Creative Writing Club

This year we’ve been writing about secrets - everything from teenage pregnancy to sibling rivalry, a hidden murder and someone’s mum hiding out in the basement.
Come and add to the scandal! Write poetry and short stories and get advice from a published author.
Fun exercises and challenging subjects will help you express yourself, and strengthen your vocabulary.
Come along, Mondays at 3.30 in the library, or for more information email Miss Wyld at wyld@baconsctc.co.uk

Freakonomics by Stephen D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

by Miss Semmens

What connects sumo wrestlers and teachers? Why did violent assault rates fall in the 90s despite all the experts predicting exactly the opposite? What makes a perfect parent? These questions have quite different answers to what you might expect. Two economists looks at the world from a different angle and come up with some different answers in an absolutely fascinating book.

The Declaration by Gemma Malley

by Miss Semmens

Imagine a future where people can live forever. Amazing, you'd think, but what about over-population?
This is the world we come across in The Declaration. This future world has solved the problem by not letting people have children, but like all rules this one was made to be broken. Anna Covey is one of the 'surplus' who has grown up in an orphanage where she's been programmed to think she is the one who's wrong, that her parents were selfish and that she is the result of their selfishness. Anna is keen to be the best surplus she can be, which means life as a servant serving one of the non-agers. But all of a sudden Anna's world is rocked by a new arrival to the grange, a boy who claims it's the rule that's wrong, not them and completely blows apart Anna's world. Will she have the courage to abandon all her beliefs?

Interview with Frank Nouble

Sophia Rafferty interviews Frank Nouble, year 11, about playing for Chelsea.

You have been picked to play professionally for Chelsea, is that right?
Yes it is

How and when did you get spotted?
I was playing for Milwall and I was scouted from that club to Chelsea in year seven.

Were you a Chelsea fan before you joined the team?
No. I was, and always will be, a Manchester United fan.

Have you always waned to play professional football?
Always. It’s in my blood.

What would you be doing otherwise?
Accountancy. I would start my own business.

When how often do you train, and for how long?
I train four times a week; the training has progressively gotten more intense since year seven.

What is the best part about playing for Chelsea?
The facilities and meeting the players.

And the worst part?
Disappointed that it’s not Manchester United!

Any advice for readers who want to get into professional football?
Keep your head down, keep working. As I say, to be number one, you’ve got to train like you’re number two.

Northern Lights vs. The Golden Compass

by Sophia Rafferty
As a warning, if you have neither read the book nor watched the film, some of this article may not make a lot of sense to you.

We have recently seen the release of The Golden Compass, the feature-film of the book Northern Lights, which is the first in the very popular His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman. But is it true to the film? Are the computer effects as good as they should be? And which is better?

There are several differences between the book and the film. Quite obviously, they have different titles. The title The Golden Compass comes from Pullman’s original naming of the trilogy, which was named The Golden Compass as opposed to the current title of His Dark Materials. However the name referred to the type of circle-drawing compasses (the ones you use in maths), rather than the common misconception that the name refers to the alethiometer, which resembles a navigational compass (the ones which tell you which way is north). Another difference is that in the book, the king of the armoured bears was named Iofur Raknison, but in the film this was changed to Ragnar Sturlusson, to prevent confusion between him and Iorek Byrnison.

In the books, the Magesterium is a representation of the Catholic Church, although this is not mentioned, rather vaguely representing authority in general. This was because the directors wished to make it less controversial so that it would not offend people, although the plot loses some of its political message. The decision has been criticised by Pullman fans, one of who claims that ‘they are taking the heart out of it, losing the point of it, castrating it’, a similar point was made by someone else, who said ‘With $180 million at stake, the studio opted to kidnap the book’s body and leave behind its soul.’ As you can see, some readers were clearly not impressed. As with all big Hollywood companies, we know that at the heart of them, despite wanting to entertain people, maybe even to get a message across, there is just the desire to make money, and sometimes this results in the watering-down of bold statements made by books such as Northern Lights, and they lose a lot of meaning.

Some were opposed to the film for very different reasons. In October the Catholic Society called for a boycott of the film. The president of the society says that, although the religious content has been filtered out, the release of the film will encourage children to read the novels which, he says, promote ‘atheism for kids’. This has been responded to by the leader of ‘American Atheists’, who claims that ‘Rather than promote atheism, that it would encourage kids to question authority, which would not at all be a bad thing’. The idea of questioning authority is frequently mentioned in the film, as the main character Lyra Belacqua does so herself, and states throughout the film that she hates being told what to do, perhaps this would encourage children to do the same, and question what they are told.

The appearance of the film is impressive and as computerised graphics are always improving, they are quite convincing. The Armoured bears and Dæmons are almost real looking. The film is a good fantasy film and the acting is very good particularly Dakota Blue Richards who plays the part of Lyra Belacqua.

The film starts, ‘There are many universes, and many earths parallel to each other. Worlds like yours, where people’s souls live inside their bodies, and worlds like mine, where they walk beside us as animal spirits we call Dæmons, so many worlds, but connecting them all is Dust, Dust was here before the witches of the air, the Gyptians of the water and the bears of the ice. In my world, scholars invented an alethiometer, the golden compass, and it showed them all that was hidden, and the ruling power, fearing any truth but their own, destroyed these devices, and for betrayed the very mention of Dust. One compass remains, however. And only one who can read it.’ This, in a way spoils the plot a bit, as in the book the reader learns these things as Lyra does, rather than having them all explained at the beginning and it is more exciting that way, especially as during the first book Lyra does not understand Dust so it makes it a bit confusing. Although it is probably easier for the children to understand that way, as it is primarily a children’s film.

As with all book-to-film adaptations, they have to be condensed, as a film that was completely true to the book would be too long to show in cinemas. Because of this the film, at 114 minutes, seems quite rushed at times and there are things missing (watch out – potential plot spoiler) such as the time spent with the Gyptians while on the run from Mrs Coulter and the time at Bouvangar before she sets the children free, which is portrayed in the film as lasting only one day, whereas in the book it was a lot longer, and of course, they have omitted Rodger’s death at the end of the novel.

My opinion on the film is that is quite a good film, mainly because I am a fan of the books, but it is realistic and good to watch. Although, to get a real idea of the story it its best to read the books. They have the whole story in them whereas the film has bits missing, and it has the deeper meaning which has been removed by the film producers. Plus, the book will take longer to read so you get more involved in the story, you can also read the details and picture the characters and events yourself, and with more understanding you will learn more about the storyline and it will make more sense.

Working in a Library

Working in a Library
By Leeann Richards

In my last school I took part in work experience that was being arranged in the summer of July 2006. I worked in my local library for a week and had to bring a booklet with me highlighting the possible dangers in the library, the facilities they have and services provided.

Now, I know that when you go on work experience it can be a nerve racking experience simply because you are in a new place and don’t know anyone, you are out of the comfort zone of school and into the world of work. My first day was the same, even though it was a library I was still nervous about the new people I would be meeting, and I worried about messing up the work that I would be doing.

However I got into the work I was doing and actually really enjoyed it. The staff were very friendly and they made sure that I understood what I was doing. The work that I was doing wasn’t that hard, just simple jobs that a librarian does like issuing books and stacking shelves. I know this may sound boring but it actually made me realize the importance of work and how tiring it can be!

Afterwards, the experience made me want to do work experience again as I felt grown up and become more independent, and it’s actually fun. So I’m advising others who are about to do work experience or thinking about doing it to enjoy it and learn something about the importance of work.

Homework Trouble

By Zuzu Ali


There the tall terrible teacher stood over him, glaring eyes set to detonate at the sight of no homework in his poor pupil’s empty hands. He stood him up in front of the class with no mercy, where he would serve the boy’s punishment.

“Well,” He growled, arms crossed, never taking his black eyes off his target.
“Where is it Louis?” Where was his homework?

How should he have known?

He had a mountain of books and piles of scribbled paper waiting at home on his desk to be sorted through, topped up with a pile of random junk. No one, not even his own mother could find anything under that rubbish tip he called his room, how was he supposed to find his homework?

He had used every excuse he could think of for Mr. Ackerman’s lost assignments. ‘My printer wasn’t working’, ‘My computer shut down’, ‘My grandmother died’, ‘My dog ate it’. His crafty little brain couldn’t think of any more excuses, and it showed in his teacher’s slimy secret smirk. Mr. Ackerman was going to win this one.

A little rhythm of ‘uhhs’ and ‘ahhs’ were his first quick response. Sadly Mr Ackerman was not a fan of music.
“Where’s the task I set you?” He snapped, growing even more impatient. “I’m not going to sit here listening to you dawdle on in my lesson!” He barked, the foul breath of tuna and rotten eggs spitting in Louis’s nostrils.
“Have you, or have you not done your homework?”
“Well sir…” Finally, he could speak two proper words. “I…” Doom was in the air. He was going to face the telling off of his life, but that was the least of his problems when he thought of the punishments Mr. Ackerman had in mind for him

Wait. Being told off. He had it! He had the brilliant comeback.
“Sir.” Louis grinned, full set of white teeth showing.
“Has your tiny, little brain remembered what happened to your homework?” The greasy haired, Mr. Ackerman rolled his eyes, the quiet giggling of the classroom followed his actions.
“No.”
“Then?” Deep breath.
“You can’t tell me off for something I didn’t do.”

It was the best answer for lost homework that he had ever come up with.

Mr. Ackerman sentenced Louis to two weeks of detention, and a year cleaning off gum from under the tables in his classroom.

Rugby Club

by Mr Foster

Where can you grab hold of your mate, dump him on his backside in the mud, and then have members of staff not only fail to tell you off, but offer you advice on how to do it better next time? Come to Peter Hills on a Thursday after school and find out.

That's what around twenty boys in year 7 have been doing all term, and they are now looking forward to their first competitive full contact fixture against Charter. They have already won one tag rugby game against a City of London Academy that included several year 8s and 9s.

The senior boys sides have played two fixtures, both against Charter. In the first game Charter were too organised and ground out a 23-5 win despite a try by Sammy Ajose. In the second however, Bacon's won the physical battle thanks to big hits from Alex Surguladze and strong runs from Joe Dalton. Joe's try and two from Sammy Ajose looked to have won the game for Bacon's, only for a last minute score to steal victory.

The biggest success story has been Aaron Redgrave, who has represented South London, London, The south of England and now the Combined Regions in Rugby League against Wales, Cumbria, and Lancashire. As well as this, Aaron is now on the books at Harlequins RL, London's professional rugby league team.

The rugby club is always looking for new members from all years, boys and girls. If you are interested, see myself or Mr Darragh.

I’m No Coat!

by Sophia Rafferty.

This winter most of you will have shelled out on a winter coat. Some of you may have coats with fur trims, or winter boots made from suede or leather, and I’m sure most of you will own a woollen jumper. Did you ever think about what happens in the making of these items?

In the winter season many clothing retailers will be selling clothes with fur trims. Fur is often marketed as a symbol of elegance and wealth. Animal fur is obtained by removing the skin and coat of animals such as foxes, rabbits, raccoons, minks, lynxes, beavers, otters, and others. Most of the world’s fur comes from China, where cats and dogs are routinely used for fur and deliberately falsely labelled, so there is no way you can tell that the fur you buy is not from a dog or a cat.

Animals in fur farms are kept in terrible conditions. Foxes kept for fur production are kept in 2.5 feet square cages, with up to four animals per enclosure. They spend their entire lives in these filthy wire cages, exposed to all elements and denied the most basic veterinary care. When the animals are finally put out of their misery, they are killed by suffocation, gassing and electrocution so as not to spoil their coats. These methods are not entirely effective and sometimes the animals are merely knocked out and regain full consciousness while being skinned.

Wild animals caught for fur are often left for days in steel jaw traps and die of starvation or frostbite before the trappers arrive. Others escape by chewing off their own limbs only to die of loss of blood or gangrene later on. If the animals are still alive when the trappers get to them, they are stamped, strangled or bludgeoned to death.

Leather is just as bad. Most cows reared for leather are factory farmed, living in cramped, filthy conditions, going through castration, horn clipping and tail docking (which cuts straight through the flesh and bone of the tail, as bad as cutting off a leg) with no pain relief whatsoever. Animals sent to slaughter often collapse on the way and are beaten or have chilli powder rubbed into their eyes to force them to walk. Many cows have their throats slit and are fully skinned and dismembered while completely conscious after improper stunning. Other animals such as horses, lambs, dogs and pigs are also used for leather. Leather is no friend of the environment, since it shares all the environmental destruction of the meat industry, in addition to the toxins used in tanning.

Many of us would not consider wool to be involved in cruelty, but it too contributes to the suffering. Lambs on wool farms undergo a procedure called ‘mulesing’, without pain relief. This involves removing large chunks of skin and flesh from the sheep’s backside creating scar tissue that cannot harbour fly eggs. Ironically the bleeding wounds which are left open often get flies in them before they heal (which can take months). The sheep are bred with special wrinkly skin (more skin = more wool). This excessive amount of wool can cause the sheep to die of heat exhaustion during the summer months (especially seeing as most wool is farmed in Australia). The wrinkles in the sheep’s skin can become breeding grounds for flies and the eggs laid there turn into maggots which eat the sheep alive. When the sheep stop producing enough wool they are shipped to the Middle East for slaughter. The journey can last for several months and many sheep die before they reach their destination. Around 14,500 sheep die each year on the way to the slaughterhouses. Once at the slaughterhouse, their throats are slit with no stunning and some sheep are bought and brought home live in the boots of cars, to be killed by the purchasers. The shearing itself is not humane either, and the sheep are sometimes punched in the face with the shears if they do not keep still. One eyewitness claims to have seen sheep with ‘half their face off’. Sheep do not need to be sheared, without human interference sheep would grow enough wool to keep themselves warm and no more.

As you can see the production of fur, wool and leather is inhumane to say the least, however, many shops such as Burberry continue to use fur in their designs. Anyone who is concerned about the welfare of animals should boycott them until they stop selling fur. There are many retailers which don’t use animal products in their designs; synthetic alternatives are available everywhere and in all price ranges. Designers such as Ralph Lauren and Vivienne Westwood refuse to design in fur. If you too would like to help these animals then I suggest you follow this example and stop wearing, and buying wool, fur and leather. I’m not expecting you to throw out your brand new leather trainers, but when you want some more, why not look around for stylish alternatives, you could even write to a certain brand who use animal products in their designs and ask them to provide something non-animal-based. Many people in today’s society are recognising the cruelty that goes into such products, including your favourite celebrities, for example Forrest Kline of Hellogoodbye is a vegan. (For anyone who is unsure, a vegan is someone who does not eat or use any product that comes for an animal - it’s easier than you think!)

PETA (-that’s People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has just started a new campaign against Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, (or should I say Hairy-Kate and Trashley Trollsen). The girls continue to buy and wear fur and have included it in their new fashion line The Row. By choosing not to wear or buy animal products, you are decreasing the demand for these products, which in turn reduces the supply, meaning less killing and cruelty for the animals, and everyone’s happy! (Except maybe those who make their living by the exploitation of animals. What a shame.)


For more information on cruelty to animals used in clothing visit Peta.org.uk or Peta2.com for animal friendly brands and other ways you can help animals.

Our Visit from the Archbishop

By Amanda Phipps and Humyra Rahim

On the 17th October Bacon’s college was extremely fortunate in being visited by the Archbishop of Canterbury - in case you don’t know who he is, Dr Rowan Williams is the leader of the entire Anglican church across the world, made up of around 60,000,000 Christians - it was a big deal.
After the school assembly in which mediation was discussed, members of the Sixth Form had the unique opportunity to meet with him over coffee, tea and a packet of bourbons, and ask some of the most current and controversial questions that effect our society today.

How do you deal with people who feel God is neglecting them in incidents such as the Tsunami?
Sadly, I was in New York on the 11th of September when the aeroplanes crashed into the twin towers. I was about 100 yards away. The next day someone asked me, obviously distressed, “Where God was when we were suffering?”
I told him that God is in all of those men and women fighting to save lives in the police forces, ambulances and fire-fighters, that God was present in all those who volunteered to help find survivors in the wreckage. God’s reputation is in our hands, if we show solidarity, help victims, put our lives on the line for others, God is right there.

What is your opinion on denominations? Do you think they are destructive?
In the Bible there is nothing on denominations. The invention of them, however, has definitely caused distress. Between these groups there is a lot of prejudice and their traditions sometimes clash. This is slowly changing, but unfortunately such a change will not take place by tomorrow. We should respect each other’s cultures whilst being proud of our own. I personally feel the most important thing is a devotion to Christ and in this we are all united.

Recently we have heard much about the conflict that is taking place in Burma, especially between the military and Buddhist monks. What is your view on what has been happening?
Burma has been in a tragic state for the last 20 years with the government constantly betraying their people through their sheer incompetence and oppression. This time there is hope that a change is coming as neighbouring countries to Burma have begun to recognise and respond to the problem, which an important step. The actions of the Buddhist monks cannot be underestimated. It can only be a good thing that they are standing up and saying ‘enough is enough’.

Over the last few months there has been so much media attention on the Madeline McCann case. Do you think this is morally correct when thousands of children are abducted everyday in Africa ?
I believe it is disgraceful how the media has turned this into an obsession, a part of the media circus. The media focuses on this case now, searching every part of the Mccanns’ lives. However if this tragedy is ever resolved, within three days, most of these journalists will ask ‘Madeline who?’ This is not a healthy situation, and you are right, when we look around the world there are so many cases that have escaped the media’s eye.

Should Church become more secular to deal with today’s society, which has much more secular beliefs?
The existence of God and the Bible does not depend on a majority vote like the fairies in Peter Pan. For believers he exists whether society agrees or not. However, it is extremely important that the church has good communications with those in secular societies. It is key that we listen, understand and respect all beliefs.

What has the Church of England done to tackle gun crime?
I am impatient to tackle the loneliness and isolation that pushes people into gangs that leads to this gun culture. A number of churches have a scheme of Gun Amenity in which weapons can be handed in with no questions asked. To me gun crime is the result. In order to stop such incidents we must look at the root of the problem and why people fall into this lifestyle in the first place.

What is your viewpoint on the position that the Anglican Church should have on homosexuals and gay practising priests?
In western countries such as America and England, as a society we are more familiar with the idea of homosexuality, and therefore the Church finds pressure from these communities to become more secularised. However, it must also be seen from the point of view of countries like Nigeria were it simply isn’t a factor of their day-to-day life. Their society refuses to recognise it. Here, obviously, the Church struggles to see an argument for allowing gay clergy. I believe both sides need to understand and appreciate the other’s argument and instead of using the Bible to further their argument, come together and read the word of Christ to find a middle ground.

How do you manage your spiritual ideals when working with world leaders who have strong political agendas?
Important political leaders have to win an election, and therefore sometimes can put aside the spiritual best. I have to remember who I am answerable to. I am not answerable to the Evening Standard or these political leaders, I am answerable to God Almighty, and he is a much tougher critic then these can be! I keep this fresh in my mind when working with such people.


For more information on Dr Rowan Williams go to www.archbishopofcanterbury.org

Love is in the Air. No seriously it’s Everywhere - Get it off me!

By Lashana Turner

Sitting on the bus or train enjoying your journey as you do, you could find yourself reminded of all the important things you are ‘supposed’ to achieve before the end of college. The list goes something like this: good A level and GCSE grades, good weekend job, good work experience, FALL IN LOVE WITH A BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND!!!!!!!!
Now, this might seem bizarre and slightly random, but you may be just one of the many who find themselves being constantly bombarded with images and ideas of romance, sexual relations and love.

Young people today are becoming more and more obsessed with being in relationships. Some blame hormones, others condemn the media for its contribution. But with teenage pregnancy at an all time high, and levels of teenage suicide due to depression caused by bullying and peer pressure becoming more common, perhaps it is time someone addressed the issue of the teenager’s obsession with love, romance and relationships.

Everywhere we go we are plagued with images of happy couples and people in love. A ‘kissy face here’ and a ‘smoochykins’ there. We are constantly assured that happiness is found in two main things: money and love. Now, do not get me wrong, there are very few things more special than true young love, and if I was handed a cheque for one hundred million pounds I would gleefully take the money and buy my weight in French cheese just because I could. However if romance is constantly thrust upon younger more impressionable minds, the effects could be hazardous.

With love being promoted through music and television, and our peers constantly reinforcing the media’s convincing message, many can find themselves distressed if they are not in relationships or have not reached a certain level of intimacy.

The Love Cycle
I have found that when discussing relationships with young people, those who are not in relationships or who have never been, are either deeply worried by this and therefore desperate and insecure, or embarrassed and unwilling to discuss the topic. A vicious cycle begins when young people are pressured by peers and media, and brainwashed into believing that if they are not in a relationship or have not passed certain ‘bases’ then they are losers, outcasts and faulty human beings. This then forces them to tackle relationships and intimacy with fierce determination that should be focused on their education and future. The harder they try to fulfil their romantic needs, the further they plummet into the trap that causes them to continue the vicious love cycle. The person they are attracted to easily senses their fierce determination as desperation and so this can be used to exploit them for the person’s selfish needs or can cause them to be rejected. So now we have a depressed, perhaps used and abused or rejected and embarrassed young person being who feels they have no self worth and so they go through life experiencing the same things over and over again ending up with a big pile of failed relationships.

Love in the Media
A lot of the music aimed at young people is about romance and sexual relations. Songs that discuss being deeply in love are very popular. Even more popular are songs that glorify sex, all performed by relatively young people who would be idolised by pre-teens and teenagers worldwide. Perhaps musical artists should consider who their audience is, and how lyrics such as “you can have your way just as long as I can have you because I will do anything” and “promiscuous girl, you’re teasing me, you know what I want and I got what you need” will influence their audience into perhaps making wrong decisions and getting the wrong idea about romance and love.

Television shows and movies aimed at the youth constantly focus on young people in love. Even a violent action film has a scene where the hero gets the girl while a building blows up in the background. Films such as ‘High school musical’ that has seen great success with young people right down to the age of five, all the way through to sixteen, also focus on youngsters in love. The message of the film is clear. The two main characters ‘Troy’ and ‘Gabriella’ are unfulfilled until they meet each other. They only find happiness when they find love. This is the message constantly imposed on the youth.

The message young people get, and will continue to get, is that love and sex are the answers to all of your problems. What needs to happen is that more musicians need to promote fun and happiness as opposed to love, romance and sex. However this goes two ways. Young people need to be more aware of how to deal with their feelings, and so be able to listen to love songs and watch romantic films without it dramatically influencing their perceptions of their own lives.

As the youth of today we need to learn to open our eyes and not depend on a ‘relationship crutch’. We are young and have our whole lives ahead of us to find love and intimacy, right now we should focus our energy into investing time into our futures, as this is where the true rewards are.

Secret

By Videl Shaw

What surprises me
is how he combs his hair
so the horns don’t show.
My brother was always so annoying,
a devious little daemon,
I saw his eyes glow
in the dark, crimson red.
One time he put maggots
in my bed, and when I yelled at him
he ran to mum and acted
like an angel.

“Stop it Alex!”
Here’s my mum, a half-assed parent.
It’s not as if she doesn’t care,
It’s just that she’s a blank lifeless robot.
What I hate the most is that I know she’d care more
If I was a daughter.
“Stop talking to yourself Alex!”
She snaps at me.

I was chopping up brownies
My brother was yapping
endlessly, and I kept chopping.
The rhythm escalated our bickering.
The sound of my mum sizzling
Pancakes and muttering about how
She wished she’d had daughters,
It all made red liquid
burst out of my ear,
but my hands kept chopping
rapidly and furiously,
and then
oops,
the blade sliced through my brother’s thumb
and he shouted
like a brick thrown against glass.