Shout-outs from Catia-Em of yr 13 and Tayme of Yr 13
Monday, 27 October 2008
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Monday, 20 October 2008
To the crazy 6th formers out there!
Amal Caddaff, Amber Holdforth and Nguyen of yr 13.
I don't know what else to say.
Jest watch your backs at Halloween because I'm coming to get you!
Ha ha ha!!!
Happy Halloween every1
By Lee Wade 8CP
Happy Halloween everybody
Beth Hi!
Happy Halloween!
Melissa!
Why did the witch cross the road?
I DUNOE!
To Ava Sharma
HAPPY INDIAN HALLOWEEN!
YOU ELECTRO MAGNETISM!!
Love Amber, Toni & Poppy
Hi Miss Simmons!
Love Arnob
Elizabeth McLaren
Special message to Eva Sharma
We miss you v.much
xxx
Amal Caddaff, Amber Holdforth and Nguyen of yr 13.
I don't know what else to say.
Jest watch your backs at Halloween because I'm coming to get you!
Ha ha ha!!!
Happy Halloween every1
By Lee Wade 8CP
Happy Halloween everybody
Beth Hi!
Happy Halloween!
Melissa!
Why did the witch cross the road?
I DUNOE!
To Ava Sharma
HAPPY INDIAN HALLOWEEN!
YOU ELECTRO MAGNETISM!!
Love Amber, Toni & Poppy
Hi Miss Simmons!
Love Arnob
Elizabeth McLaren
Special message to Eva Sharma
We miss you v.much
xxx
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Waiting
By Joe Doherty
I’m waiting at night outside my mum’s house all alone, waiting for her to arrive. I can hear the rustling of trees, the echo of hooting from owls. I can see movement and hear strange noises coming from the near by forest. The trees seems to be talking. Leaves are swaying from side to side and something touches my shoulder. It’s only a falling leaf from the tree. I take a deep breath still waiting fro my mum to come back. I can still hear the leaves, I take steps toward the forest but there’s nothing to see but darkness. The only light I have is the light from my phone, and the little light reflected off the house from the moon. I look up and see the beautiful sky full of stars with a full moon, when I hear the howl of a wolf.
In the distance I can see the flashing of car lights but not my mum’s car, maybe some neighbours. The engine stops, there’s no noise, just silence and darkness. I’ve been waiting over an hour now, and there’s no signal on my phone. I stand in there cold and worried. The wind gets stronger as there is a loud rustling sound in the dark trees. There’s a sudden bite on my neck and I swing around but all it is is a little fly. I can smell the cooking of a barbeque and my belly starts to rumble and there’s the sweet smell of a storm coming. I look up to the sky as the stars are disappearing and the moon goes behind a dark cloud. Minutes later I feel a dribble of rain and hear a roar of thunder as a beam of light soars from the sky. I have had enough, so I go into the forest to look for her.
I’m waiting at night outside my mum’s house all alone, waiting for her to arrive. I can hear the rustling of trees, the echo of hooting from owls. I can see movement and hear strange noises coming from the near by forest. The trees seems to be talking. Leaves are swaying from side to side and something touches my shoulder. It’s only a falling leaf from the tree. I take a deep breath still waiting fro my mum to come back. I can still hear the leaves, I take steps toward the forest but there’s nothing to see but darkness. The only light I have is the light from my phone, and the little light reflected off the house from the moon. I look up and see the beautiful sky full of stars with a full moon, when I hear the howl of a wolf.
In the distance I can see the flashing of car lights but not my mum’s car, maybe some neighbours. The engine stops, there’s no noise, just silence and darkness. I’ve been waiting over an hour now, and there’s no signal on my phone. I stand in there cold and worried. The wind gets stronger as there is a loud rustling sound in the dark trees. There’s a sudden bite on my neck and I swing around but all it is is a little fly. I can smell the cooking of a barbeque and my belly starts to rumble and there’s the sweet smell of a storm coming. I look up to the sky as the stars are disappearing and the moon goes behind a dark cloud. Minutes later I feel a dribble of rain and hear a roar of thunder as a beam of light soars from the sky. I have had enough, so I go into the forest to look for her.
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Girlfriend Trouble
I have got a girlfriend from college but I have recently met a really fit girl through a friend of mine. I've heard that she fancies me. I don’t know what to do, help me!
From Smoothie
From Smoothie
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Film Review: Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?
By Louis Longley
It is easy to like Morgan Spurlock’s latest film, “Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?”, it is very aesthetically appealing and charmingly funny. However it also boasts brows lower than a Neanderthal.
In his latest film we discover Spurlock’s wife is pregnant and in a quest to make the world safer for his child Spurlock goes on a hunt for the most wanted man in the world, Osama Bin Laden. What follows takes Spurlock on a tour of the Middle East from Saudi-Arabia to Israel, all on the pretence of a relentless hunt for one man. Around 90 minutes of Docudrama later Spurlock reaches his conclusion and manages to arrive home to the USA in time for a closing shot of his wife’s pregnancy.
As I have already said Spurlock’s film has the charm and character of a loveable rogue, which you hate to love, Spurlock’s Borat-esque play on the clichés of several genres, from action to rom-com, this makes the documentary flow and very entertaining to watch. As well as deliberate plays on genre, however, Spurlock seemingly accidentally plays with the genre he based his movie on, Documentary, warping it out of all visible recognition, with his video game style transitions his overly staged camera shots, his additions of sound affects/make up, and his annoyingly over-rehearsed phone conversations with his girlfriend, (think “Shaun of the Dead” on LSD).
Furthermore the pretence for his tour round the Middle East makes the conflict in “Alien vs. Predator” look like the lead up to the first world war. It is an amazingly ludicrous pretence that truly insults the intelligence of the viewer. Although this pretence or ‘hook’ is a deliberate satire on the mainstream American action hero (one man against impossible odds, think Josie Wales in the ‘Outlaw Josie Wales’) and while I do think that the presence of satire is important in documentary, if it is the film’s main feature it (the film) is in danger of being ruined buy its own plot.
In conclusion, while I think that ‘Where in the world is Osama bin Laden’ is an entertaining way of spending around an hour and a half of your life, it does not particularly bear close examination or provoke serious thought. My personal view is that Spurlock should use his quirky style to comment on narrower areas of discussion rather than epic issues.
It is easy to like Morgan Spurlock’s latest film, “Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?”, it is very aesthetically appealing and charmingly funny. However it also boasts brows lower than a Neanderthal.
In his latest film we discover Spurlock’s wife is pregnant and in a quest to make the world safer for his child Spurlock goes on a hunt for the most wanted man in the world, Osama Bin Laden. What follows takes Spurlock on a tour of the Middle East from Saudi-Arabia to Israel, all on the pretence of a relentless hunt for one man. Around 90 minutes of Docudrama later Spurlock reaches his conclusion and manages to arrive home to the USA in time for a closing shot of his wife’s pregnancy.
As I have already said Spurlock’s film has the charm and character of a loveable rogue, which you hate to love, Spurlock’s Borat-esque play on the clichés of several genres, from action to rom-com, this makes the documentary flow and very entertaining to watch. As well as deliberate plays on genre, however, Spurlock seemingly accidentally plays with the genre he based his movie on, Documentary, warping it out of all visible recognition, with his video game style transitions his overly staged camera shots, his additions of sound affects/make up, and his annoyingly over-rehearsed phone conversations with his girlfriend, (think “Shaun of the Dead” on LSD).
Furthermore the pretence for his tour round the Middle East makes the conflict in “Alien vs. Predator” look like the lead up to the first world war. It is an amazingly ludicrous pretence that truly insults the intelligence of the viewer. Although this pretence or ‘hook’ is a deliberate satire on the mainstream American action hero (one man against impossible odds, think Josie Wales in the ‘Outlaw Josie Wales’) and while I do think that the presence of satire is important in documentary, if it is the film’s main feature it (the film) is in danger of being ruined buy its own plot.
In conclusion, while I think that ‘Where in the world is Osama bin Laden’ is an entertaining way of spending around an hour and a half of your life, it does not particularly bear close examination or provoke serious thought. My personal view is that Spurlock should use his quirky style to comment on narrower areas of discussion rather than epic issues.
Monday, 14 July 2008
Work by David Adedipe
It is a dark night and it is cold. I don’t know where I am going. I don’t know how I am going to get home. I don’t even know how I go there. the only thing I am following is the light that leads to a metal wire fence. I am stuck – I don’t know whether to jump the fence of just to crawl into a ball and cry.
Work by Charlie Clinton
Back in the mysterious and haunting 1960s there was an old worn out town called Beckingstoke. This tattered area held a myth about a haunted house on the corner, just off of Riley Road. According to locals, whoever entered never returned, or if they did return they would be possessed with a second personality, of the creature which had overpowered them.
Then it came to the year 1969, just before the end of the decade, and one man was sure to end the myth of the 60s. His name was Henry Mackenroe. He lived in the village and always boasted about how he wasn’t phased by the house and would enter it at least once before he became old and wrinkly.
Just by the look of the house, people could tell this wasn’t a very good idea. People had already started arranging his funeral and ordering flowers to mourn him with, but Henry was sure they were soon to find out the answer to their questions. As he stepped up to the front door, climbing up the rusted, moulded steps, he paused and looked around behind him to get a last glimpse of outside life.
He hesitantly pushed open the door which produced a loud creek, before swinging forth and smashing into the unpainted and bloodstained wall. By now Henry had a tingling feeling in his belly which was telling him something was about to go terribly wrong. As he bravely moved forward down the corridor, he heard a quiet voice coming from his right. He turned his head slowly to the right to discover a slightly opened door. He stuttered forwarded and pushed the cold door knob and there it was, the misty figure as white as snow. It made the room cold and icy. As he stood there staring into his eyes which seemed ocean deep, the myth became real, the blood shed began, the locals were right, how would the myth ever end?
Then it came to the year 1969, just before the end of the decade, and one man was sure to end the myth of the 60s. His name was Henry Mackenroe. He lived in the village and always boasted about how he wasn’t phased by the house and would enter it at least once before he became old and wrinkly.
Just by the look of the house, people could tell this wasn’t a very good idea. People had already started arranging his funeral and ordering flowers to mourn him with, but Henry was sure they were soon to find out the answer to their questions. As he stepped up to the front door, climbing up the rusted, moulded steps, he paused and looked around behind him to get a last glimpse of outside life.
He hesitantly pushed open the door which produced a loud creek, before swinging forth and smashing into the unpainted and bloodstained wall. By now Henry had a tingling feeling in his belly which was telling him something was about to go terribly wrong. As he bravely moved forward down the corridor, he heard a quiet voice coming from his right. He turned his head slowly to the right to discover a slightly opened door. He stuttered forwarded and pushed the cold door knob and there it was, the misty figure as white as snow. It made the room cold and icy. As he stood there staring into his eyes which seemed ocean deep, the myth became real, the blood shed began, the locals were right, how would the myth ever end?
Work by Sam Digby-Baker
I am there in the middle of a corn field. I can smell fresh corn, I can feel it brushing up against my legs. I like the look of the bright yellow corn.
Work by Tolulope Adedayo
Walking down the stairs, the smell of urine shot through my nose. The click click of my heels hitting the hard concrete as I tried not to fall. The three year old paint peeling off the wall, trying to cover up the graffiti underneath. Just like covering up the truth. I accidentally touch the wall, then clean my hand in disgust. I reach the bottom of the stairs and stare at the fountain, decayed and stained. Just like a smoker’s teeth full of dirt and impurities, too late to clean.
Work by Sean Johansen
As I walked up the rocky path towards what I’m told is a large castle, I wondered what the point was in dehydrating myself to see something which you could see in nearly every country in the world. The sun was beating down on my face with great penetration making me feel like I could just jump into that nearby river will all my clothes on, without a care in the world. The hill was gradually getting steeper and I could only hope this meant I was getting closer, and that this suicide walk would soon be over. I could feel my legs sinking into the hot dry ground. I had been walking for almost three hours in the sweltering heat, now I just had to sit down. After sitting down for a couple of minutes I had seen what I was looking for.
Work by Carlton Lieu
I
I was stuck in the corn field and the only thing I could see was more corn. It went on for miles and miles and the only thing I felt was prickly stems and leaves brushing my legs. As I walked further I could hear different animals and insects. Firstly there was the chirruping of the crickets and as I progressed, the rustling of the corn where rodents ran though it.
The clouds filled the sky like an ocean that never ended and I felt like just giving up. the finish line was not in sight. I was tired and hungry but I wasn’t desperate enough to eat a rat or the raw corn.
II
It had been a bad month for me. I was demoted from my job and I didn’t have a penny to spare. News came to me that my granddad had passed away. I ran though a whole box of tissues and even though my tears were now dry, I still missed him. I remembered as a kid I would chill with him, even spend the whole summer with him. I still couldn’t believe it. He was like my dad. My dad used to go to work and I had to chill with gramps.
I lay on my bed thinking about him. I took time off work to visit his house, knowing I was likely to get fired, but that was the last thing on my mind at that moment. I arrived at his castle and made sure that I spent time with the thing he spent his last days with. As I sat in his ‘throne’ the chair I was not allowed to sit on as a kid because he said I wasn’t big enough, I felt his spirit in the air. A cold breeze brushed my legs bit I wasn’t scared I was happy to feel his presence. The world had come back to colour and I felt better.
I was stuck in the corn field and the only thing I could see was more corn. It went on for miles and miles and the only thing I felt was prickly stems and leaves brushing my legs. As I walked further I could hear different animals and insects. Firstly there was the chirruping of the crickets and as I progressed, the rustling of the corn where rodents ran though it.
The clouds filled the sky like an ocean that never ended and I felt like just giving up. the finish line was not in sight. I was tired and hungry but I wasn’t desperate enough to eat a rat or the raw corn.
II
It had been a bad month for me. I was demoted from my job and I didn’t have a penny to spare. News came to me that my granddad had passed away. I ran though a whole box of tissues and even though my tears were now dry, I still missed him. I remembered as a kid I would chill with him, even spend the whole summer with him. I still couldn’t believe it. He was like my dad. My dad used to go to work and I had to chill with gramps.
I lay on my bed thinking about him. I took time off work to visit his house, knowing I was likely to get fired, but that was the last thing on my mind at that moment. I arrived at his castle and made sure that I spent time with the thing he spent his last days with. As I sat in his ‘throne’ the chair I was not allowed to sit on as a kid because he said I wasn’t big enough, I felt his spirit in the air. A cold breeze brushed my legs bit I wasn’t scared I was happy to feel his presence. The world had come back to colour and I felt better.
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Secret
By Maxine Lartey
Monique changed back into her pyjamas. She was glad that her dark complexion meant that no one could see her face burning with embarrassment.
She found her mum making breakfast into the kitchen
“Mum, can I talk to you?”
“Always, love,” she answered, smiling.
“Well, I’ve been sick.”
“Oh dear,” said Monique’s mother turning to look at her.
“And then…well, let’s just say my bladder had a mind of its own…”
“Oh, you poor thing!” said Monique’s mum, putting a hand on Monique’s forehead.
“Mum! I’m not a baby,” she replied defiantly.
“You probably have a bug. You can miss school today.”
“Thanks mum.”
Monique turned and started to walk away.
“Darling, if you ever get pregnant, you would tell me wouldn’t you, Monique?”
“Of course, mum” Said Monique, shocked.
“When I had Kamal your grandfather wouldn’t talk to me for months. I just don’t want you making the same mistakes I did.”
Monique trudged up the stairs to her bedroom. Her mum’s words kept playing over and over again in her mind. Could she be pregnant?
At Lauren’s party, a few weeks ago there’d been lots of people and fun and beer. She felt a little reckless and knew her mum would not approve but she wouldn’t get in to any trouble. And then later on Ben, Kate’s boyfriend had showed up. They talked and danced and drank. They’d kissed, something Monique wasn’t proud of, but it had been nice to feel wanted, and as long Ben didn’t say anything, what was the harm?
But then Ben had led Monique to Lauren’s bedroom, and past that the night was a blank.
Monique put her coat on over her pyjamas and snuck out the back door, so that her mum didn’t see her. At the chemist she bought a pregnancy test. It is really hard to buy a pregnancy test because she did not want anyone to know she might be pregnant and then tell her mum. It was ten pounds which seemed stupid because you can only use it once. The look the chemist gave her almost turned her to stone.
Back home she locked herself in the loo and read the instructions carefully. Taking the test was no problem; it was waiting for it to be ready to read that was difficult. After ten minutes Monique finally made herself look. Two blue lines. The instructions on the packet told her she was pregnant.
“No. I can’t be. It’s not true,” she whispered to herself. It’s okay, she thought. I’ll do another test, and this one has to be wrong. But turning out her pockets she didn’t have even half the money to buy a new one.
The next day at school was very hard. The events of the previous day were still fresh in her mind. She didn’t know what to do. All day the only thing on her mind was whether or not she should keep it. What will Kate think of me? She wondered, what will my mum do? I’ve gone and made the same mistake she did.
Kate could tell that something was on her mind.
“What’s up? You’ve been down all day.”
“It’s nothing much, don’t worry,” replied Monique.
“Come on babe, we tell each other everything. You look like you’ve eaten cold porridge,” moaned Kate.
“Look,” Monique didn’t mean to snap, “it’s just I’ve got stuff on my mind, that’s all.”
“Well, we all have stuff on our mind. Ben’s been acting all funny, but I suppose that doesn’t matter because Monique has problems so big that no one else matters.” Kate snapped back.
The hurt and coldness in Kate’s voice made Monique burst in to tears.
“”Hey babe, I’m sorry. I have all this negative energy I need to get out, that’s all,” she said giving Monique a hug.
“It’s not that, It’s just…Oh, Kate I’m so sorry,” sobbed Monique
“What about? You haven’t done anything,” said Kate
“I have…Oh Kate. You remember Lauren’s party?”
“Yeah.”
“Ben and I sort of kissed…but it was a mistake, I mean we were so drunk.”
“You did what?” Kate yelled, so that people stopped and looked at them both. “Wait, with my boyfriend?”
Her face looked like she had been slapped a thousand times and now she wanted revenge.
“It was an accident, I’m so sorry. I just had to tell you, because…”
“Because what?” Shouted Kate.
“Because I’m pregnant,” she sobbed. She hadn’t meant to tell her that bit but it came out like word vomit.
The bell for afternoon lessons rang.
Kate walked away, without looking at her and Monique had never felt so alone.
That evening, she went home and worried about how she would tell her mum. She didn’t have to worry for long as soon Kate was at her door.
“Hey Kate come in. Monique is upstairs”
“Actually I wanted to talk to you”
“Really well come in and grab a seat. So what’s on your mind kiddo?”
Monique’s heart was thumping in her chest like an animal trying to get out of a cage as she sat on the stairs listening to their conversation .
“If my boyfriend cheated on me and took advantage of my friend should I dump him or give him another chance ?”
“That’s a hard decision to make. Do you like him enough to give him another chance. Can you trust him? Is your friendship worth it?”
“I do like him but my friendship is not worth it. I don’t think I can trust him. Thanks for the advice”
“No probs kiddo.”
Monique was stunned Kate had not told her mum she was happy but still surprised.
Kate climbed the stairs and saw Monique.
“I am not going to tell your mum,” she whispered. “I’ll let you do that I realised our friendship is more important then a stupid boy who takes advantage of you, and I will stick by you and the baby.”
“Thanks and I promise never to do anything with your boyfriends no matter how drunk I am.”
“You better not or I will slap you!” and suddenly they both laughed.
“Would you come down with me while I tell my mum I’m pregnant?”
“What are friends for?”
Kate and Monique hugged and held hands as they descended down the stairs to tell her mum.
Monique changed back into her pyjamas. She was glad that her dark complexion meant that no one could see her face burning with embarrassment.
She found her mum making breakfast into the kitchen
“Mum, can I talk to you?”
“Always, love,” she answered, smiling.
“Well, I’ve been sick.”
“Oh dear,” said Monique’s mother turning to look at her.
“And then…well, let’s just say my bladder had a mind of its own…”
“Oh, you poor thing!” said Monique’s mum, putting a hand on Monique’s forehead.
“Mum! I’m not a baby,” she replied defiantly.
“You probably have a bug. You can miss school today.”
“Thanks mum.”
Monique turned and started to walk away.
“Darling, if you ever get pregnant, you would tell me wouldn’t you, Monique?”
“Of course, mum” Said Monique, shocked.
“When I had Kamal your grandfather wouldn’t talk to me for months. I just don’t want you making the same mistakes I did.”
Monique trudged up the stairs to her bedroom. Her mum’s words kept playing over and over again in her mind. Could she be pregnant?
At Lauren’s party, a few weeks ago there’d been lots of people and fun and beer. She felt a little reckless and knew her mum would not approve but she wouldn’t get in to any trouble. And then later on Ben, Kate’s boyfriend had showed up. They talked and danced and drank. They’d kissed, something Monique wasn’t proud of, but it had been nice to feel wanted, and as long Ben didn’t say anything, what was the harm?
But then Ben had led Monique to Lauren’s bedroom, and past that the night was a blank.
Monique put her coat on over her pyjamas and snuck out the back door, so that her mum didn’t see her. At the chemist she bought a pregnancy test. It is really hard to buy a pregnancy test because she did not want anyone to know she might be pregnant and then tell her mum. It was ten pounds which seemed stupid because you can only use it once. The look the chemist gave her almost turned her to stone.
Back home she locked herself in the loo and read the instructions carefully. Taking the test was no problem; it was waiting for it to be ready to read that was difficult. After ten minutes Monique finally made herself look. Two blue lines. The instructions on the packet told her she was pregnant.
“No. I can’t be. It’s not true,” she whispered to herself. It’s okay, she thought. I’ll do another test, and this one has to be wrong. But turning out her pockets she didn’t have even half the money to buy a new one.
The next day at school was very hard. The events of the previous day were still fresh in her mind. She didn’t know what to do. All day the only thing on her mind was whether or not she should keep it. What will Kate think of me? She wondered, what will my mum do? I’ve gone and made the same mistake she did.
Kate could tell that something was on her mind.
“What’s up? You’ve been down all day.”
“It’s nothing much, don’t worry,” replied Monique.
“Come on babe, we tell each other everything. You look like you’ve eaten cold porridge,” moaned Kate.
“Look,” Monique didn’t mean to snap, “it’s just I’ve got stuff on my mind, that’s all.”
“Well, we all have stuff on our mind. Ben’s been acting all funny, but I suppose that doesn’t matter because Monique has problems so big that no one else matters.” Kate snapped back.
The hurt and coldness in Kate’s voice made Monique burst in to tears.
“”Hey babe, I’m sorry. I have all this negative energy I need to get out, that’s all,” she said giving Monique a hug.
“It’s not that, It’s just…Oh, Kate I’m so sorry,” sobbed Monique
“What about? You haven’t done anything,” said Kate
“I have…Oh Kate. You remember Lauren’s party?”
“Yeah.”
“Ben and I sort of kissed…but it was a mistake, I mean we were so drunk.”
“You did what?” Kate yelled, so that people stopped and looked at them both. “Wait, with my boyfriend?”
Her face looked like she had been slapped a thousand times and now she wanted revenge.
“It was an accident, I’m so sorry. I just had to tell you, because…”
“Because what?” Shouted Kate.
“Because I’m pregnant,” she sobbed. She hadn’t meant to tell her that bit but it came out like word vomit.
The bell for afternoon lessons rang.
Kate walked away, without looking at her and Monique had never felt so alone.
That evening, she went home and worried about how she would tell her mum. She didn’t have to worry for long as soon Kate was at her door.
“Hey Kate come in. Monique is upstairs”
“Actually I wanted to talk to you”
“Really well come in and grab a seat. So what’s on your mind kiddo?”
Monique’s heart was thumping in her chest like an animal trying to get out of a cage as she sat on the stairs listening to their conversation .
“If my boyfriend cheated on me and took advantage of my friend should I dump him or give him another chance ?”
“That’s a hard decision to make. Do you like him enough to give him another chance. Can you trust him? Is your friendship worth it?”
“I do like him but my friendship is not worth it. I don’t think I can trust him. Thanks for the advice”
“No probs kiddo.”
Monique was stunned Kate had not told her mum she was happy but still surprised.
Kate climbed the stairs and saw Monique.
“I am not going to tell your mum,” she whispered. “I’ll let you do that I realised our friendship is more important then a stupid boy who takes advantage of you, and I will stick by you and the baby.”
“Thanks and I promise never to do anything with your boyfriends no matter how drunk I am.”
“You better not or I will slap you!” and suddenly they both laughed.
“Would you come down with me while I tell my mum I’m pregnant?”
“What are friends for?”
Kate and Monique hugged and held hands as they descended down the stairs to tell her mum.
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Gifted and Talented French Club
Joseph Ewing, Kit Wolverson, Maxine Lartey, Lindsay Pain, Anastasia Saunders and Elizabeth Oloyede. Headed up by Jean Pascal, the French club of 6 this year was a great success and, over a stretch of five varying projects, a proud follow-up to last years group.
French club is aimed at giving us the chance to improve and enjoy our skills with the French language. And we have. The year started with our first project of French Comics and although we had just three people at the time, we had a great time creating our own comics and acting them out in front of the other language groups. For the second project we gained another member and our French Christmas was a big success. The next module of French Stereotypes was slightly more subdued but our next hit was most probably the best we’ve had. We did Tecktonik. In short this is a brand of clothes in France that was turned, by the youth, into a new and innovative dance which is all the rage! We just couldn’t resist and had both of the other language clubs and the language teachers up and dancing with us ☺ Finally, we ended the year with our last project of French Who Wants To Be A Millionaire which was, again, great fun.
Looking back together, we’ve had some real good fun and the only thing left to say is MERCI JEAN PASCAL!!! ☺
Au Revoir!
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Gifted and Talented German Club
G+T club German group
Guten Tag!
We are the German club and for the past year we have been focusing on aspects of German culture and language. We have been helped by Michel Bakker, the German language assistant, who has helped us very much. We have focused on many different topics all of which we have enjoyed extremely.
These included: a Blind dating show called Herzblatt (heart beat), a German soap opera called Glückliche Tage, involving rambunctious school girls and their rebellious boyfriends, “Weihnachten” (Christmas), Famous German bands such as “Die Ärzte” and “Nena” as well as famous German stereotypes such as sausages and Lederhosen.
We certainly have had fun during the last year, and would like to thank Michel for all his help but especially for all his patience.
Tschüs
Der Deutsche Klub
Georgia, Louis, Eva, Tashi, Emma, Miranda
Friday, 27 June 2008
Gifted and Talented Spanish Club
Spanish G+T club
Over the last year a group of three year 9s and five year 8s met every Thursday afternoon with Domingo (the Spanish language assistant) to improve and stretch our Spanish speaking skills.
We are: Lotte Blackwell-Green
Sean Lawless
Lucy O’Brien
Fiona Canniffe
Lilia Aryan
Lanah Rashid
Francina Escudero
Jodi Kiang
At the beginning of the year we were chosen by our Spanish teachers to take part in this club because we were seen as gifted and talented. Each module we chose a project to work on and when we had finished we would present it to the teachers and the French and German club. It was great fun and we learnt a lot, not just about the language but also more about Spanish culture and Spanish people.
We did a mixture of projects ranging from Spanish music, where we sang our own rendition of Shakira’s ‘Estoy aquí’ to cooking Spanish food, where we burnt the flan. It was yucky!
We all had a fantastic time getting to know each other and Domingo, and learning more about the Spanish culture. It has been an experience we’ll never forget.
Lotte: ‘This year has been great. Doing different projects on Spain has been really fun. Domingo was really nice.’
Sean: ‘The club gave us a good opportunity to learn Spanish outside the classroom doing different activities.’
Lucy: ‘My best bit of Spanish club was doing all the presentations with my friends and having a laugh making the flan, even if it did go slightly wrong.’
Fiona: ‘I liked playing the Spanish games and making the presentation for Spanish sayings because we had such a laugh!’
Lilia: ‘I enjoyed it a lot because we explored different areas of the Spanish culture that you wouldn’t normally do in lesson. The cooking presentation was the best.’
Lanah: ‘I loved the whole of Spanish club, but one of my main memories was getting messy crushing tomatoes with Jodi using a garlic press.’
Francina: ‘I enjoyed when we went to food tech and we made pan con tomate and flan, which went wrong!!!’
Jodi: ‘This year has been full of memories. I’ve loved it all, but some things that have been really great are making new friends and having a laugh together, doing some crazy things, like singing (hey, all in the name of education). Getting to know Domingo has been really great too. He is such a star! I’ve learnt so much about Spanish culture and it has really helped to improve my Spanish!’
All that is left to say is ‘MUCHAS GRACIAS’
Thursday, 5 June 2008
Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?
Several young film reviewers give us their take on the documentary.
Courtnie Ashman says:
Most people in the world know who Osama bin Laden is, but what do they think about his actions?
Where in the world is Osama bin Laden is a documentary by the director and star of Super Size Me. This Documentary sees Morgan Spurlock looking for Osama bin Laden, in a variety of countries in the Middle East. On his adventures he comes across angry Jews, a French-speaking activist and the U.S. Army.
Morgan was spurred on to do this because of his worries about bringing his unborn child into the world. By making this film he came across many people who had different thoughts on Bin Laden. In this docu-film we see Spurlock speak to relatives of some of the terrorists and people’s view on America. Morgan tries to show us the different side of this terrorist by showing us the humour and how it effects on people.
On the surface this seems like a light-hearted comedy with Bin Laden dancing to Can’t Touch This. As the movie goes on you start to understand what is really going on in the world, and the troubles the people face every day.
This is an enjoyable movie at times and the humour appeals to a wide audience, the political opinions come across very easily but are dragged out over a long period of time. This film isn’t that great if you have a short attention span.
This is a film is best for people who want to know more about politics but don’t understand it as well as they could. Overall this film to me is worth 3 stars as there are some aspects that make it amusing but its political views are stretched over a long part of the film.
Eve Klein says:
Where in the World is Osama bin Laden? A question which has had people puzzled for years now, and which is most definitely not answered by this film. What it does do, however, is give you a much more close and personal view on how Muslim civilians really feel about the terrorist attacks which have taken place due to this man.
Spurlock, driven by the thought of bringing his unborn child into a World filled with terrorists and violence, travels to various countries including Israel and Egypt to try and track down Osama bin Laden. Although he does not find him, what he does find are Muslims all over the World who do not seem to agree with what Osama is doing, and has already done, and who blame the American government for all the misfortune that has fallen upon their countries on the past few years. Which makes you think – if people of the same religion for which he says he is fighting for don’t agree with him, then what is the point?
In all I found this film thoroughly enjoyable, often finding my self laughing and feeling intrigued by what both Morgan Spurlock and the Muslim civilians had to say. In my view, it’s a film definitely worth seeing.
Joseph Ewing says:
Where In The World Is Osama Bin Laden? That’s one hell of a title! What do you think when you hear that? Is it a joke? Well that’s a good question.
After his last big success Super Size Me, everyone expected big things from Morgan Spurlock’s latest project, and I have to say that I was again impressed by his work. This daring but informative docu-film is not just about one guy searching the world for the most wanted terrorist ever and is certainly not a joke, but a story of how he meets other regular citizens, terrorists' siblings, and Islamist extremists on his way and explores the world of Osama bin Laden and the bigger picture of it all.
Sounds a bit heavy huh? But actually it’s not. Don’t get me wrong, Spurlock gets himself into some of the most dangerous places in the world but he keeps up a stream of good humour throughout. He really does reflect on some big issues and there are some challenging moments, but while Morgan manages to hold up the seriousness and reality of the situation, he is able to, every now and then, put a light spin on the events.
If I say too much more about the actual film I’ll give it away, but I can tell you that the camera shots are well worked, the quality of production is top notch, and the special effects, soundtrack and personal voice overs create a truly brilliant piece of work.
Overall I have to say that, although I was sceptical at first, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Where In The World Is Osama bin Laden? for both its humour and its insight to the world of terrorism and I highly recommend it.
Max Ngo says:
Where in the World is Osama bin Laden is a new documentary made by Morgan Spurlock, who is also the man who made the documentary Super Size Me.
His new documentary sees him go in search of the most wanted man in the world. He embarks on a journey around the Middle East while his wife is at home carrying their unborn child.
The film uses high-tech computer graphics and animation for an opening scene of Spurlock fighting Osama in a mortal combat style and has Osama bin Laden dancing to Can’t Touch This, which gave the documentary a touch of comedy.
Morgan Spurlock, while looking for one of the most wanted criminals on the earth, makes many jokes , giving the audience something to laugh about. While he makes many jokes at the start, with the help of computer graphics, the film gets more serious towards the end as he meets a range of people from civilians to soldiers and gets their view on the America, the war on terror and Osama, making the film regain the seriousness it was supposed to have at the start.
In conclusion, although this documentary makes more effort in making jokes than finding Osama bin Laden, this documentary would be one to watch.
Sebastian Fuller St Arroman says:
How much do you know about the war on terror? Does the media brand your mind? More importantly – Do you know where I can find Osama bin Laden?
Morgan Spurlock’s latest film, Where in the world is Osama bin Laden? is a risky comedy documentary film that’s easy to like. Its edgy jokes and thrilling dangers excite the viewer and draw them in.
Its cheerful attitude towards dangerous and upsetting events helps the viewer to feel comfortable while Morgan ventures into the Media’s no-go areas. The suspense of the film and the way it's put together could irritate some viewers, not me though. Personally I find the approach a very well chosen one.
Like his last film, Super Size Me in which he lived on only fast food to challenge the healthy claims, he has targeted it at the American public. I think Morgan has created this film to fit the audience. At the start of the film, a selection of montage scenes and comedy clips, firmly clasps the viewer’s attention and does not let go. This extreme hold it takes allows Morgan to subject the public to a serious documentary that they may normally turn away from. I think in this film, Morgan has proved himself as a master of being able to trick people into thinking of serious issues.
When I use the word trick I do not mean the film is not entertaining. The serious issue is just cleverly disguised. In fact, all the catches he uses to draw you in allow him to present almost anything and you will give it your full attention. On the other hand, there are a number of people who would have mixed emotions about this.
People who watch documentaries regularly may feel talked down to, may feel disappointed that he didn’t have the courage to make a sensible documentary. These people might ridicule the film and call it offensive. If you are protective about the boundaries between genres or prefer a documentary to be blunt facts then this is not the film for you.
Again, if you happen to be one of those people who are offended by people making jokes about terrorism or Osama bin Laden then this is not your film. His approach I have already described as risky and I stand by this. Having said that, personally I think the jokes he makes, although some people will see them in ill humour, are a good way of gently easing people to discuss untouched subjects. The things no one wants to say. This silence we have needs to be broken to allow society to progress and I think we need more risk-taking people around today.
One thing that particularly irritated me was the long phone calls with his wife, as well as her child’s birth at the end. I think it could ruin the film for some and I think these were unnecessary in such large amounts and although some would argue they were essential for the storyline I would disagree. I think he needed to explain that he was doing what he did for his son but the long dreary calls to his wife dragged the film on and on.
All in all I think it was rather enjoyable and thought provoking, although unorthodox.
8.5/10
Tashi Hanlon says:
Where in the world is Osama bin Laden? Well the star of Super Size Me, Morgan Spurlock, thinks he knows. I was mildly surprised at how he managed to turn such a touchy controversial subject into a light-hearted comedy. The film shares the same tone as Super Size Me, a style that works well for Spurlock. His ability to take very important issues and make them entertaining makes this film a masterpiece. Inspired by his wife's pregnancy, Spurlock sets out to make the world a safer place for his child by finding its most wanted and dangerous occupant, Osama bin Laden.
Thankfully the film is much more than just a manhunt, it gives you an insight into the troubles in the Middle East. Spurlock has taken real life stories. Using information from locals he finds himself in Pakistan and makes the important decision about whether to cross into dangerous surroundings or not.
In general, the film is well structured, it successfully uses animation and the uses of a computer game style makes a controversial problem quite lighthearted. Although to my disappointment the film ends in a corny song running the end of the film.
On the whole however, Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden is a documentary with an important message about the war of terror. Spurlock is without question a talented filmmaker.
Wahong Giet says:
Ever wondered why Osama bin Laden is the most wanted man in the planet? Or maybe you’ve been pondering on why this destructive nuisance has yet to be found? Perhaps you are simply curious and want to find out the inner truth to Osama’s life. Whatever you may wonder, this documentary does a whole lot more than answering these fascinating questions.
At times the documentary can be comical. Watching funny moments of animated Osama bin Laden dancing to a cheesy song provides hilarious moments for any viewer. On the other hand, the documentary is very informative and contains many interesting views and comments from local villagers in the Middle East. Listening to random citizens commenting on a whole variety of different views is fascinating for us to watch.
The subtle mix of serious information with a side of humour creates a perfect balance, which suits this specific documentary. The director, Morgan Spurlock, always keeps it entertaining and fascinating by doing things like firing huge rocket launchers or simply because of his witty personality. All in all, the documentary never loses its value for entertainment.
The documentary also uses clever devices to engage their viewer. We see a fight between Osama bin Laden and Morgan Spurlock animated like a computer game, which implies some sort of mystery and suspense which all adds up to build a well structured documentary. Although Morgan Spurlock does not actually discover where Osama is currently residing, the huge amount of information that Morgan has gained means he realises that finding the most wanted man does not necessarily mean all the problems in the Middle East will just vanish in thin air.
In conclusion, Morgan Spurlock makes this documentary worthwhile and as interesting as possible but it won’t exactly be a classic either. It’s the type of documentary that will be pretty interesting and great the first time, but watching this again will not provide the same effects and surprise.
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Who was to blame for the English Civil War?
By Ayoola Shekoni
I think King Charles was most to blame because, when it came to religious choices King Charles made very big mistakes. First of all King Charles made changes to the church without consulting parliament (and as we know in those days parliament had the public’s best interest in mind, because they represented the people). Charles brought back stained glass windows, Charles gave more power to the priests and he also brought back the decorated robe for priests without the consent of Parliament.
But on the other hand Parliament may have annoyed King Charles so much he had to do things to get them back. Parliament annoyed Charles (religious wise) by allowing fellow Members of Parliament (who happen to be puritan’s) to write pamphlets attacking King Charles. Which is also wrong because in the 16th century it was like a dictatorship, whatever the king said went and that was that. Parliament also insisted on approving who the King chose as Ministers. This was also wrong as Parliament made the king look incompetent in front of the members of the public.
When it came to money I also think King Charles was also the most to blame. Because first of all Charles raised ship money even though their was no war. This is wrong because taxing the people who live on the coast more money for no reason, is not helping them in any way, and when it comes time for them to actually give the money for the war, they all become reluctant to give (it is like the boy who cried wolf, when the wolf actually came no one believed him). But on the other hand Parliament refused Charles money that he had a right to have. And of course if you do not have any money you will look for any means to get money (but I know this does not justify the fact that King Charles took money from the people who live on the coast for his personal gain). King Charles spent money unwisely and extravagantly on his court. Charles trusted his advises more than he trusted the members of Parliament. This, in my opinion, made Parliament reluctant to give Charles the money whenever he asked for it.
When it came to power I still think King Charles was most to blame, because he sent Parliament home for eleven years and ruled without them. Charles had Prynne’s ears cut off for writing pamphlets attacking him. Charles tried to arrest five members of Parliament. Charles’ advisers followed unpopular policies. Charles gave more power to Bishops. But meanwhile Parliament seized control of the army. Parliament refused Charles money that was by his right. Parliament interfered in Charles’ family life-they asked to decide on his children’s education. This should explain why King Charles must have sent Parliament home for eleven years. So he could have ultimate power of the kingdom of England.
This brings me to my conclusion in the quoted words of Parliament “Charles acted like a Catholic”. He was most to blame for the English civil war. For the fact that he was completely determined to make it hard for Parliament to do what they were all there to do. Parliament refused Charles money that was by his right. Parliament interfered in Charles’ family life-they asked to decide on his children’s education.
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Message from the Editors
Welcome to the brand new Blue Blazer!
This blog is a way for you to voice your concerns about the things that matter to you, and to highlight your interests. A fun place to read about the college and to enter competitions, and express your creativity and opinions through writing, and all other art forms.
In this blog, read, and comment on, wide-ranging articles from college events to personal concerns, and advice about work experience and relationships. Above all it is a place where we all can come together and get involved in whatever weird and wacky way we want to!
Enjoy your blog and don’t forget to submit your ideas, stories and articles - this is a space for all students of Bacon's College, so use it!
Signed, the editors
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