DHSB Spectator Summer 2012

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JULY 2012 ISSUE - SUMMER SPECIAL #003 £1

INTERVIEW: DHSB’S VERY OWN TORCH BEARERS

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JUBILEE: THE 60 YEAR REIGN CONTINUES PIRACY: GETTING AWAY WITH IT ONLINE? OFSTED: TEACHERS COME UNDER FIRE

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a moment to shine


contents 2 - 2012: The Year for British Sport 3 - The Tale of the Torch Bearer 4 - Devastation at Woodside Animal Sanctuary 5 - Piracy Spectator -“Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful” 6 - 60 years and counting 7 - speeding onto the world stage 8 - Ofsted head alienates teachers 9 - WHAT MAKES THE BRITISH OLYMPIC TORCH SO SPECIAL? 10 -the race for power 11 -Nothing endures but words 12- Pushing the Limit editors James Clarke Rahul Raman design & layout Tom Brewer our writers Zoë Dickins Bethan Price Kirsty Walters Joe Hiscocks Joe Borthwick Sam Chown Vikram Ajit Rajan Thirupathirajan Tom Weatherby Ben Scott Dylan H Morris Tom Phillips Connor Willingham Josh Pope 2

2012: The Year for British Sport This is the year that everyone is talking about for London and Great Britain, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee hitting screens worldwide, the CI BMX championships, Tennis Championships, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens, British F1 Grand Prix, and of course the Olympic Games! The year 2012 is a landmark one for British sport, most notably with our national team participating in the Football Euro Championships and of course the London Olympics. With Wimbledon, The British Open, the Paralympics and Olympic Games just around the corner it seems the sporting season is in full swing for Great Britain. England’s cricket fixture list is as full as ever, with most notably tests against Pakistan, Sri Lanka and West Indies, not forgetting the T20 World Cup commencing in September. England, current holders of the trophy, will be looking to defend their title in Sri Lanka. In tennis, David Nalbandian was investigated by the police after causing an injury to the line judge during his match. This injury has now been protested as alleged assault. Nalbandian was immediately disqualified from the Aegon Championships. He has since been

fined the maximum penalty of £6,400 by the ATP. Nalbandian was deemed guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct and his £36,500 prize money was also withdrawn. In June the plans for the opening ceremony at the London Olympics on 27th July were revealed. The Olympic Stadium will be transformed into the “British countryside” for the ceremony costing £27m with a cast of 10,000 volunteers making the country scenes which also include great British landmarks. The Olympics are looking hopeful this year with new British talents, including Plymouth’s Tom Daley. Daley says it would be a dream come true to win Olympic gold after his place at London 2012 was confirmed. The Olympics will also give our athletes an opportunity to show off what our nation has to offer.

The Paralympics show a strong opportunity for many other British athletes, with the likes of Peter Norfolk (tennis) and Sarah Storey (swimming and cycling). London’s David Weir, arguably the world’s leading all-round wheelchair racer, will be defending the Paralympic titles at 1,500m and 5,000m. In the DHSB sporting

world, the refurbished Fitness Suite has been opened with most of the materials recycled or purchased at low cost but the overall finish is as smart as many other, better funded, facilities. The Fitness Suite upgrade is an element of the school’s ‘Sport for All’ campaign. The Astroturf will also be constructed within the coming months completing the school’s campaign. A new Sports Council will be introduced to the school, calling sportsmen from each year to come together and discuss the current sports and activities available, as well as other related issues. The council will be lead by me and hopefully there will be a representative from each form. If you are interested or would like more details please contact me on 6rodickinsz@dhsb.org. In other DHSB news, the Year 8 athletics team won the West Devon Athletics Championship which took place at Brickfields. Andy Ball, a former DHSB student now studying Medicine, carried the Olympic Torch on its journey through Saltash to the Tamar Bridge. Aaron Lloyd, a current DHSB student, had the privilege of carrying the flame through the streets of Plymouth on Sunday morning. We have success with Ten Tors, Dave King with hurdles and Lewis Warner with Judo.

With such outstanding results at DHSB, fingers crossed the same will happen in the London Olympics. Women’s football is the first event to kick off on Wednesday 25th July, with GB playing against New Zealand. Athletics is due to begin the following Friday, with the majority of other sports and events starting over the weekend. The Paralympics run from Wednesday 29th August to Sunday 9th September. Best of luck to all of the athletes competing in the London 2012 Games and hopefully they will achieve some outstanding results on home turf. Now all we can hope for is that we won’t see any typical British weather throughout the summer, especially as

our country is on show for the rest of the world! Written by Zoë Dickins Year 12


The Tale of the Torch Bearer

This year, as the whole world is watching the Olympic torch on its journey around the UK, they will also see the noble torch bearers who race through the streets like

fireballs. Out of the 8000, we at DHSB are lucky enough to have one of our students chosen for this once in a life time opportunity, Aaron Lloyd. A DHSB old boy Andy Ball also carried the torch from Saltash to Plymouth, across the Tamar Bridge. This article will uncover the man behind the torch,

telling his story, and how it felt to carry aloft the Olympic flame. If you could use one word to explain how it

felt to carry the Olympic torch, what would it be? Fantastic! Why were you nominated to be a torch bearer? I wrote a story about myself to Coca Cola, and why I wanted to carry the flame, and they nominated me to run with the torch. I mentioned in my

personal story how I aspire to become a Theoretical Physicist and how I have always loved Maths. They spoke to me in person and described me as “an inspiration to my city”. So I inspired myself and Coca Cola. Who nominated you? Was it a surprise? Coca Cola nominated me. I was surprised that my story, only being about 400 words long, led a massive company like Coca Cola to choose me to be one of their Torch Bearers.

How did you feel when you were carrying the torch? Well, before I ran with the torch, the Torch Bearers’ bus dropped me off at my starting point. When I got off the bus, people just flooded my path asking me for photos with the torch. Even though this was what I expected it was kind of a shock to the system, so I was grateful for the chaperon who talked me through what I needed to do before I started the run. This involved The Kiss, where the Flame is passed on to the next Torch Bearer. Before The Kiss the Coca Cola parade drove

past with a loud speaker and told the crowd about my story, and pretty much got the crowd cheering. It was amazing. What was it like having the whole world focused on you for that brief moment when you were the Olympic torch bearer? Well, to be honest I didn’t really think about the masses

all watching me at once. I just cherished the moment I had with the flame before giving it to the next Torch Bearer. It was over really fast but the feeling you get when everyone is cheering for you still lasts. Will you be keeping the torch? If so what will you do with it? If not, how much have you sold it for? Coca Cola let me keep my torch, which I am grateful for. I have brought a specially made stand for the torch which I will display it on in my house. I am never going to sell it. It will remain in the family.

What was the best part about being a torch bearer for you? For me, it was meeting the other torchbearers and learning about their stories. I am happy to have met them in person. Written by Bethan Price Year 12

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Devastation at Woodside Animal Sanctuary

On the 29th April 2012 a tragedy took place at Woodside Animal Sanctuary but, unlike in West

Side story, this was caused by Mother Nature, not by human nature. Gusts of wind of up to 50mph

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caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. Staff arrived to find both the goats’ and pigs’ enclosures blown over, and whilst the horses were being closed into the presumed safety of the stables, the 10ft by 20ft metal framed enclosure flew up into the air and was thrown 30ft into a neighbouring paddock, destructing on impact. This alone was £4000 worth of damage, in addition to the other mentioned damage, fencing, and a ferret home. Most importantly and luckily, no animals were harmed, and myself with the other staff worked hard

all day to rehome the affected animals around the sanctuary, using unobvious solutions, such as temporary housing for the pigs in the old dogs’ block of large kennels! An appeal has been started by the sanctuary as well as online at: w w w. b m y c h a r i t y. com/destructionfund where amazing public support has already raised over £790, although Woodside would be grateful if you could help top raise the target £2500. Based in Elfordleigh, the sanctuary does amazing work for Plymouth and

the surrounding areas; rehoming 1,123 animals last year. They provide shelter, warmth, accommodation and veterinary care among much more to the animals most in need. You can see the great work at Woodside Sanctuary for yourself, by visiting the sanctuary, attending any of the fundraisers, and visiting www. woodsidesanctuary. org.uk Written by Kirsty Walters Year 12


Piracy Spectator Music, as a whole, has taken many great leaps throughout the late 20th and early 21st century due to technological advancements, aiding the production, creation and distribution of music. Although music is much easier to listen to, find and ultimately purchase in this current age of technology, it goes without saying that there are also some problems amongst the improvements. One of the most controversial aspects of the modern age of music is piracy. By the way, for those of you who assume I am going to talk about Captain Jack Sparrow and his voyages on the Black Pearl, you are sadly mistaken. It is estimated that 95% of downloads today are illegal and

due to many people downloading an artist’s album/song for free illegally, it means that the artists and record companies themselves do not get paid. If everybody did this, it would take an astronomical amount of money out of the industry which eventually means that the record companies wouldn’t be able to produce the music you pirates love any more. Many of you reading this article may be thinking, “But what? Everyone else does it.” To an extent you are probably correct. You probably all remember that advert against piracy, where you saw a few clips of people stealing things such as DVDs and CDs. “PIRACY IS THEFT. PIRACY IS A CRIME.’’ To an

extent the government funded ad campaign was correct, as taking something for free which has a price tag upon it is theft. But theft removes the original, whereas piracy just makes a copy. So in that sense piracy isn’t stealing. Piracy is piracy. One company in particular has stood out against piracy though: Virgin Media. As one of the most popular internet providers in the UK, Virgin Media has banned the website “The Pirate Bay” in a bid to tackle illegal

downloads. This may just be a personal battle though, as Richard Branson (the owner of Virgin) once owned the high street giant Virgin Megastore before it went bust in the UK in 2007. One of the main reasons, I believe, that Virgin Megastores went bust was because of illegal downloads. Why would people pay for something when they could easily get it for free?! On a moral

level, piracy is easily wrong. However, if something offers itself up for free, and just as we have entered another recession, I wouldn’t be surprised if more and more people start to illegally download music, films and television series. If you have ever been involved with piracy we’d like to hear from you, email spectator@dhsb.org in confidence. Written by Joe Hiscocks

Year 12

“Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful” In response to Joe Hill’s article concerning the government and politics of our school: I believe, Joe, that your question: “HOW MUCH AND WHERE SHOULD THE ASPECTS OF DEMOCRACY COME INTO PLAY?” is the wrong one. With every political system, of course, there are ineradicable flaws. These are due to many things, which nearly all stem from the flaws of mankind. Faced with responsibility and power, it takes great strength of character to overcome the temptations of selfishness and an obsession with the prolongation of one’s own authority or achievements. This

is the case whatever the political system. I feel the emphasis of your inquiry should not be on the system of government, but rather the ideology and moral philosophy with which our leaders make their decisions. W h e t h e r Devonport Voice’s representatives are democratically elected or chosen after a careful and thorough application process, we should ensure that we have a team of strong-minded, courageous and independent students. The application process should aim to select individuals with these qualities. Democracy is truly found in constant debate and listening

to everyone who has something to say. Therefore, all students and staff should be encouraged to express their opinions, however controversial. The School Captaincy Team and Devonport Voice are both now looking to the future, and preparing for the selection of next year’s teams. I say to both of them: pick leaders who believe in courage, hope and truth. For me, the most important of these is truth: t h e unfading flower. Written by Tom Phillips Year 12

There is Another Sky There is another sky, Ever serene and fair, And there is another sunshine, Though it be darkness there; Never mind faded forests, Austin, Never mind silent fields— Here is a little forest, Whose leaf is ever green; Here is a brighter garden, Where not a frost has been; In its unfading flowers I hear the bright bee hum: Prithee, my brother, Into my garden come! Emily Dickinson 5


60 years and counting In June we celebrated the Diamond Jubilee, our glorious Queen Elizabeth having ruled for 60 years over us, her loyal subjects. It was a holiday for all, and even the weather

couldn’t put Britain off, as people of all ages put up with the rain to take part in the once-in-a-generation festivities. Of course, the main celebrations were on the Thames, but that didn’t stop us ordinary folk from popping outside, putting up some bunting and, for

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just one weekend, getting together as a community to commemorate all that is British. O u t d o o r street parties were organized

by locals for their neighbourhoods, attended by people of all generations; excitable children, enduring parents and misty-eyed pensioners who remembered the coronation itself. In Plymouth, the City Centre Plaza was the main hub of Jubilee celebrations. Here,

Plymouth’s biggest street party was held, with a free entry to attract people from all over the city, and indeed the county. This was part of the Big Jubilee Lunch,

a nationwide event organized to connect all of Britain for this special occasion. There were also royal-themed craft events at libraries, royal-themed parties and lunches, and the beacon lighting, another event which linked the nation. However, people didn’t have to come into Plymouth City Centre from Devon and Cornwall to celebrate. The array of local parties included: a talent contest in Torpoint, a giant picnic in Saltash, a tea party in Polperro and a

Ceilidh dance in Mount Edgecombe. Many primary schools had children making crowns and colouring Union Jacks in, to get them in a patriotic mood. Despite the enthusiastic response to the Jubilee from Devon and Cornwall, and the array of local street parties across the country, there is no doubt that the most impressive display of gratitude to the Queen was the flotilla along the Thames. With over 1000 vessels, and thousands lining the river, it was a superb mark of respect, as the Queen herself took part. Ending with the National Anthem, played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, it was a day to remember for years to come.

From the huge range of events, it becomes apparent that perhaps the most important thing from the Jubilee celebrations was the community spirit that arose, even if it was just for 4 days. With all the problems facing the country at the moment, it was a welcome break, and may it remind us that every so often we need to forget the bad, sit back and enjoy a celebration of Britain’s positive side. Written by Joe Borthwick Year 12


speeding onto the world stage Success for Vitesse

Three pupils from DHSB will be travelling to Abu Dhabi in October to compete in the largest and only truly cross-curricular STEM competition, F1 in Schools. The team of three, Vitesse, have been invited to form a collaboration team with a team who finished third in the USA national finals. The school has already had lots of success in the competition with Pulse, who became the first and currently only British World Champions. Vitesse hope to follow in Pulse’s footsteps and bring the Bernie

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professional brand for the team as well as raising sponsorship for the team to cover expenses such as travel costs, accommodation and material costs. The competition gives students learning experiences which they would not gain from the national curriculum as well as having fun. F1 in Schools is sponsored by real F1 teams as well as global companies such as Chorus and the IET.

a week, starting with a chance to meet the other teams and exchange cultural gifts. Then, 3 days of judging occurs where

The international collaboration excites me, and is already giving me so much experience in the perspective of

of the pond just to get to Abu Dhabi from sponsors which in return would get advertising across the globe from the team.

Vitesse have been the South-West regional champions for the last two-years,

competitors are judged on the quality of their pit display (exhibition stand), portfolio, verbal presentation and of course the speed of their car. Teams are invited to attend the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and if they win an award, the team is hosted in the pit lane by the real F1 teams.

working across seas. F1 in Schools has helped me along the way of realising I wish to be an engineer after graduation, as well. It’s shown me that I have a chance in the world of engineering!”

The teams would like to take this chance to thank their sponsors without who success would not have been possible. If you think you could help the team in raising the funds needed please email sponsorship@ teamvitesse.co.uk or if you would like more updates from the team please follow us on twitter -

future.

Ecclestone World Champions trophy home to DHSB. F1 in Schools has expanded since Pulse entered with it now in over 40 countries across the globe. Students aged eleven to eighteen design, analyse and manufacture miniature F1 cars to race down a twenty metre track reaching speeds of around 50mph. The teams also have to create a

a huge achievement especially when at the 2012 regional finals, a team had a car which was only fractions off the world record but fortunately for Vitesse was out of regulation. The World Finals takes place at the world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World, the week before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The event lasts over

Sarah Sellers, part of the team Vitesse are collaborating with, Infinitium, said: “I’m really excited for Abu Dhabi!

Both sides of the teams are now trying to raise the essential sponsorship money to attend the world finals as well as all equipment costs. The team is trying to raise around £10,000 both sides

@Team_Vitesse. Written by Sam Chown Year 12

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Ofsted head alienates teachers Wilshaw says stressed teachers “don’t know the meaning of the word”.

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Sir Michael Wilshaw, the head of Ofsted, has long been a contentious figure. This latest furore was caused by his speech, at an expensive public school, in which he said: “Stress, Stress ... They [teachers] don’t know the meaning of the word.” He said that some teachers were complaining too

education spending is being cut more than at any time since the 50s, meaning that the underfunding that teachers are dealing with now is greater than that Wilshaw had to handle. As well as this, Wilshaw also said that real stress was when he had to do lunch duty every day for three

much about the stress of their jobs. He gave, as examples of what he thinks stress really is, anecdotes of his time as a headteacher in the 80s when he apparently had to cover 5 classes in the sports hall owing to the teachers being on strike. Although interestingly at present

years all by himself. This loneliness, as well as being hugely stressful, seems to have had quite an effect on Wilshaw, who banned pupils hugging in 2007. In light of the current pressures facing education, the reduction in job security and demands on teachers

to produce higher and higher grades, it seems unsurprising that teaching unions have in general not taken his remarks happily. In fact Mike Curtis, an Oxfordshire headmaster, said to the NAHT (National Association of Head Teachers) that the union should “not rule out a vote of no confidence in the future”. Although his remarks towards our diligent and overworked teachers were very incendiary, he did interestingly notice an aspect of education that is often overlooked by our present regime: youth unemployment. This is important because many young people lack motivation as they see there will be no jobs for them if they go straight into work, and if they go to university will not only be unemployed but also be in debt for their entire lives.

Despite his alarming propensity to offend the entire teaching

profession, he does clearly have talent in education. He was knighted for his services to the field in 2000. His methods have been criticised by some as over disciplinary, but they clear work in at least some ways. While he was head, in the first year of opening, of Mossbourne Academy (a replacement to a failed comprehensive) they had 7 Cambridge places and some spectacular A-level results. Although, this school also enjoys high enough levels

of funding to have a pupil:teacher ratio of 7.7:1 which is slightly less than that of Eton College, so it may not be only Wilshaw’s leadership to have had this effect. To conclude, Wilshaw is a very outspoken man with the ability to offend

thousands of teachers at the drop of a hat with very some tactless comments, but I think his heart in the right place and he is clearly a very talented man, who deeply cares about education. I only wish he had a little more understanding of how hard teachers have to work for the exceptional results they achieve. Written by Tom Weatherby

Year 12


WHAT MAKES THE BRITISH OLYMPIC TORCH SO SPECIAL? How the torch was made to make the 8,000 mile journey memorable. On the 19th of May the golden Olympic torch started its 8,000 mile journey, firstly heading from Land’s End to The Hoe in Plymouth. That was day 1. But what about the rest of its journey and how can it survive the remaining 69 days? 8,000 torches were made all from aluminium, a lightweight and strong metal, and a gold finish and the result was a rich triangular beauty. This was done by UK designers Jay Osgerby and Edward Barber. Each torch has 8,000 holes, representing the 8,000 torchbearers and miles. Ria Hawthorn said that the torch was a very good example of how British design and manufacturing have been commissioned by the Olympics. It was so good that it won the Design of the Year Award 2012. The design was chosen and presented from 89 entries at London’s Design Museum. So what else can the torch do? Well young runners do carry the torch. So it was designed from a fairly lightweight material and in the end, it only weighed 800 grams. The 8,000 holes also have

the role of avoiding heat conduction from the flame to the

of the flame. They said: "The Torch had to be economical

as so many different types of people will be carrying it." So to

It was confirmed that the torch can survive wind speeds of up to 35 mph, rain and snow. D e s i g n Museum director Deyan Sudjic said the torch was "a triumph of symbolism and beauty". But despite all the amazing reviews, there was some criticism there. The Daily Telegraph told the readers to vote on whether the torch looked like a torch, a cheese grater, cigarette holder or wastepaper bin. I would say that the torch reflects on almost everything about the Olympics and what Britain can do - that’s what’s important. Written by Vikram Ajit Rajan Thirupathirajan Year 9

handle. The triangular shape also gives it a good grip. At the centre of each torch, there is a gas burner that gives a gas mix, making it an orange visible flame. But as well as visibility, the designers had to think about the strength

and sustainable as well as being beautiful and strong, so it’s an incredibly complicated piece of design. It has to function at high altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, in strong winds and also be incredibly light

act on this, the torch was made to have enough fuel so that the flame can last for one mile. To test the flame’s strength in British conditions, the torch was taken to Munich and was tested at BMW’s climatic testing facility.

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the race for power Who am I backing for President this year? Well, the election season in America is approaching, and it’s clear to me that Barack Obama is not deserving of a second term. The persistently high unemployment, the disappointing growth figures and the frivolous use of costly fiscal stimuli have all solidified my view that President Obama needs to be a one-term President. However, when faced with the smorgasbord of candidates, all vying to replace him as the most important man on the global political stage, I find myself devastatingly disillusioned.

Firstly, there’s the Republican, Mitt Romney. His economic credentials are sound, but his social views are not as impressive. His rampant opposition to marriage equality, his interventionist abortion policy, his support for the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan and his

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advocation of the death penalty are but a few reasons why supporting him would be disconcerting. However, he does indeed remain an option, as the economy is what matters.

small downfalls, he does indeed prove himself to be a better choice than Romney. His fantastic economic credentials are not sullied by any poor social credentials, as Romney’s are. Though not my perfect candidate, he seems me a very viable choice for the moderate libertarian.

Second comes Gary Johnson. He first sought the GOP nomination, but failed. He was then taken under the wing of the Libertarian Party and became their candidate for the Presidency. Johnson’s support for the FairTax is incredibly encouraging, as are his social ideas of relaxed abortion laws and legalising marijuana, but does he go far enough when it comes to the liberalisation of America? With marijuana, he argues that there must come a heavier tax burden, and yet more red tape. Despite these

Moderate libertarian am I none. I was searching a while ago for political parties in the USA, and I came across The Objectivist Party. As a follower

of Ayn Rand’s work I was intrigued by the name, and when I came to their website, it was as good as it sounded. Their candidate for POTUS is Dr. Tom Stevens, and he is who I am throwing my support behind. Due to their obscurity, they are yet to confirm a full policy platform, but they support the repeal of the federal income tax, and replacing it with a flat tax of 10. They believe in the complete liberalisation of gun laws, however, still having restraint on criminals owning guns.

existent, so my support will also be going to Gary Johnson in the safe states, and Mitt Romney in the swing states. This will help us boot Obama out. There is absolutely no way that right-wingers such as myself can rest on their laurels this year and give Obama another term. He has done enough damage already, can you imagine what another four years of Obama will be like? I know I can, and it isn’t pretty. Written by Dylan H Morris Year 12

Now his chances of becoming POTUS range from incredibly slim, to pretty much non-

what do you think of the SPECTATOR so far? let us know! like ‘devonport spectator’ on facebook or tweet us @DHSbspectator


Nothing endures but words A Roman novel of mystery and republic politics

Lustrum is a fantastic piece of historical fiction full of mystery, death and despair. It follows the Consul of 63BC Marcus Tulius Cicero as he has to purge the Roman Republic of a dreadful conspiracy set to destroy Rome. I would never have read this book if it were not for Miss Fennell putting it on the A Level reading list, and I am glad she did as this novel was brilliant! This is the second book in the series; the first book follows Cicero’s rise to the position of Consul, and feels like it is just the build up for the multitude of events that occur in Lustrum. The novel is

well written and grips you from the start as it opens with a mutilated body of a slave being found in Rome. This is the start of the conspiracy to uproot Rome from those in charge. Throughout the novel, the reader follows Cicero’s struggles to deal with the conspiracy. As the book progresses, you understand his difficulty in providing the evidence to the Senate in order to convince them the threat is real. He must show them that it is more than a plan for him to get the glory. This book, so far, sounds like some form of detective book however, this is not the case due to Robert

Harris’ unique writing style. The narrator of the book is actually Cicero’s slave, Tiro, who was Cicero’s secretary throughout the whole of his career. Therefore the book tends to lean towards the political side of Roman life and allows a brilliant insight into how the life of a politician and lawyer was back in 63BC. Cicero was known as the greatest orator of all time, and in the book there are parts of the speeches he gave to the Senate, which will make you laugh and fill you with a sense of pride. I would thoroughly

recommend that anybody read this book as it is a fantastic and thrilling novel covering many interests. If you are a lover of the Romans, the ancient world, or politics, then this novel has it all well and truly covered. If you would like to learn more about the back history of the famous

figure Julius Caesar, then this is definitely an interesting look into his younger years in the Senate. This book will best benefit those who are thinking of taking Ancient History as an A Level, as Miss Fennel will require that you read them in order to obtain a good background knowledge of the characters and events. So read it now and you will greatly benefit in Year 12! Overall it is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone. Written by Connor Willingham Year 12

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Pushing the Limit A step-by-step guide to the Tour De France

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The Tour de France is unarguably the most physically and

finish. Five mountain stages including two summit finishes. You may be wondering what the difference is? Well, medium mountain stages contain smaller mountains and hills

where the strongest in the mountains generally comes out on top. The leader of this wears a yellow jersey specially designed for that team’s rider. The second is the young riders competition.

where riders sprint at the top of mountains to gain points. The points are added up at the end of each stage and the rider who leads the competition wears a polka dot jersey, (white with red spots).

July 3rd to watch the action unfold. There are chances for the ordinary public to enjoy the race, with an event called the Tour De Force running. People can ride one day, a couple, a week

mentally enduring event ever known to man. The race, which is held every year, will this year feature an astonishing 3479km in 21 days, featuring one prologue and twenty ordinary stages. Enough pain and misery for you? How about analysing the twenty-one stages? Nine are (relatively) flat, and give a chance for the sprinters in the team. Four medium mountain stages, including one summit

over a shorter distance, with the mountain stages obviously containing steeper and longer climbs. The toughest of these mountain stages can mean riders are riding up mountains at an incredible percentage gradients of over twenty. There are two individual timetrials...over a shorter distance where, simply, the fastest rider wins the overall stage. Apart from that there is one prologue and two much needed rest days. During these stages, there are four individual competitions. The first is the overall rider,

This is a competition taken from the overall rankings, where the first rider under the age of twenty-four leads that competition and gets to wear a specifically designed white jersey. The next, the Kingof-the-Mountains competition. This is

The last, is the green jersey, where riders sprint at the end of stages for points. They can also sprint for intermediate sprints, although there are far fewer points in those and it is not always

or even the whole thing. My father shall

worth wasting your energy for. I hope you have enjoyed my step-by-step guide to the Tour de France, and hope many of you will be turning on your televisions on

be one of the ones riding this year. So I hope that you will join me in supporting him! He has raised almost ÂŁ1500 for charity so far and every bit of support that he can get would be much appreciated!

Written by Josh Pope Year 9


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