The Barton Press issue 3

Autumn /Winter 2022—Issue 3 Cover artwork

by Isabela Marcu

Dear Parents, Carers and Students

Again I would like to start by saying a ‘big thank you’ to Mr Wilcock and his team of students for contributing such varied articles of interest in ‘The Barton Press.’

In this edition there are varied articles written by students but ‘The Barton Press’ opens with an article written about our late Queen.

I hope that you, like me, enjoy reading the articles and gain an insight into some of the normality of school life and appreciate the rich diversity of interests expressed.

Schools are great places to be because they are filled with young people who bring the place to life. ‘The Barton Press’ gives us all a reminder that we are all different and have something to offer that is unique.

Enjoy reading it and perhaps next time there will be a contribution from you!

Mr Hopkins

Students have worked exceedingly hard to present this latest issue of the Barton Press. I am very privileged to have a team of such talented young people who write with such eloquence and enthusiasm. This issue has fascinating articles on history, creative writing and animals, amongst much more! I also wish to pass on my thanks to Gracie for her excellent leadership of this edition. I hope you enjoy reading the edition as much as they did creating it!

- Mr Wilcock

Editor’s Note:

I would like to say thank you to everyone behind the scenes of the Barton Press. Not just Mr Wilcock, but everyone who takes time out of their lunch break every Thursday to submit articles. There is always such variety coming into the paper, such as historical accounts, creative writing and much more. You are all amazing and I’m so grateful to work with you!

Gracie

The rock of our nation by Amelie

Queen Elizabeth II died “peacefully” at her home in Balmoral, Scotland, on September 8, 2022, Buckingham Palace. The news was announced at 6:30 pm. She was 96 and had reigned for 70 years before her sad passing on Thursday. “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the official statement read. The statement continued, “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.” The news came hours after Buckingham Palace announced the Queen was put “under medical supervision” due to “concern” from her doctors. “Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision,” the statement read at the time. “The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.” The palace also confirmed that Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, and Prince William were immediately informed of the Queen’s health.

King Charles III called the death of his “beloved mama” a “moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.” He added: “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother.”

There was a day off work and school on the 19th September in commemoration of the queen. We all watched the funeral of the queen from our TV screens. She will be greatly missed by all of society. Her life was an adventure and the Queen kept us strong in dark times. Now is a time to mourn the loss of our former Queen and welcome our new King.

The Queen left behind a formidable legacy. At the centre of national life, she was head of state, head of armed forces, head of the commonwealth and supreme governor of the Church of England.

Whilst we all mourned the death of the Queen, pets were mourning too. Somebody claimed their pet “curled up on their lap more than usual.”

Many people came to London early to get past the queue and see the

The rock of our nation

Queen’s coffin. People queued for 5 miles, just to see the coffin. The support has been incredible. The crowds all came to say their last goodbyes to the Queen. People also queued up to lay wreaths and jars of marmalade for the Queen. Flowers are lined up against the gates of Buckingham palace. Many people were in tears as the procession came past with the Queen’s coffin.

Princess Charlotte, who wore a horseshoe brooch reportedly gifted to her by Queen Elizabeth II, was photographed crying outside of the church. It is unclear what moment in the service prompted her emotional display.

Middleton, her mum, was seen comforting her daughter. Shortly after her outburst, Princess Charlotte appeared to be in better spirits.

“Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have traveled to Balmoral,” the palace said.

Before her death, the Queen had been seen regularly using a cane since October 2021. That month, she cancelled a scheduled trip to Northern Ireland under the advice of her doctors and spent a night in the hospital. “The Queen has reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for the next few days,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement at the time. “Her Majesty is in good spirits and is disappointed that she will no longer be able to visit Northern Ireland, where she had been due to undertake a series of engagements today and tomorrow.”

A handful of other countries where the Queen was head of state have also announced public holidays to mourn her death. On Tuesday (13 September), New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the country will get a one off public holiday on Monday (26 September), called “Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day”.

Troops parade for Queen Elizabeth II as she arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, in 2002. Queen Elizabeth II's death has garnered a spectrum of feelings around the world about her life, legacy, and the monarchy. When she took the throne in 1952, more than a quarter of the world's population was under British imperial power.

Whilst we all mourn for the loss of the Queen, we also need to think about what the future has in store for us. Will King Charles III be worthy of the throne? Many people have come to believe he is not worthy, and he will mess up our country. It is believed our country will not improve, and that it will fall apart. However, lots of us also believe he will improve our country. Will he make it more democratic, cheaper, more reflective on modern Britain and the commonwealth? We do not know just yet. However, we do know we are all hoping for the best and for our new King to embrace all the challenges his role could offer. Will he shape Britain, or will he destroy it?

Anne Frank and her famous diary

By Emily Year

9

Anne Frank was born in Frankfurt am Main on the 12th June 1929. She kept a diary from the 12th June 1942-1st August 1944 and this diary has become undoubtedly one of the most famous works of World War 2 due to its unique and personal coverage of life in hiding as a victim of the 1939-1945 genocide of the Jewish population the Holocaust. It combines not only key events and circumstances endured during this event, but also personal issues which make it in some senses relatable to many as she describes many issues which she endures during teenagerhood, particularly as Anne had to endure these years in such close confinement to the seven other people whom she shared her hiding place or ‘Secret Annex’ with. However, despite this, she has a famous sense of self control and realisation of her faults in her letters to her imaginary friend ‘Kitty’ to whom she writes and desperately desires to change herself for the better, despite the everyday difficulties which she faces in her isolated world. Another key aspect for which she is renowned is the tragedy which all readers know will occur before they have even started reading an innocent young girl who dies at the age of just fifteen at the hands of the Nazis and who, in her diary entries, describes the wonders of her life ahead her career as a writer, her adoption of Dutch nationality to end her state of statelessness. All of which, she will never experience. She provides a powerful reminder for all - of all the talent, youth, innocence and even individual people with their own thoughts, feelings, dreams and livelihoods ahead of them who were lost in the tragedy of the Holocaust.

Anne Frank: facts and figures

Full Name: Annelies Marie Frank

Born: 12th June 1929 (Frankfurt am Main, Germany)

Died: February/March 1945 (Bergen-Belsen concentration Camp,

Anne Frank and her famous diary

By Emily Year 9

c.16 km North-west of Celle, Germany)

Age At Death: 15 Years, 8/9 Months

Date of arrest: 4th August 1944

Parents: Otto Frank, Edith Frank-Holländer

Siblings: Margot Betti Frank her older sister by 3 years.

Nationality: German-Dutch

Languages spoken: German, Dutch

Religion: Jewish

Famous quotations:

· ‘Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.’

· I don’t think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains.’

· ‘No one has ever become poor by giving.’

· ‘I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.’

· ‘Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.’

Version A dated from 12th June 1942-1st August 1944 (the original diary which was kept by Anne);

Version B 20th June 1942 29th March 1944 (The Diary which Anne edited in 1944 in order to be published by the Dutch Government post-war, after hearing the exiled Dutch Minister for Education, Art and Science, Gerrit Bolkestein’s, 29th March 1944 announcement on a London radio broadcast saying that the government wanted to create an ‘archive’ of ordinary documents (e.g. letters or diaries) which would create

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Anne Frank and her famous diary

By Emily Year 9

a record of the suffering of the Dutch people under the German Occupation which they had been under since the 10th May 1940. It is shorter than the other diary versions as work on it ceased with the arrest of the 8 inhabitants of the secret annex and two of their helpers - Victor Kulger and Johannes Kleiman - on the 4th August 1944);

Version C 12th June 1942-1st August 1944 (the first version of the diary to be published in 1947, compiled by Otto Frank, using material from both diary versions A and B. It is commonly known as ‘The Diary of Young Girl’);

Version D ‘The Definitive Version’ dated from 14th June 1942-1st August 1944. (this is an edited version of version C edited by Mirjam Pressler (a German translator) and contains an estimated 30% more of Anne Frank’s original works.

Duration in print: 75 years.

Length of time which the original work covers: 2 years, 50 days (12th June 1942-1st August 1944)

Overall, I believe that The Diary of Anne Frank is an incredibly inspiring work which, not only helps to somewhat define the intense suffering faced by so many Jewish people at the hands of the Nazis, but also works as a reminder that all can find some kind of joy and meaning to life, and there is always a light, no matter how faint, even in the most intense of darkness. Despite her sad ending, she is a role model for all that hope will always succeed even if this is achieved posthumously.

Teacher Interviews

By Amelia Year 8

This year we have welcomed many new students in year 7 but also many new members of staff and here a a few facts to help you get to know them better!

Mr Lawrence: English Teacher and Head of Year 9

Mr Lawrence used to be a teacher in a secondary school in Sittingbourne, however he has never worked in a grammar school. His favourite animal is an elephant because they are large and graceful but also intelligent. He came to Barton Court because he heard it had a good reputation, also he wanted to try something new as a head of year.

One fun fact about him is that he used to play football for Essex.

Miss Howell: Physics Teacher

Miss Howell has never worked locally before but knows the area as she went to Simon Langton Girls as a child. Her favourite animal is a dog. She decided to come to our school because it was a new but familiar environment.

Miss Cadonna: Cover Teacher

Miss Cadonna has worked locally before but in a comprehensive school. Her favourite animal is a cat mainly because she got a kitten recently. She came to Barton court to challenge herself but also wants a new environment.

Her fun fact is that she can juggle 3 clubs and 4 balls. This article continues on the next page

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Teacher Interviews

By Amelia Year 8

Miss Hallwegar: Cover Teacher

Miss Hallwegar has worked locally before but in an infant school. She likes all animals but if she had to pick one she would pick a dog. She joined our school because she knew that it was a good school but liked the variation in the job as she can go from teaching history to teaching Spanish.

Her fun fact is that she is rather good at football.

Miss Poynter: MFL teacher

Miss Poynter is a French teacher who loves robins as her favourite animal. She joined BCGS because she knew it was a good school but also knew Mr Luret and Mr Wilcock from past times.

Her fun fact was that she is training to be a Pilates teacher but also is on the posters at Whitstable, Herne Bay and Kingsmead pools.

Miss Postgate: Head of Drama

Miss Postgate has worked in private schools in Scotland and in Medway. Her favourite animal is a pig but is not overly keen on animals. She joined Barton Court because it was a new challenge for her to overcome being head of drama.

Her fun fact was she is from New Zealand.

Creative Writing

By Anonymous

Some of our students have submitted their creative writing which they’ve work on outside of school and we are very happy that we are able to showcase such talents.

The sword pierced through his shoulder with a force so strong he was pushed to his knees. A shrill cry of ‘Alistair’ rang out across the body ridden field as she watched him. She dropped her weapons, ran to the man she knew as a brother and grasped him by the collar.

The light began to fade from Alistair’s eyes as he breathed out a laugh.

“Last born and first to die, eh? I always knew being the younger twin had its perks.”

It was true. Adelia and Alistair would always have their little competitions, whether it was who could hold their breath the longest or who could stay in the iced over lake the longest. It would always end the same with Adelia being so close to winning only to suddenly act as if she lost in order to make her brother happy. He played it off as if he did so and was naïve about it but he knew. Alistair always knew.

“I’ll finally get to beat you at the quiet game.”

Alistair was always so hyperactive that the quiet game was the only one he’d ever lose. This was the first time he would win. They both knew it, but only one of them truly believed it.

She laid him down and ripped the sleeve off his shirt, starting to make a tourniquet around the wound, sobbing while doing so. She

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Creative Writing

By Anonymous

wasn’t going to let him die, not at the hands of Calixte who stoodabove the twins, wiping Alistair’s blood off her blade.

“No, no Al, you’re not going to die on my watch and definitely not because of her!”

“Adelia, take the tourniquet off. You don’t have to do this.” he whispered, already knowing his time was slowly slipping away, “Ca… Calixte a-already slashed my leg.” Pointing to the area around his left knee where he had been struck while he choked on his sharp intakes of oxygen.

Turning her head, Adelia noticed the crimson liquid seeping further into the mud and grass, coming to the conclusion that an artery was cut the reality set in more and more. Applying pressure to the second wound she turned to the woman who was the cause of her brother’s suffering with a troubled look. Upon noticing this, Calixte only laughed. It appeared that the sight of a wounded brother and grieving sister amused the blonde.

“Adelia, darling, leave him alone. Let him rest, you only know you’re prolonging his suffering.” she mocked, the usual tone of distaste on her tongue.

Over the fifteen years they had known one another, Adelia and Calixte always found ways to irritate the other. It started off simple, a small insult here and there yet as they matured in age, they became physical. Constant fights. Every time. More and more violence and weapons and pain. It had now become a war. One in which Adelia was about to lose her brother. He had little time left and reality swept over her like a fire raging in the wind. Removing her hands from his leg, staring at the blood, the raven haired woman stood up slowly.

“I- I’m sorry Al. I'm so sorry. It wasn’t supposed to end like this. I

Creative Writing

By Anonymous

“Delia!” he interrupted with the last few breaths he held, “You… needn’t blame any of this… on yourself.” There was the smile, or what appeared to be the smile she loved. Seeing Alistair so calm at this moment only let her tears flow more. One last hitched breath was heard and then, nothing. He lay there. Motionless. TO BE CONTINUED...

The Most Dangerous Animals

By Emma Year 8

The most dangerous animal in the world is a Nile Crocodile. The Nile Crocodile is a carnivore that has earned its terrible man-eating reputation due to frequent frenzied attacks on other animals and humans. The diet of the Nile crocodile is mainly fish, but it will attack almost anything unfortunate enough to cross its path, including zebras, small hippos, porcupines, birds, and other crocodiles. The average lifespan of a Nile crocodile is around 45 years, and usually weighs around 500 pounds due to its massive length of 5-6metres! This crocodile has the strongest bite force in the whole of the animal kingdom: 5,000 lbf (pound force). Did you know that a group of crocodiles can be called a ‘bask’ on land, and a ‘float’ in water?

Another one of the most dangerous mammals in the world is a hippopotamus. Surprisingly, they are herbivores, so they won’t eat humans, but have been known to attack in defence. The diet of a hippo mainly consists of grass, leaves, aquatic plants, and fruit. The thing that makes them so dangerous is the huge tusks and their incredible weight of around 9,000 pounds! They are the third largest land mammals on Earth, following the largest animal, an elephant, and then a white rhino. The average lifespan of a hippopotamus is 40 to 50 years, starting off as a calf weighing 50 to 100 pounds! With the ability to open its mouth at a180-degree angle, the hippopotamus has a bite that exerts around 1,800pounds of force per square inch. It is a creature that can tussle with even the fiercest preda-

The Most Dangerous Animals

By Emma Year 8

The most poisonous animal in the world is a Synanceia Verrucosa. It is a stonefish that has stout dorsal fin spines which can inject an extremely poisonous venom. The diet of Synanceia Verrucosa consists of mostly small fish, shrimp and other crustaceans. It captures prey by sitting motionless on the reef floor and waiting for animals to swim by. The stonefish will then engulf its prey, doing so at incredible speeds. The average lifespan of this stonefish is 5to 10 years, and they usually weigh around 2.4 kg. They can grow to around 35 cm in length, although 50 cm 'monsters' have been spotted before. Of the estimated 1,200 venomous fish species on Earth, the stone fish is the most lethal, with enough toxin to kill an adult human in under an hour. Did you know that stonefish can change its colour to better match its surroundings, including colourful corals?

The Box Jellyfish is the deadliest sea creature on Earth. It is a species of jellyfish that have tentacles covered in biological booby traps known as nematocysts tiny darts loaded with poison. People and animals unfortunate enough to be injected with this poison may experience paralysis, cardiac arrest, and even death, all within a few minutes of being stung. The diet of a box jellyfish consists mainly of small fish, crustaceans, worms, jellyfish, and other small prey. The average lifespan of a box jellyfish is up to 3 months, and they usually weigh around 2 kg, but they have a length of 20 cm, and their tentacles can grow up to 3metres long! Did you know that box jellyfish are known to have only one predator: green sea turtles?

Facts About Wolves ! by

Isabela Year 9

AVERAGE WEIGHT

females: 27.23 to 36.29 kilograms (60 to 80 pounds) males: 31.75 to 49.90 kilograms (70 to 110 pounds)

AVERAGE HEIGHT

66.04 to 81.28 centimetres (26 to 32 inches) (At the shoulder)

AVERAGE LENGTH females: 1.37 to 1.84 metres (4.5 to 6 feet) males: 1.52 to 1.98 metres (5 to 6.5 feet) (Tip of nose to tip of tail)

LENGTH OF LIFE up to 13 years in wild (Usually 6 to 8 years) up to 16 years in captivity

AVERAGE FOOT SIZE

10.16 centimetre wide by 12.7 centimetre long (4 inches wide by 5 inches long)

NUMBER OF TEETH 42 Teeth

BREEDING SEASON

February to March

GESTATION PERIOD 63 days

Facts About Wolves ! by

Isabela Year 9

WEIGHT AT BIRTH

45.36 decagrams (1 pound)

LITTER SIZE 4 to 6 pups

PACK SIZE 2 to 30 or more Average: 5 to 8

PACK TERRITORY SIZE

64.75 to 388.50 square kilometres (25 to 150 square miles) in Minnesota 777 to 2 589.99 (300 to 1,000) in Alaska and Canada

AVERAGE TRAVEL SPEED

8.05 kilometres (5 miles) per hour

SPRINTING SPEED

57.94 to 61.16 kilometres (36 to 38 miles) per hour for short distances

COMMON FOOD ungulates

(Hoofed animals like deer, moose, caribou, elk, bison, musk-oxen)

MAIN THREATS TO SURVIVAL

loss of habitat due to destruction, development, and encroachment by humans; persecution by humans

A Zebra fact file

By Emma Year 8

Zebras are very interesting animals due to their bold appearance and many talents. However, they are now classified as endangered, over the years the numbers have severely decreased due to many reasons, from habitat loss and competing with other zebras to sadly being hunted for their skins.

Zebras can run up to 65km per hour, and when you think about going that fast in a car, it’s pretty fast and incredible that they can run that fast!

Zebra stripes are unique like fingerprints, their black and white stripes are unique and are as distinctive as human fingerprints. When a foal is born, they have reddish-brown stripes which gradually become darker and change to black as they grow.

It’s thought that the white and black stripes of a zebra help keep them camouflaged, as it can distract and confuse any predators such as lions. Did you know that lions are colour blind, so when they see a herd of zebras it’s confusing as everything is in black and white?

They mostly eat grass, but can also eat bark, fruit and leaves and spend most of their time grazing (approximately 60%). Compared to other animals, zebras needless water, and they have well adapted digestive systems which allows them to subsist on diets of lower nutritional quality than necessary for other animals.

Horses and zebras are closely related, they’re not the same species, but they are part of the

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A Zebra fact file

By Emma Year 8

same family, the Equidae family, also known as the Equus family. Although part of the same family, zebras aren’t practical to ride like horses, mainly because they are smaller and they have a very different temperament to horses.

Did you know that a herd or group of zebras can also be called a dazzle?

Zebras can fall asleep standing up as they have locking joints, they don’t have to worry about falling over, and it ensures they can escape quickly if predators are about. They do need to lie down to enjoy a deep sleep.

Interview with Silvan

By Gracie Year 12

I am once again grateful to have had the chance to speak to one of our exchange students, Silvan, from Switzerland. We had a great discussion about his time here, what he has experienced and spoke a bit about his home country too.

HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN SO FAR?

So far it has been very nice. I have found some nice, new friends and I feel like I am generally fitting into the school. It’s very fun here and I am enjoying it a lot.

Ah that’s really nice.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO COME HERE?

Well, my sister did this a few years ago and she learned very much. My parents asked me if I wanted to have a go and I said yes. So have you ever been to England before then?

I’ve never been to England before but it has followed to what I thought it would be like!

HOW DOES THIS COMPARE TO SCHOOL IN SWITZERLAND?

In England I am only learning three subjects which is less than Switzerland and I find it quite easy.

Oh really?

Yeah. What’s been your favourite subject then?

Interview with Silvan

By Gracie Year 12

Probably art because I can be creative. I feel like it is something for me and I can do what I want. It’s very cool.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT IN SCHOOL, SUCH AS AT THE WEEKENDS?

With my host family, we will go to the park or do something at home.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST PART?

It’s hard to say. I’ve been really open to everything.

So, would you come back then? Like for a holiday or something similar?

Yes, I definitely would!

The Princes in the Tower (Part 1)

By Emily Year 9

For almost 540 years, the fate of the boy-king Edward V and his younger brother Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York has been widely disputed and, from this, many tales have arisen some based on sturdy evidence, others based on pure fantasy and wanderings of the mind. Although no allegations made even in the present day can be confirmed for certain, there has been much evidential development in what we know occurred to the children aged just 10 and 12 years in that fateful c. September of 1483…

Background context:

Edward V was born on the 2nd November 1470 as the son of the monarch Edward IV (r. 1461 70, 1471 83) and his Queen consort Elizabeth Woodville (sometimes written as ‘Wydville’). He was the first-born son of the monarch so, thus, became the first in line to the throne from birth. His younger brother, Richard of Shewsbury, was born on the 17th August 1483 as the second and last son of his parents.

On the 9th April 1483, Edward IV died at the age of just 40 years. Thus, the crown was passed onto his eldest son Edward, then aged only 12 years. However, his father had deemed his Lord Protector until he came of age to be the boy’s uncle, Richard of Gloucester, who had throughout his brother’s reign been incredibly faithful to the crown. However, deeming him Lord Protector was a grave mistake within months, Richard had stolen the which rightfully belonged to his nephew.

After the arrest of Anthony Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers, Sir Richard Grey (the Queen’s brother and son respectively) and Thomas Vaughn, who were accompanying Edward V under the command of Elizabeth Woodville, Richard quickly and forcefully took control of the young king and imprisoned him in private quarters within the Tower of London. Later on, he managed to take control of his

The Princes in the Tower (Part 1)

By Emily Year 9

younger brother who was in sanctuary in Westminster Abbey with his mother and sisters after convincing his mother that Edward required ‘company’ within the Tower. This allowed the Lord Protector to have complete control over the two most direct male heirs to the English throne the sons of the dead monarch. Before Richard III ascended to the throne, based on the illegitimacy claim later published in the ‘Titulus Regius’ act, people had been able to commonly see the princes completing activities outside and playing in the Tower grounds. However, afterwards, they were gradually seen less and less untilin the summer of 1483 they disappeared from public sight altogether. Rumours began to spread of their whereabouts and if they had been murdered. Sometime following their disappearance, it was widely accepted that they were dead most likely murdered. Most people at the time automatically assumed that it was the work of Richard III and his accomplices assumptions which had a detrimental effect on his reputation making him increasingly unpopular, an image which lasts to the present day. However, was their murderer Richard III? Also, how and why? Despite great evidential developments in the past just under 5 ½ centuries, the circumstances of their murder is not known for certain, but what evidence supports each of the prime suspects?

Evidence for each of the murder suspects

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The Princes in the Tower (Part 1)

By Emily Year 9

These are the top 5 murder suspects…

Richard III

Henry VII

Margret Beaufort (Henry VII’s mother)

Sir James Tyrell (under the command of Richard III)

Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham

However, how did they do it, and why?

Richard III

Richard III had an incredibly precarious claim to the throne at the time of accession. He did not claim the throne technically in a politically correct manner. Thus, he could have lost his position of power very swiftly if matters suddenly went wrong. If he killed the princes, he would cut them permanently out of the line of succession.

- Since his accession, there had been many attempts to reinstall one of Edward IV’s heirs to the throne particularly by the Dowager Queen Elizabeth working with accomplices whilst she was in sanctuary in Westminster. Therefore, if Richard eliminated both the princes, people could no longer attempt to place the young princes on what he believed to be ‘his’ throne.

When rumours began to spread that Richard had murdered the princes, it became incredibly damaging to his reputation. However, if he had not committed the crime he would have likely blamed the person he believed had in order to

The Princes in the Tower (Part 1)

By Emily Year 9

ensure that everyone believed his innocence. However, he did no such thing he kept quiet about the princes and simply let rumours spread and have a detrimentally damaging effect.

- There was later, after the assumed time period of the deaths of the princes, evidence of prayers which he wrote asking God to ‘forgive him’ for his deeds. What had Richard done which needed such a strong level of forgiveness? Also, why specifically after the time at which the princes were assumed dead?

Henry VII

One of Henry VII’s most trusted advisors, Sir James Tyrell, confessed to murdering the princes after being convicted for treason. Although admitting that he completed the act during the reign of Richard III, this could potentially link him in some way to the murder. Though, this could be quite a weak claim against him as he was also a close advisor and confidant of Richard III meaning that, at the time, Henry VII is unlikely to have had any involvement.

Like Richard III, Henry did not ever convict another for murdering the princes to save his own reputation and, even after Tyrell’s confession, did not conduct a search for their bodies. This could suggest that he had something to hide.

When Henry VII married Elizabeth of York the princes’ eldest sister - in 1486, he had to reverse the act of ‘Titulus Regius (1484)’ in order to declare her legitimate once again and fit for marriage. In doing so, he also - therefore - legitimised her brothers once again, meaning that if alive they would have a greater claim to the throne than him. Thus, he had to know for certain that they were dead to ensure that his position as King of England was secure.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Prologue for story

By Rémi, Emily and Isabela Year 9

Calumina. A world for horses to roam freely. A world for life to rejoice. A world in which harmony is continuous, where peace is but a by-product of the love shared between the melodious beings. The balance between the life here was one of perfection, one of inspiration for all beings, not just here, but throughout galaxies and universes millions of light years away. This world was one which we thought could only be found in the purest parts of our dreams and wonders, however, this was more than just a reality, for this was perfection, a perfection which was, by no means, a facile task. This required great thought from the founders of this realm. This was a task that had been carried out by the 4 unicorns of Calumina, the 4 wielders of all power, the 4 with capabilities greater than can be described by the feeble power of my words. They owned such power that mockery was a necessity when the most seemingly magical beings of our world were put in the face of these creatures. Calumina was a place of power, yet the power held here was not to be feared, but rather one to envy. However, envy is a destructive force when put into the hands of one with little understanding.

Calumina was a world where the emerald trees surveyed the everchanging palace of prosperity. The gentle sound of horses galloping across the world, of unicorns soaring across the sky was a beauty. Tulips, bluebells, and buttercups, all radiating with an aroma of peace and serenity, formed by the sole touch of the flower horses, those who kept the balance in this seemingly impossible idyll. The perfect separation of the night and day, the light and the dark, the good and the evil, all of which were created by the sky horses, a pure perfection. This world was a place in which no evil could roam; destruction was an absolute impossibility. However, this was an instant change the moment the beings of destruction arrived. These beings were capable of more destruction than what was ever thought to be possible. These beings held enough power to destroy worlds; to murder the beauty of life. These beings were new to this world, and they were not welcome.

Prologue for story

By Rémi, Emily and Isabela Year 9

It all began with a sole footstep, a sole realisation of the existence of this land. The aura of this land was different as soon as the intentions of this malicious being were set. Trepidation now lingered in the atmosphere, purity no longer as facile. This being’s taste of destruction had been wetted, the reason for which was still unknown by the horses and unicorns, the leaders, creators, and sole destroyers of this world. However, clarification of this being’s intentions was in no way a necessity. There is a strange desire for destruction, one unknown by many creatures. This desire gets stronger; it leads the feeble victims of this desire to become more and more ravenous, thirsty for pain and agony. This desire soon transforms into an addiction, a prosecutor of the laws of sanity. It manifests itself in unspeakable ways, ways thought to be impossible, simply immoral. However, these cruel and utter actions did occur.

Calumina was no longer a place of peace, beauty, and serenity, but of agony and pain. Thoughts cause damage, but actions are the true roots of evil. Horses no longer roamed freely, but were held captive, there was no longer a balance between nature and the beings but was instead a complete anarchy. Calumina was destroyed. All due to a human.

The wonders of Parkrun! by

Emily Year 9

As you may well know, the Parkrun has both publicity and high levels of attendance but, still, many people miss this great opportunity. I believe that more people should have the chance of experiencing this incredible event to increase fitness in a completely noncompetitive and pressure-free environment. In this article I will explain how the Parkrun works, benefits and where different Parkrun locations can be found within our local Kent area.

This event runs on a weekly basis with the adult event occurring at 9:00 am on a Saturday and the junior event (for people who are 14 or under) occurring at the same time on a Sunday. If you would like to participate, you must first register an account which means that you can receive your run time and also appear on the results list of your selected Parkrun website. You can do this by first going to https://www.parkrun.com/ countries, where you will then need to select ‘United Kingdom’ from the list. Then, it will take you to the Parkrun website where in the top lefthand corner, in red there will be the word ‘register’ written. Click on this, and you will be instructed on how to fill in the application form. When you register an account, you will be registered for life so you will never have to re-register.

The adult Parkrun amounts to a 5km course, whereas the juniors’ amounts to 2km. All that you will need to do on weeks which you desire to participate is turn up for 9:00 am, complete the run and then scan your barcode which you should receive in an email after registration at the end, along with a finish token which you should receive. All the notices and health and safety regulations should be gone through at the beginning by the run director so that you will be ready to begin.

Parkrun allows you to slowly, week-by-week to improve your fitness and run time at your own pace, without judgement. The Parkrun is a non-competitive environment, meaning that you are free

The wonders of Parkrun! by Emily Year 9

to have fun, without the pressure of feeling as if you have to meet a form of expectation. You can walk, jog or run all with confidence! It is completely free!

The venue is always a large, outdoor space such as a park which allows you to enjoy the fresh air and depending on the venue the scenery as you move past it on the course.

It allows you to become part of a community and feel a sense of connection with others. As you attend each week, you will be able to meet new people and create friends.

Attending the Parkrun helps to build confidence and helps participants to feel a sense of achievement after completing their run. It is an accepting environment for everyone. Therefore, this gives participants a feeling of safety and a welcoming and inclusive environment. It has been scientifically proven to improve mental health due to all the reasons mentioned above.

If these Parkrun locations do not suit you, and you need to find another Parkrun near you, then use this online tool on the Parkrun website to help your search : https://www.parkrun.org.uk/events/events/ #geo=3.8/55.05/-2.95

Canterbury Parkrun (The Pavillion, Parkwood Road, The University of Kent, Canterbury)

Folkestone Parkrun (The Leas (west of the Leas Cliff Café), Folkestone, CT20 2DZ)

Walmer and Deal Seafront Parkrun (The Beach, Walmer, Deal, Kent, CT14 7HE)

Whitstable Parkrun (on the Whitstable Promenade)

Ashford Parkun (Victoria Park, Jemmet Road, Ashford TN23 4QD)

Betteshanger Junior Parkrun (Betteshanger Country Park, A258, Deal, Kent CT14 0BF)

Herne Bay Junior Parkrun (Herne Bay Memorial Park, The Avenue of Remembrance, Kings Road, Herne Bay, CT6 5LL)

Whitstable Junior Parkrun (Tankerton Slopes (end of St. Annes Road), Whitstable, CT5 2DN)

Margate Junior Parkrun (Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Rd, Margate CT9 5QX)

Ashford Junior Parkrun (Victoria park, Jemmet Road, Ashford, TN23 4QD)