Channing School 'Skipping Out' Winter 15

skipping out ISSUE ONE WINTER 2015

THE PUPIL VOICE MAGAZINE OF

Independent Day School for Girls aged 4-18

FROM THE EDITOR MAIN HEADER BOLD GILL SANS BLOCKS

We did it, guys!

I am so excited and proud to announce the launch of

Skipping Out, Channing’s new, student-run magazine. I have always felt that, with so many intelligent, opinionated students at this school, we needed a space for us to voice our thoughts.

And you have all responded with such enthusiasm! Every contributor to this magazine has put in their own free time, whether it be writing, illustrating, judging or photographing.

The sheer variety of material is astounding too: cookery, science, the environment, history… you name it, we’ve got it!

I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has played any part in the making of Skipping Out, but especially to Mrs Gething, who has been the life and soul of this project. I hope that you will all continue to contribute to each term’s edition and that this magazine will be placed alongside the Christmas Classroom Competition and cake sale mobs as a tradition of the school.

THE SKIPPING OUT TEAM Editor-in-Chief EMILY READER, YEAR 13 CONTRIBUTORS Artist in Residence HANNAH ROBINSON,YEAR 12 LUCY HILL, YEAR 12 HOLLY MORTON, YEAR 12 HANNAH ROBINSON, YEAR 12 ELLA MARGOLIN, YEAR 13 TARA GOLD, YEAR 12 HONOR MUNDEN, YEAR 12 SOPHIE ABRAHAMS, YEAR 13 SORAYA HUSSEIN, YEAR 13 PHOEBE ASHLEY-NORMAN, YEAR 13 EMILY GRAY, YEAR 9 EDEN LEVY, YEAR 7 SOPHIE SONDHELM, YEAR 11 LAUREN SNEADE, YEAR 13 KATRINA CARR, YEAR 13 LUCY BENJAMIN, YEAR 12 AMY MORRIS, YEAR 12 PRODUCTION MRS H GETHING, MARKETING DIRECTOR Photographs of The Royal Visit and ‘Our Town’

by ANGUS TAYLOR

Issue no. 1 FREE DISTRIBUTION Please pass on to friends and recycle after use creative inspiration provided

by Connie, Mrs Elliott’s lively little dog!

2

CONTENTS 4. OPINION Climate Change 5. BOOK REVIEW ‘Regeneration’ by Pat Barker 6-7. FOOD Recipes and recommendations from our resident foodies 8-9. THE ROYAL VISIT HRH Earl of Wessex officially opens the Sixth Form Centre and Sports Hall 10-11. LIFE Skipping Out recommends 10 things to do this festive season and the Agony Sisters answer your problems 12-13. THE BIG INTERVIEW

11. PHOTOGRAPHY EXPOSED

We meet ‘Britain’s most decorated press photographer’, Professor Mike Maloney OBE

14-15. SCIENCE Everything you need to know about Moons and Mole Rats!

16-17. CREATIVE WRITING The Ed’s personal picks of some of Channing’s most talented writers 18-19. ‘OUR TOWN’ Take a personal tour of ‘Our Town’ 20-21. SNAP YOUR SUMMER A look back to warmer times with the announcement of the winners of the Snap Your Summer Photography competition 22. ‘NEVER AGAIN’ A personal recount of a life-changing trip

‘OUR TOWN’

Exclusive cast and performance photos and our review of the play

2. 60 SECONDS WITH.... Miss Hunter

ABOUT SKIPPING OUT Skipping Out is a pupil-led magazine created by Channing School’s Press Pack. It aims to give all students in the Senior School a voice and freedom to express their opinions, passions and interests. If you’re interested in getting involved- by writing, photographing, drawing, editing, designing or even advertising; come along to Press Pack, every Monday lunchtime at 12.25 in the Lecture Theatre.

3

Climate Change

Why is it viewed as boring and trivial?

Lucy Hill Yr12

A subject that often seems overdone and tiresome, climate change is

often swept under the carpet in order to deal with more current matters. Why do so many of us find discussing climate change so dull? Is it because the impacts are slow, because we don't personally feel the effects or is it because people just don’t care? Whatever the reason, it is viewed as a topic that will only matter in the future.

However, we must address the problem that our planet is already suffering and we all contribute. Climate change will not just have an impact on future generations; we too will feel the consequences in our lifetime.

Although many of us do not personally see the effects, this does not mean that problems have not already arisen. It is estimated that in the next five years 375 million people could be affected by natural disasters caused by the increase in global temperature. One example that shows the power of rising sea levels is that of Hurricane Katrina. Katrina resulted in the deaths of 1,833 people and cost $81 billion in property damage. However, even after such destruction, the US made no attempt to reduce emissions. Currently the US constitutes 5% of the world's population yet constitutes 22% of the world's C02 emissions.

Scientists suggest that if we carry on emitting such high levels of greenhouse gases, our long­term prospects seem undeniably bleak. Rising temperatures pave the way for the rapid spread of deadly diseases, create erratic rainfall patterns that cause tsunamis and, as currently predicted, could push food prices up 50­60% by 2030.

Since the 2015 United Nations Climate Change conference held in Le Bourget, France, countries are discussing what they can do to stop such a problem.

T​his summit, which took place between the 30th of November to the 11th of December, aimed to achieve a legally binding, universal agreement on climate change.

Perhaps if we work together, we can give climate change the attention it deserves.

4

opinion

Although this book was written in 1991, it is set during WW1 and is based on real people from the war such as Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen and Dr WHR Rivers. The book is set in 1917 and is work of historical fiction focusing on Craiglockhart War Hospital in Scotland and shows the experiments on nerve regeneration by Rivers himself.

I have chosen this book because the three central themes are all outcomes of exposure to the horrors of war; mutism, madness and emasculation. However, all of these three conditions still exist in society today, making the descriptions of suffering still relevant for the modern world, especially in light of recent terror atrocities.

In the book, Barker challenges society’s view of what it actually meant to be masculine. In time of war, society’s view of the comradely and caring relationship of men thrown together in the trenches was something to be admired. However, if the relationship developed emotionally and suggested homosexuality, which is hinted at throughout the novel, society immediately turned against this and the person would have been ostracised, even possibly jailed.

As Rivers says in the book - ‘One of the paradoxes of war—one of the many—was that this most brutal of conflicts should set up a relationship between officers and men that was… domestic.

Caring.’ Rivers uses subtle irony here as he shows that the manly act of signing up to fight in the war, ultimately ends up domesticating men and creating an emotional bond between them at the front.

Rivers also then questions the nature of madness as a direct result of meeting with the famous war poet Siegfried Sassoon. Despite disagreeing with the war and believing that it was being prolonged unnecessarily, it was only Sassoon’s sense of responsibility for the welfare of the men in his

command that compelled Sassoon to return to the front. Rivers then begins to wonder whether it truly was madness for thesemen to break down in the face of such horror and death, or whether the real madness was that so many men (including Rivers himself) blindly followed a programme of war.

This leads Rivers to wonder if he himself is mad for “healing” patients only to send them back to war to be killed.

With regards to mutism, the book points out that this occurred most frequently to regular soldiers, not officers—men who were entirely at the mercy of their commanders. Mutism, it suggests, became an expression and assertion of power. Through silence, these men were disobeying those who had power over them. This authority struggle is displayed by one of the characters in the book, Dr Yealland, who states to a mute patient “you will not leave here until you speak”. The patient neither cooperates or struggles, but simply sits with his mouth wide open and his head thrown back.

By comparison, the treatment used by Rivers could be considered feminine as he strove to get his patients to talk about their fears and what horrific incidents they had witnessed. Most of them were very young and were of a generation which felt that men shouldn’t talk about their feelings. This repression of emotions often caused them to experience terrible symptoms including persistent nightmares, screaming in their sleep, vomiting, stutters, and mutism.

Rivers undergoes a sort of regeneration in the novel. Through observations of his patients, reflections on his upbringing, and, most importantly, his interactions with Sassoon, Rivers questions many of the assumptions of war and duty that he previously held. This motif highlights the comparison between mental and physical healing, and it emphasises the regrowth and change in a man who has been confronted with the reality of war.

BOOK REVIEW Regeneration by Pat Barker Holly Morton Yr12

5

Food with Hannah Robinson Yr 12 and Ella Margolin Yr 13

Hannah’s Nutty and Refreshing Coriander and Mushroom Pasta Whipping up something tasty, healthy and cheap will always be a tricky one, so I was deeply impressed (if I may say so myself) when I conjured up this surprisingly delicious pasta dish one Sunday night, instead of doing my much over-due essay. It is 1) pretty darn tasty 2) nutritious and 3) does not leave a hole in my sixth form student wallet. What’s not to like? This fragrant coriander and mellow pine nut sauce is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Serves about 2 people

Sauce Ingredients: 1 packet of fresh coriander 250g chestnut mushrooms About 40g of pine nuts 1 large clove of garlic A splash of masala wine Juice of half a lemon 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh natural yogurt A splash of extra-virgin olive oil

To begin with, you’ll want to toast the pine nuts. This simply means placing them in a frying pan under a medium heat and shaking them about until they brown a little. The darker the colour on them, the stronger the taste.

Place the coriander, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, yogurt and olive oil into a blender and pulse until they’re the texture of a runny paste. Put to one side.

Boil some water and cook about 200g of pasta.

In a hot pan, warm up a little olive oil and add a packet of chopped chestnut mushrooms with some pepper and salt. Stir for a few minutes until mushrooms begin to soften. Add the coriander sauce and stir.

Splash in a little marsala wine and stir again.

Mix with the cooked pasta and serve.

let’s go to...

British Museum of Food

6

As put by its website, it is “the world’s first cultural institution entirely devoted to the history, evolution, science, sociology and art of food”. This museum allows visitors to take part in a chocolate-eating research project based on sound waves, and you can also get the chance to “be the bolus” cinematically, where one follows the pathway of our food as it goes down our oesophogus all the way to our…you get the idea. Anyway, this thrillingly imaginative museum is a must see.

It’s going straight in my basket.

1, Cathedral street SE1 9DE London | bmof.org | Adult: £5 Under 16: £4

Ella’s Sumptuous Chocolate Tart To this day, this recipe is one of my greatest achievements. Not only is it deceptively simple, it looks beautiful, tastes otherworldly, and is (shock horror) vegan. Sound too good to be true? Yes, I know, but I dare you to taste it and not fall in love.

Ingredients: For the Base: 2 cups cashews 4 tsp. cocoa 2 tbsp. maple syrup For the filling: 300ml canned coconut milk 300g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solid minimum – the better the chocolate, the better the result.

If you need it to be dairy free, check the packet, as some dark chocolate contains milk.)

1 tbsp. maple syrup Liberal pinch of salt To decorate: Approx. 100g pecan halves Edible glitter (optional) Method: To prepare the base, whizz the cashews, cocoa, and maple syrup in a food processor until you have a fine breadcrumb consistency. Pour the mixture into a 20cm cake tin and flatten with a potato masher, or the back of a spoon.

Heat the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water until it melts. Add the coconut milk, salt and maple syrup, and stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick, smooth, and glossy, but depending on the chocolate you use and its fat content, the mixture may split. If this happens, just add a splash of water, stir, and repeat until completely smooth.

Pour the mixture over the cashew base and gently tap the cake tin against the surface to give the top a smooth finish. Leave the tin in the fridge until completely firm.

Carefully remove the tart from the tin. To decorate, sprinkle the top with edible glitter and place pecan halves at approximately 1.5cm intervals around the edge.

One of my favourite things about this recipe is its versatility. The above works as a great base recipe that you can flavour with anything you like. Add orange zest for a citrus twist, or large flakes of salt to cut through the richness of the chocolate. Edible rose petals and chopped pistachios, or flakes of gold leaf sprinkled on top give the tart a beautifully dramatic finish, perfect for the centrepiece of a table. It’s a great recipe to get creative with. The sky's the limit!

7

A very regal day! as seen by Honor Munden Yr 12 On Wednesday, 2 December we were delighted to be joined by HRH The Earl of Wessex at the formal opening of our new Sixth Form Centre and Sports Hall. His Royal Highness, accompanied by Mrs Elliott, (Headmistress,) Ms Leslie (Chair of Governors), The Mayor of Haringey Cllr J Mann and other distinguished guests, met pupils in Biology, English and Classics lessons, observed a netball match and was greeted by our Reception girls, who had made Union flags and decorated a card, which was presented by twins Chloe and Daisy, aged 4.

Clockwise from top left: 1. Headmistress Mrs B M Elliott is introduced to HRH The Earl of Wessex by our Chair of Governors, Miss C Leslie. 2. The Earl chats to pupils in Head of English Miss Evernden’s class. 3. The Earl and Mrs Elliott pause on the Sixth Form Studio balcony to watch a netball lesson. 4. Enthusiastic Reception pupils greet His Royal Highness with hand made flags. 5. Head of Art Mr Haworth introduces Scarlett Johnstone and Charlotte Graham, both Year 12, who are exhibiting art work.

His Royal Highness, a Trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) scheme, also spent time with some of our successful Duke of Edinburgh Award participants and the members of staff who lead the scheme in School. Ms Sharma-Yun, Channing’s DofE Manager, said of the experience: ‘The Earl spoke with every single member of the DofE team and Gold Award participants.

He asked how they were doing with their skill, service, sport and expedition sections and they exchanged tales of their experiences. HRH cracked a few jokes and everyone was absolutely thrilled that he was so involved with the award and wanted to hear about their progress so far.’

His Royal Highness, the first member of the British Royal Family to visit Channing in its 130 year history, was then escorted into our magnificent Sports Hall and welcomed by many of our Governors, Trustees, friends and supporters, accompanied by a polished performance from the Senior Orchestra of ‘La Réjouissance’ from ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’ – G F Handel.

Anticipation had been building up to this day, excitement was rife. Everyone was kitted out in their best and the school was in fine form ready for the Earl’s arrival. It truly was an historical day for Channing and it was a delight to be part of it in any shape or form.

Far left: Senior Head Girls Imogen Phillips and Emily Reader present HRH with a Conabor Badge. Left: Junior Head Girls Isabella Jain and Sasha Blendis present the Earl with the Chronicle of Channing book.

As a DofE girl myself, I felt it was a fantastic way to appreciate the hard work of Ms Sharma Yun, Mr Hill and their DofE team here at Channing - to thank them for their dedication over the years. It was also memorable for the singers and musicians as we got to perform pieces by the likes of Handel and Rutter, demonstrating another of Channing's talents.

I'm sure many girls will agree with me in saying that the Earl had a few jokes under his belt, commenting that he had many years of practice at pulling the chord to unveil a plaque. In whatever way you participated in the day, whether the Earl observed your lesson, admired your work, or attended the Assembly alongside you, this was a day you will remember when looking back at your time at Channing.

Mrs Elliott summed up the event by saying, ‘It was an honour to welcome the Earl of Wessex to Channing in what has been an extraordinarily successful year for the school.

He seemed to enjoy every moment, as did everyone who attended.’

a festive

life

with Tara Gold,Year 12

10 things to do in London this winter Winter Wonderland and staying in bed are fun, but here are some different ideas of fun things to do in London this holiday…

1. The Southbank: In December there’s an array of events along the Southbank. There are free events, like dancing, and ticketed ones. There are also charitable events, such as a dance marathon, fashion shows, and a ‘Get Your Knit On’ workshop.

2. Ice Skating: There are great places around London to go skating, such as Somerset House and The Natural History Museum, which are only open at this time of year.

3. Christmas Markets: There are loads of Christmas markets around the city, such as the ones at Islington, Marylebone and the Tate Modern.

4. Covent Garden: The Piazza at Christmas is beautiful with mistletoe themed lights this year, so spend why not spend time admiring them? (and do a spot of shopping!)

5. Kew Gardens: The gardens have a special lit winter trail open for the holidays. The trail is open in the evenings until January 2nd, so book your tickets!

6. Harrods: Even if you can’t afford to buy anything, the window decorations and the displays make a trip worth it. Be sure to visit the Food Hall.

7. Skyscrapers: If you’re lucky with weather, a free visit to the Sky Garden is great for a more tropical atmosphere and panoramic views.

8. The Victoria & Albert: The museum commissions a designer to create a Christmas tree every year. It’s sure to be stunning, like the rest of the displays.

9. Movies: Popup screens events are showing Christmassy films, with everything from The Muppets to Mean Girls, up to the 23rd of December. You have to book tickets on their website: popupscreens.co.uk 10. Christmas Day: If you’re not already busy, why not watch some brave people swim for the Peter Pan Cup in Hyde Park? Spectators are welcome; maybe bring some hot drinks!

10

Dear Aggie and Christie, I’m in year 9 and I am finding picking the GCSEs which I would like to take next year very difficult. I’m trying to balance the subjects that I know will be useful to me later in life, the subjects my friends are doing so that I won’t be separated from them next year, as well as the subjects my parents want me to do. I don’t know whether to pick the subjects I do well in or the ones I think will be more helpful for a certain career choice when I’m older. star32

Dear star32,

Picking your GCSE choices can be a stressful and confusing time,

but you shouldn’t be so worried about letting others around you

affect your decision. First of all, your parents may have some good

advice so listen to their opinion, but don’t just do what they suggest

and remember that it is your decision, as ultimately you’re the one

taking the exams. Think about which subjects you enjoy and are

interested in learning more about.

You shouldn’t make your choice based on a certain career choice yet, as it’s still very early on and you may change

your mind! The subjects you like are usually the ones you do

best in. We hope this helps.

Skipping Out’s resident Agony Sisters (with the help of cartoon Connie!) are here to listen and provide sound advice.

Best Wishes Aggie and Christie

If you have a problem you’d like the Sisters to answer in the next issue, please submit your question to the Skipping Out page on

Firefly.

Agony Sisters

11

the big interview Honor Munden Yr 12 meets ‘Britain’s most decorated press photographer’, Professor Mike Maloney OBE

A Photograph Paints A Thousand Words Ironically, Mike Maloney does have a thousand words behind every one of his photographs; his gallery is brimming with the faces of legends and geniuses, all of whom he worked closely with. He is the nation's most decorated press photographer due to his work with politicians, princesses and producers of the 20th Century's most successful films.

Over a period of 30 years Mike has won over 100 major photographic awards, including News Photographer of the Year and Royal Photographer of the year. The list is endless, but how did he get to where he is today?

Starting humbly at his local paper in the late 60s, The Lincolnshire Chronicle, Maloney was the tea boy and eventually began taking photographs of local events with the permission of the editor on his Kodak Brownie 127, his first camera which he received when he was 10 years old. His first commission working for the paper was to photograph the boy scouts parade at Lincoln Cathedral, walking away with 10/6d (60 pence) and the intention of becoming a full­time photographer. A true Lincoln born lad, Maloney had no intention of leaving his home town; however, having missed out on the chance to be a staff photographer at the Chronicle, he had "no alternative but to leave Lincoln and go to London".

And London did him good. Maloney worked for the Mirror Group from the mid­-60s onwards, taking photographs for their 5 million daily readers and carrying out assignments. "Everyday was a high­ profile day, one day you'd be with the Queen, the next day you'd be with Princess Diana", photographing the likes of Paul McCartney and Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan and Tony Blair.

By this point it was difficult to believe there was anyone Maloney hadn't shot, but he surprised me, n­ o, not surprised, I was beyond the point of shock after hearing his stories, it was intriguing to hear of his further encounters. It was 1977 and Maloney was sent to Africa to document the filming of TV series, Jesus of Nazareth, ­ with its two thousand extras, acclaimed actor Robert Powell and a large film crew. He tells me how it took three days to film the crucifixion scene because director, Franco Zeffirelli, complained of the strong light from the sun.

It was after this ordeal that Maloney decided to shelter from the heat and have a drink in the deserted hotel bar. To his amazement, he heard a voice behind him say “Hello Mike”, and on turning round saw Princess Grace and Prince Rainer of Monaco sitting at a table. “I walked over and asked, ‘Your Royal Highness, what are you doing here?’, which you really shouldn’t do”.

12

They spoke for a while and Kelly wondered whether she would be able to join the production set, supposedly because it was something she'd missed since her marriage to Rainier, and so Maloney headed to the penthouse to ask Zeffirelli.

"You see, he used to call me Mika, so he said "Mika, you must be hallucinating!" It took me a quarter of an hour to convince Zeffirelli that Princess Grace was downstairs in the bar. I eventually got him to come downstairs, and... you should have seen his face".

It's not hard to see that Maloney has had the best of careers, but was there anyone he hadn't met? "Elvis. I was supposed to meet him in Memphis." However, some friends from the Mirror had invited him to go to Honolulu. When he told his editor this, he was promised a meeting with Presley the following year, but of course, that was too late, Presley died several months later.

If only I had a week to tell you all the stories Maloney has to share. ­I have the privilege of knowing the stories of his adventures with the Queen Mother, considered a dear friend, Lucille Ball, star of ‘I Love Lucy’, and Cary Grant.

When asked if photography has become more accessible as a hobby and as a career, Maloney points out a recent visit to Wembley stadium where there were 300 plus press photographers: in his day, 40 years ago, there were ten.

Reflecting on his career when receiving his professorship from Lincoln University, Maloney was able to read out a personal letter of congratulations at the ceremony from the Queen Mother. This is, no doubt, an achievement indeed, but perhaps in his mind just another honour for a man who already has many under his belt.

Photographs courtesy Š Mike Maloney

The Wedding of HRH Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 2011

13

SCIENCE Moons and Why They are Generally Awesome.

By Sophie Abrahams,Yr 13 Our very own Moon

We are all used to looking up at the sky and admiring the Moon.

‘What a pretty Moon’, ‘look how yellow the Moon looks!’ Or my favourite one as a young child in the car: ‘Mum! The Moon’s following us!’

For us on Earth, the Moon is a normal feature of life. It’s always there at some point or another. But imagine if we had no moon. The night sky may look a little bit less romantic, sailing might get a bit harder and what would we ever do with our lives if we didn’t have Taylor Lautner ripping his shirt off on our TV screens?

So how do moons form? Well, I looked up how our moon formed on NASA’s website. While NASA didn’t seem to be able to tell me how our moon formed, it reliably informed me that, and I quote, ‘The Moon has no moons.’ Thanks NASA, I never would have guessed that one.

We don’t have a confirmed theory for how our Moon formed, but what we do have is a widely accepted theory. We believe the Moon was created when a object about the size of Mars slammed into the newly formed surface of the Earth. Material was ejected into space during the collision. Some of which fell back to Earth, while the rest collected together to form the Moon.

So that (kinda) explains the formation of our Moon. For now we can’t be sure how any moon forms, but what we can do is study them as much as possible. Which is where the proper fun starts.

Planets come in wonderful, wild and wacky variations, rocky or gaseous, ringed or ringless, with atmospheres or exposed to space.

There are eight planets (and a dwarf planet) in our solar system so we don’t have very many to study (not that we need many more, we have our hands full with Saturn’s rings, Mars’s water and debating Pluto’s place in life). But moons? There are 146 confirmed moons in our solar system; that number is still rising, and they are just as fascinating as any planet.

My favourite moon? Enceladus. The moon that sparked my interest in space. Not only do liquid water geysers shoot from its surface into space regularly, but it is thought to be what is forming the entire E ring of Saturn’s rings. The whole ring is made up of debris that has come from Enceladus’ water geysers. This moon has a diameter of 504km, which is slightly smaller than the length of the UK, and it’s forming a ring that is approximately 470,000km in diameter.

So these things make it pretty cool, but what makes this planet amazing is that the liquid water present on Enceladus could be home to single celled organisms.

Why do scientists think this? Well, we know Enceladus is geologically active due to the gravitational influence from Saturn which causing the surface to stretch and contract. This causes ice under the surface of Enceladus to melt, forming an ocean. We also believe

that this ocean contains molecules similar to those found in Earth’s soda lakes, in which life such as sea monkeys thrives.

When I tell people about Enceladus face to face, I start flailing like a five year old and talking faster and faster. You may think, ‘So what?

It’s only single cell life. It’s not like you just found E.T. or Spock.’ But if we can find life present on two bodies in one solar system (on Earth and on Enceladus) then it means that maybe it isn’t so hard for life to appear on celestial bodies elsewhere in our solar system and in other solar systems too.

Moons are also wonderful things because of the variety in our solar system. There’s Titan, which orbits Saturn, where the surface pressure is so great that methane exists in liquid form; this moon has a water cycle using liquid methane. There’s Io. The gravitational forces exerted on Io from Jupiter and its three largest moons (Ganymede, Europa and Callisto) cause Io to be be volcanically active in an area of space where temperatures can be about -240 degrees Celsius. There’s Lapetus which is half black and half white (quite literally), the black crust on one side of the moon only about a metre thick and is thought to be swept up by the moon as it orbits Saturn.

Even our moon has secrets. It is unusual in its comparatively immense size. Mercury and Venus don’t even have moons and Mars’s moons are blips in comparison with our beloved Moon.

Moons are more accessible than planets because after we leave our solar system of eight planets, the nearest known exo-planet is about twelve light years away from us.You may think ‘Twelve?

Doesn’t sound so bad!’ But light travels 299,792,458 metres per second meaning that one light year is a distance of 9.5 trillion kilometres. It is hard to comprehend a distance that large.

The nearest moons to us, after our own, are a mere 56 million kilometres away from Earth and orbit around Mars (Phobos and Deimos).

What you should take away from this is that moons are awesome and not to be under-appreciated. So next time you see The Moon gracing the sky above you, give it some love, would you?

Image of Enceladus taken by Cassini. The blue stripes you can see are where liquid geysers release water particles into space. © Wikipedia Commons

MASTER CLASS AT CAMBRIDGE TRIP REPORT

by Soraya Hussein and Phoebe Ashley-Norman,Yr 13 Earlier this year, we, Soraya Hussein and Phoebe Ashley-Norman, were fortunate enough to attend master classes

in Biology and Chemistry at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. The event was widely attended with students from all over England and was just one of many masterclass experiences held in other subjects ranging from Latin to Biomedical Sciences.

Our day began with an early morning train up, a brief period of map reading and an almost immediate start to the day.

The first lecture was titled ‘The Chemistry of Water- All You Need to H-2-Know’. Dr Pilgrim delivered an informative and equally interactive lecture covering the history, properties and facts of water. He managed to cover homeopathic remedies, O-H bond stretches, and even squeeze in a dance to Uptown Funk in just one hour, an achievement which should stand as inspiration to all Channing science teachers!

The second lecture was about ‘Using DNA sequencing to tell us about human past’. Dr Andrew Clarke began by telling us about the history and advances behind DNA sequencing before bringing us up to date by explaining how it has impacted current affairs. He explained the scientific evidence behind the discovery of King Richard III’s body.

Mitochondrial and Y-chromosomal DNA were introduced to us and used to illustrate the incredible opportunities created by sequencing, not only for science but for discovery and history too.

We were then treated to a tour around Corpus Christi and a fabulous lunch in their hall, but sadly we missed out on the sticky toffee pudding, and opted for the far inferior bounty cupcake instead. We were then given a brief, but helpful insight into the life of a Cambridge science student, followed by an explanation of the application process, and guidance on how to be successful.

The final lecture, delivered by Dr Ewan St John Smith was entitled ‘Pain and lessons from the naked mole rat’. His talk encompassed information on pharmacology, noxious stimuli and, as the title suggests, naked mole rats.

His experimentation involves investigating pain and what causes it. Naked mole rats provide ideal experimental opportunities due to their long life span and inability to contract cancer.

They are also insensitive to acid which is a noxious stimulus.

A noxious stimulus is an external event which causes pain as a warning against potential damage. Both neurological and psychological research are being linked and pushed forward by scientists including Dr Smith and to hear from one first hand was a very valuable experience.

We spent the rest of the day exploring other colleges, strolling along the river and indulging in afternoon tea. We made a few discoveries of our own including a door which was so small, it was nearly Phoebe's height! After our adventurous expedition and a mad dash across the town we made a late train home. We found ourselves fully exhausted, capable only of a spot of maths and some tunes from Taylor.

A naked mole rat © Wikipedia Commons

15

creative writing curated by Emily Reader, Yr 13

How not to get the job So, I want the job.

All the printing and talking and chatting and coffee and this and that.

Ahhhh, all the lunch breaks.

I love food, Especially bagels.

You know the ones that have seeds on the top? From Lidl?

Anyway, I looked you up on Wikipedia.

Apparently you have four children: Milo, Zanzibar, Moon and Phil.

Wise choice there (Although Zanzibar is a bit weird) I wanted a kid called Pluto, but my wife said no.

Also, you have two spaniels. I love animals.

I have a gecko called Colin.

He’s great.

You live in Birmingham.

I do too, Well, outside Birmingham, you know, near Kate’s Bakes.

Oh! have you tried her cake?

I love cake; the red velvet is gorgeous.

Apparently, it contains beetroot. Who would have thought?

Right, now we are friends, I was thinking that, when I get the job, I could be second in command.

(I’d like that) I would like to work in the office next to you.

I could drive you there in the morning!

I would go right past your house.

Anyway, I can’t wait to start.

(By the way, I know where you live) Emily Gray,Yr 9

16

Teddy bear I feel warmth, she feels warmth, I feel loved, she feels loved, The little girl who loves me, The little girl who could not live without me.

I rest on her lap as she reads to me, Her mother looks at me, She thinks I do not understand the words, But I do.

But she is older now, She does not want me anymore, She does not need me anymore , So here I sit, At the back of the attic, Gathering dust.

Eden Levy,Yr 7

Clum: Silence Hush There is a clum each night, after the highway rocks the children out to sleep, and waves mutter far away from their dreams.

The doors click shut.

No leather shoes The brown letters are in a pile The watches are on the dresser And the pile has been growing awhile.

The traffic sinks Into the space before coffee, After wine.

Of course, the street lamps live behind the blinds.

Those were the last footsteps on the stair, and as she hums she combs her hair, floating light in the dark air.

And the clum is delicate on a string, over the lights flickering.

Lauren Sneade,Yr 13

Cuban Heat Cuba is blistering during the summer. The sun pulses onto the beach in the hot, scratchy weather, and the sand pales to milk. Waves lightly cajole the air, sizzling, and burdened with warmth. Rusty, the sky glows. All the dust of the Earth is piled here. A single tear rumbles from the sun, mahogany and crimson, and scars the sea. It glares back with anger, clenching the colour in place.

A small pool forms a terracotta scab, and the sun floats on.

Sophie Sondhelm,Yr 11

17

18

‘Our Town’, this year’s School play, was held at Jackson’s Lane Theatre, London, from 1-3 December. Playing to a packed house every night, including a matinee performance for Year 7 pupils, the play was a real treat. Written by Thornton Wilder, Our Town” is a three act play which tells the story of small town life in Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens.

Since its debut in 1938, Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize winning play has become a classic. It is studied by most American High School students and it is said that there has been a performance of it somewhere in the world every night since its opening.

It is difficult to pick any stand-out moments from particular young actors- the entire cast, on stage and behind the scenes- worked as a professional unit to deliver an outstanding and moving performance. With cameo roles from talented Junior School students, this truly was a delight for the whole school community.

‘Our Town’

19

SNAP YOUR SUMMER

Photography competition

WINNERS! with Ella Margolin,Yr 13 & Mrs Gething, Marketing Director Over the Summer we set Channing’s budding photographers a challenge: to capture a moment of their Summer Holidays on film (or in their memory card). The judging panel, comprising of Headmistress Mrs Elliott, Arts Officer Ella Margolin, Director of Marketing Mrs Gething and professional Photographer Mr Angus Taylor (who took the fantastic shots of ‘Our Town’, see page 18) were so impressed by the standard and creativity of all entrants. Teachers and staff also got involved and sent in photos of their summer moments too which we will display on Firefly. So now, as we move into the coldest months of the year, we bring you some moments of pure summer pleasure and offer huge congratulations to our competition winners!

WINNER Charlotte Parrott,Year 7 This photo is a beautiful and evocative composition of summer delight! It displays a great deal of creativity- we liked the fact that it can be viewed from all angles.

20

FIRST RUNNER UP Emilia Evans Munton,Year 8 Taken on Hampstead Heath towards the end of the summer, we love the harmonised colours and the beautiful symmetry and framing of the image overall.

SECOND RUNNER UP Alacoe Frost,Year 8 A fish eagle in Botswana at the Motemi Game Reserve, Alacoe has captured the majestic beauty of the subject. The clear background works exceptionally well to highlight the excellent level of detail captured in this photograph.

HIGHLY COMMENDED Ellie Gibbins,Year 12 Ellie submitted a variety of very strong contenders for the competition but this one, of statues in the Jardin du Palais-Royale in Paris really stood out with its clever use of tone and perspective.

win!

‘POINTS OF VIEW’ photography competition This winter, why not try your hand at the next photography competition?

With a theme of ‘Points of View’, we are looking for truly creative and individual ideas. Think sight, opinions, perspective, shadows, anything that reflects a particular point of view, be it political or physical.

Submit your entries to firefly- see posters around school for more information.

21

Never Again Lucy Benjamin, Yr12, recounts her recent life-changing trip to Poland

In October half term I went to Poland, with a youth

organisation, to visit concentration camps and ghettos as well as the towns where the Jewish population had lived prior to the Nazi invasion. I can truly say that this experience changed my life and perception of the world, possibly even tainting my views on the recent and rising terrorist attacks.

Whilst in Poland, I saw the horrific places where so many had been brutally murdered. It is extremely difficult to even begin to imagine the atrocities so many went through, whilst sitting in a Brunner House History lesson, and it would seem that we are all immune to the number 6 million, which is continuously thrown around. However, stood in the middle of Majdanek, Birkenau or Auschwitz, one is able to begin to come to terms with the barbarity of the massacres performed by the Nazis. I say 'begin', because still, such utter evil is incomprehensible and we can never imagine living through such horrendous events.

What these people were put through, and I do not mean just the deaths themselves, was completely shocking and I can not explain how eye-opening this trip was for me. I learnt of horrors that had never even occurred to me and the 6 million was broken down into individuals, with names and families and hobbies and rich lives that were so brutally taken from them.

Standing amongst the golden, autumn leaves in Birkenau, with the sun seeping through the trees, a symbol of life, it was hard to imagine that right there people had been stripped of their humanity. Every single hair on a girl named Rivka's body was removed and when she glimpsed her painfully thin reflection in a window, she mistook herself for her father, screaming 'Daddy, Daddy.' In this way identities were stolen.

Although I could recite story after story, each one more horrendous than the next, I would also like to mention how positive this trip was. In many places we were able to bring life back, singing and celebrating what had once been. A particularly poignant moment was when, we were singing in the square in Krakow, where the Jews had been rounded up, ready to be deported on the cattle cart. A polish woman walked past and clearly recognising that we were commemorating the lives lost, she burst into tears. The woman's story and how she was affected by the Holocaust remained unsaid, but she was able to see the light that had come from such darkness.

The Jews, like so many others who were affected by the Nazis, are still standing- Hitler's walking nightmare. It is so easy to immunise ourselves to the horrors that have, and continue to, happen, but we must remember that everyone is someone, everyone has family, everyone has goals and aspirations and everyone deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life. In this way we must make it our duty to help others, a message which is perhaps more prevalent in light of recent events- Never Again.

22

Photography: Lucy Benjamin Yr 12

60

seconds with...

Miss Hunter Fact File:

Teaches: History and Politics Joined Channing: September 2015 What were your first impressions of Channing?

It was really friendly. Everyone seemed so happy and were easily approachable, although I did worry about getting lost; I thought it was going to take me about a year to overcome the challenge of working out the general layout of the school.

What was your last school like compared to Channing?

It was much bigger: there were 250 teachers. It was in the Midlands and was mixed, which was much more challenging.

It wasn’t as much of a community as Channing is and the food was appalling! It was pretty different.

Do you prefer teaching Politics or History? And why?

Wow, that’s a hard one. I think History because there’s more of it to teach. But actually it might be Politics.Yes, I think Politics because I find it more interesting as you can keep track of what is going on around you.

What did you study at which university?

I was at Kings College London where I studied War Studies which was a bit of a strange subject. It was about contemporary security, military issues and international relations.

What made you want to become a teacher?

I really loved the subjects I was studying, like History. It felt like a natural progression for me and I definitely did not want to end up in an office job so it fitted well. By being a teacher I can talk about what I am actually interested in. I love working with young people and, to be honest, the holiday times are also a perk.

What is some key advice you would give to any Channing girl?

Don’t limit yourself. Definitely do what you genuinely want to do and what you are interested in at uni and then later for a job, as you spend so much of your life actually doing it.

Miss Hunter was in conversation with Amy Morris,Yr12 23

Headmistress: Mrs B M Elliott MA (CANTAB) The Bank Highgate London N6 5HF T: 020 8340 2328

Independent Day School for Girls aged 4-18

www.channing.co.uk