2021 ISSUE
DCONSTRUCTED
Editor's Note The year 2021 has been the busiest yet, as students and teachers alike, adjust themselves to life during Covid-19. The restrictions of the pandemic have made the year far less than typical, yet it is the solidarity we have shown as a community throughout it that has been the highlight. The theme of this year's DConstructed Issue is not Covid-19. Rather, it is the way in which we have made life as normal as possible through these trying times. A return to normality. Now, those distant memories of a life without masks or hand sanitiser can only be grouped in the phrase 'life before Covid-19.' Despite this, we, as a collective, have been able to carry on with life one step at a time. We are incredibly lucky to have been able to return to school while many others around the world have been confined to their bedrooms. It would not have been possible without the wonderful caretakers, resilient teachers, and staff members who ensure that the school environment continues to be one of safety and security.
Manan Gupta & Nishka Keni, Editors.
HUMANS OF DC HUMANS OF DC HUMANS OF DC
Mr Forsyth I always thought I would struggle to fit in a part-time master’s degree in computer science alongside all my other commitments, and I did. Over 2 years, every week consisted of 12 hours of rigorous coursework (minimum) and assignments on top of my fulltime teaching duties. I am extremely grateful to my wife, who encouraged me to pursue my masters and supported me throughout the process. Throughout my masters, I heavily engaged in hardware projects and worked with electronic components, like Arduinos and ultrasonic sensors, which I found particularly enjoyable as I had minimal experience in working with them beforehand. In the final year for my masters, I had to produce a thesis project. For the thesis, I was looking towards Edu-Tech, partly because of Covid, but also because I needed funding for my final year, so I had to develop a resource of direct benefit to the school as well as being relevant to my course. I was privileged to be given special permission to produce a software project, mainly because most of my previous projects were hardware based. For the thesis project, I developed SAMA (short answer marking agent): an intelligent agent that marks free-text short answer questions (questions that consist of anywhere from a few words to a paragraph). I created my own artificial intelligence system using NLP (natural language processing) to create SAMA, which operates on fact-based mark schemes, which express single fact points, ideas, concepts, or explanations. SAMA uses segmentation to break up answers and compares these segments with phrases from mark schemes to effectively allocate marks. I chose to use GCSE computer science for developing SAMA, since those mark schemes were readily available to me as a computer science teacher. Although these mark schemes cannot be used commercially, for obvious reasons, they did enable me to create a working proof of concept for my thesis. I trained SAMA using a set of 300 questions from my GCSE students. To effectively test SAMA after the initial developmental stages, I utilised an additional 1500 questions, after a few revisions and minute adjustments, to ensure that SAMA can mark these sets of questions with similar levels of accuracy.
In the end, SAMA achieved an approximate 94% accuracy, only for answers it chooses to mark, around 50-60%. It returns the remaining answers to a human marker and uses the additional data to further train itself. From my thesis research, the data suggests that an accuracy for human markers can often be at 75% for classroom teachers, which is shockingly low, and 80-90% at best for experienced examiners. I was delighted to receive the best possible grade for my thesis of 1 out of 20. Upon completion of the project, I began to look towards commercial investment in SAMA. I partnered with a company, a well-known computer science provider in the UK, that wanted to take advantage of SAMA. I have also created my own start-up and I intend to return to the UK by the end of this year to work fulltime on my start-up, and part time on the side to support myself in the meanwhile before things take off. If it is commercially viable and successful, as my thesis research strongly suggests, SAMA would be something brand-new in the market. A system that can mark free text, short answer questions is revolutionary. This is a huge gap in the market that SAMA will provide for, hopefully, in the near future. I have thought about SAMA being used in international exams, such as GCSEs or A-Levels. However, there are several concerns with using SAMA to mark these types of paper. Mainly, there is a difference between SAMA electronically marking answers written for human markers versus answers written for an artificial intelligent system. The issue is that if students know that an AI will mark the exam questions, students can try to put down as many ideas and concepts as possible to skew marks unfairly. There would need to be an element of moderation from human markers; potentially, additional modules can be added to SAMA to analyse such tactics. Needless to say, a system like SAMA would have to go through rigorous developmental processes and testing alongside human markers, as well as publication of results to provide transparency over the entire process. I am tremendously excited about starting up a business in the UK, but computer science is still my true passion, and I would like to perhaps pursue part-time tutoring or work at a school. I have also been interested in authoring a few computer science resources; I am the current lead author on a project for ZigZag Education, a provider of A-level computer science resources that we currently use at DC. I would like to potentially partner up with more companies or create my own resources independently. Moreover, I am looking towards publishing a few articles as an author on Medium. The possibilities are endless, and the future looks interesting.
Mr Case The word I would use to describe ‘Case Creative’ is a Japanese term called ikigai which represents self-fulfilment. From designing to photography, Case Creative is the umbrella brand that encompasses all my work. The first aspect of Case Creative consists of developing bespoke gifts. I have always felt there was a gap in the market when it came to buying special gifts cards and items for your loved ones. Recognising this, I launched my own line of gift coasters that can join together to form names and phrases like scrabble tiles. I have also created a line of unique birthday cards that can be tailored for a person’s interests and hobbies. The second aspect of Case Creative is photography. From taking photos of my children to the beautiful landscape around me, I discovered my passion for photography nearly 30 years ago. I was inspired to take this further through Case Creative after I did a photoshoot for my colleague’s children. The reception to my work was so encouraging and I was delighted with the number of people who soon approached me wanting their very own ‘Case Creative’ photoshoot. Case Creative is an embodiment of who I am; every product carries so much value and meaning as it represents a part of me. I am excited for the future of Case Creative where I hope to continue my mission of commemorating and spreading positivity.
TERM 1: In the first term of the 201920 academic year, the Dubai Keynes Society was fortunate enough to welcome a large pool of internal and external speakers. From COVID’s economic impacts to Market Economies, from Super Cities to Universal Basic Income, and from Investment Banking to Venture Capitalism, an extensive range of fascinating topics pertaining to Economics and Finance were thoroughly covered in these weekly sessions. Therefore, notwithstanding the many impediments brought by COVID-19 and online learning, the Dubai Keynes Society was able to push through the technical difficulties and efficiently integrate modern technology such as Cisco WebEx to accommodate virtual audiences and adapt to the changing environment. We would like to sincerely thank all the speakers who dedicated their time to presenting and answering questions, as well as Mr. Christopher for always being readily available to provide a helping hand, and finally all the Economics enthusiasts who attended the talks every week - all of you are responsible for the smooth running of the sessions so far!
TERM 2: The Dubai Keynes Society has accomplished another half-term suffused with thought-provoking presentations and high attendance rates on a constant, weekly basis. A range of fascinating, super-curricular topics were explored thoroughly in our internal talks, including the following: · The problems caused by automation, and how Universal Basic Income can help · To what extend the UK’s macroeconomic objectives and major industries have taken a hit on account of the COVID-19 pandemic · The Political Economy and Society – everything you need to know · Agents and Game Theory
DUBAI KEYNES SOCIETY
In the Keynes Society’s most recent session, we had the wonderful pleasure of welcoming back Mr. Jahangir Aka for the sixth consecutive year. As a managing director for Neuberger Berman - one of the most reputable investment management firms - Mr. Aka provided deep insight into topical financial and economic affairs, including the impact of the US political transition on markets, the GameStop and general stock market situation, as well as how the unrolling of vaccination programs will contribute to market recovery. Overall, the Dubai Keynes Society has enjoyed a fantastic start to the year of 2021. We are grateful for all those who have contributed to its persistent success, especially Mr. Christopher, those who volunteered to research their chosen topic and express their findings to a wider audience, and all the pupils and teachers who consistently attend the sessions and actively engage in the talks. BY KIAN KAZRANIAN
SPORTS IN COVID March 11th, the NBA shuts down. March 17th, the EUROs are postponed. April 15th, the IPL gets postponed. As the pandemic took over, sport became a mere afterthought. However, these past few months serve as a testament to how our world continued to adapt. With social distancing being at the forefront of safety regulations, it seemed impossible that sporting ECAs would start. Dubai College had to make a substantial change, and the PE department did a wonderful job in making those key changes to allow our activities to resume a form closer to normality. From encouraging students to work on their individual skills, to holding online training sessions, to engaging players in socially distant drills, the coaching staff have made it possible to play sport safely. Jamie Annand (First Team Rugby) spoke on how “contact training in rugby was stopped in order to allow for as much distancing as possible”. Despite this necessary compromise, he felt that this first term was still one of important learning. He felt that the staff and students did a great job in adapting to create a safe and fun environment to play sport. Jamie particularly noted the transmission rate of COVID through sporting ECAs was extremely low and felt that it epitomized the school’s strong safety regulations.
Similarly in basketball, Kian Kazranian (U19 Squad) felt that the coaches did a fantastic job in allowing the training to resume, albeit in a different format. He spoke on how they began with Zoom sessions to work on their dribbling and general stamina. Once the term commenced, the team began to focus on the fundamentals (shooting, dribbling, and passing) with social distancing procedures in the new facilities. Despite not being able to play full games, Kian felt that this training would allow the team to build a strong foundation to have a successful season. It is very easy to take all these efforts for granted. However, it is important that we take time to truly appreciate how we are able to compete and participate in sporting ECAs despite the pandemic continuing. This has been a positive start to a year which started with setbacks, and I am sure that we will continue with our efforts to rise above it. By Shrish Janarthanan
Student Advice Column Don’t let the school curriculum confine you Explore. The school curriculum is programmatically structured over certain subjects and modules, but don’t let the requirements of this program confine you inside the walls. If you want to delve into astronomy but your GCSEs say otherwise, resist and figure out how to do both. Perhaps start an astronomy club, go star gazing with a group of friends in the desert, or even take a course from an external program. No matter what follows, taking the first step makes all the difference in the world. It is less important to complete the course or make a popular new club than to discover your fascinations, which will follow you through life. Find ways to stay focused in classes It is wholly unreasonable to stay concentrated 100% of the time in class. However, all lessons demand a certain respect and level of attention from students. Entering DC in year 7, I often found myself lacking focus in classes and
repeatedly drifting off 15 minutes in. Generally, I was either tired or lost and felt too scared to ask questions. Entering year 8, I eventually discovered two solutions (apart from getting more sleep) that assisted with getting back on track. First, I realized that if I was confused or perplexed, chances are so were my classmates. With that in mind, I was less scared to ask questions and query my confusion with the teacher. Not only would this benefit me but also others who felt anxious to query their confusion. Second was an active approach to get involved in class discussions. I made a conscious effort to either ask or answer at least 2 questions in lessons, finding that I would be more attentive to what the teacher and others were saying once getting involved. Develop work-life balance.
Mental and physical fitness go hand and hand. Pay attention to your nutrition, ensure you get enough sleep, especially before exams. Your time at DC should be one where you strengthen your existing hobbies and discover new ones. Rather than taking 9+ clubs a week, consider perhaps taking only 3 to 5 and start delving into those curricular activities. You will find that you have enough time to be well rested and exercise at least 3045 minutes a day. On top of that, you begin to specialise yourself into key areas of growth and skills rather than spreading yourself too thin across many clubs. Don’t be afraid to change direction If you consistently find a lack of interest in your chosen subjects at GCSE or A-level, do not be afraid to change direction. The decision is in your hands, not your parents nor your teachers. Most likely, the subjects you choose will be the ones you engage in for the rest of your life. So pick subjects you thoroughly enjoy rather doing those you think will give you the best grades or because someone told you to take it. It’s never too late to start all over, whether it’s now or 5 years later. BY AMAN DOSHI
Christopher Nolan’s latest Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tenet’ is nothing less than an exhilarating cinematic experience that effectively intertwines elements of the spy, sci-fi and action genres to create an unforgettable 150 minutes.
The film takes place in a world where time manipulation is possible through futuristic technology with the ability to invert an object’s entropy. The witty protagonist of the movie, ironically named ‘The Protagonist’, is armed with only one word, Tenet, and with this he ventures across the world in a spy-like globe-trotting fashion, pushing the boundaries of time and nature in an attempt to prevent Armageddon. In this fictional world, knowledge is an invaluable and scarce asset, and time, being one’s worst enemy, inevitably runs out.
Watching this movie for the first time, I was extremely overwhelmed with the film’s sensory overload and confusing mechanics, therefore I found it quite cold and meaningless. Nevertheless, upon revisiting the film, I could better understand the complicated non-linear plot and empathise with the mysterious characters, and I subsequently realised that Christopher Nolan created a technical masterpiece that challenges the modern conventions of a blockbuster.
2021 FILM REVIEWS
In addition to Nolan’s masterly screenwriting and direction, John David Washington exhibited electrifying acting, transferring his great charisma and athleticism to the big screen. Kenneth Branagh demonstrated his versatility in acting by creating a frightening, power-hungry villain in the form of Andre Sator, and Elizabeth Debicki provided much emotional depth and warmth to the film. Moreover, I am awe-struck by Jennifer Lame’s flawless editing and Hoyte van Hoytema’s spectacular cinematography, especially in such mind-boggling sequences such as the Stalsk-12 battle or the inverted car chase. Finally, Ludwig Göransson has created a truly epic and pounding soundtrack that I still listen to in this day – his incredible composition in ‘Rainy Night in Tallinn’ amplified the epic experience, creating what I believe to be the most climactic and iconic beginning to a movie.
Described as ‘an absolute masterpiece, ‘monumental’, and even ‘Bond on acid’, watching this action film numerous times in IMAX has really helped me appreciate the importance of preserving this culture of visiting a cinema theatre, being transported to another world and feeling taken aback through the medium of a big screen.
Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ portrays the real-life legal proceedings of seven activists charged with undermining the U.S. government by instigating the anti-Vietnam War protests that took place in 1968 during the Democratic National Convention of the Year. The film’s cast delivered brilliant performances, specifically Eddie Redmayne and Sacha Baron Cohen, who’s characters clashed multiple times due to their contradicting views and how to effectively incite change. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s acting as the sole Black defendant in opposition to on the trial really shocked me and helped me acknowledge the difficulties of being victim to racism during the 1960s. This movie had significant cultural significance given that it was released at a time when we experienced the peak of anti-racism protesting and demands for justice, which manifests how in over seventy years, the structure of the systems of power in the U.S. still remains controversial and unjust. Just like the jury in the movie, the audience members must come to a verdict as to whether the world we live in is a fair and equitable one.
Directed by Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler is a captivating thriller centralised around Louis Bloom, a frightening, sociopathic thief who becomes obsessed with capturing photographs of dead bodies in crime scenes, turning to extreme tactics and sacrificing his own sanity. Complemented by Riz Ahmed’s phenomenal acting as a naïve, homeless man desperate for some form of redemption, Jake Gyllenhaal delivers arguably his best performance ever, forcing himself to lose thirty pounds to achieve his anaemic and creepy look. The eccentricity of his character really exposed me to how there are some people in the world with no regard for basic morals or ethics. I am both deeply amazed and disturbed by Bloom’s monster-like craving for gore and violence - his famous quote ‘if you’re seeing me, you’re having the worst day of your life’ really stuck with me after finishing this movie. BY KIAN KAZRANIAN