake to your liking. For example,
you could use chocolate chips or sweets. Remember, this is your cake!
STEP 6:
Pour your mixture into your cake tray and make sure the
batter is nice and smooth; there should be no bubbles!
After that, place the tray into your oven and get ready to
wait 20-25 minutes.
STEP 7: ENJOY!
After you’ve waited roughly 25 minutes, then take out
the tray. When your muffins are cool, get out your
decorations of choice, such as: icing, chocolate chips
etc. So once you’ve done that, all that’s left to do is
get comfortable and to enjoy your home-made
masterpiece!
House Update – Fifa Tournament
By M. Khan (Head of House)
House Update – Spelling Bee
By M. Khan (Head of House)
Pablo Rovetto Ibanez, 10C, 3rd
place
Kashif Hameed, 9T, 1st place; Ben Stokes, 7P, 2nd place
House Update – Creative Competitions
By M. Khan (Head of House)
House Update – Maths Challenge
By M. Khan (Head of House)
House Update – House Standings
By M. Khan (Head of House)
From all at
STW x