Independent Women Magazine November 2019

NOVEMBER ISSUE 2019

New Beginnings ‘Stuff ’/ Autumn Recommendations/ 4th time Lucky / The Last Word / Why moving on is a good thing New beginnings

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Editor’s note

Contents

To all our Independent Women, With each school year and term that comes along we face the slightly daunting idea of changes and new beginnings. And this session, IW is going digital, with monthly issues covering life at St G’s. In this issue, we’re focussing on new beginnings, and all the different things that they entail. From the recent plastic cup ban in school to the reality of being a new girl, our November Issue has something for everyone. Settling into a new routine, new courses and a new year can be hard, but rest assured that everyone faces those same doubts and struggles when embarking on a new journey. So, whether this read gives you some reassurance or a break from all the homework piling up, we hope you enjoy this new beginning for IW. Love, Georgia xxx

Pg 3 - ‘What’s going on?’

The IW Team

SENIOR EDITOR Georgia

DEPUTY EDITOR Anna

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DESIGN EDITOR Alex

MARKETING Tilly

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT Helena

PHOTOGRAPHER Iman

Pg 4 + Pg 5 - ‘Stuff ’ Pg 6 + Pg 7 - ‘Autumn Recommendations’ Pg 8 + Pg 9 - ‘4th time Lucky’ Pg 10 + 11 -‘Coping this school year’ ‘ Pg 12 +13 - ‘Why moving on is a good thing’ Pg 14 - ‘New Beginnings of 2019’ Pg 15 - ‘The Last Word, with Helena Cassels’

FASHION EDITOR Immy

SALES DIRECTOR Niamh

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What’s going on at St George’s ?

Sports This term at St George’s there has been a lot going in sport. This hockey season started off brilliantly with some excellent scores every weekend across the year groups.

We’ve also have had many other fixtures such as netball, skiing and tennis. Our sports council has some excellent new ideas for sport in the coming year.

Music We’ve had a busy term so far in the Music department. We kicked off the term with the Young Musician competition, which showcased a wide range of instruments, and the RMC is hosting the final on Tuesday 26th November this term. This year we have also introduced the Young Singer of St George’s competition, which is being held on Wednesday 20th November. The plethora of music ensembles are preparing for the Christmas Concert, while the Senior Choir will be performing at the Christmas Carol Service. Good luck to anyone prepping for a music exam this term.

Eco tips Since discussions on climate change and the environment have gained so much attention this year, here are a few tips for you to minimise your environmental footprint: •

Bring in a reusable water bottle- otherwise you’ll go thirsty at school!

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Bring a homemade packed lunch to school rather than a shop bought one

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Consider bringing a travel mug rather than buying polystyrene cups

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Try vintage or thrift shopping instead of buying brand new clothes

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When buying clothes, use the 30 times policy.

Before you buy an outfit think if you’re going to wear it at least 30 times. If not maybe it’s not worth buying.

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Use metal straws over plastic straws or ask not to have one if you’re out.

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STUFF

Stuff. Why do we want it? We are obsessed with obtaining material items that bring us temporary happiness, but why? We want new stuff 24/7, stuff that we don’t need, stuff that will not help us survive. You don’t need the new iPhone 11 or a Canada Goose Jacket, but you want them, and it is time to talk about why.

“SALE”

As teenagers you and I live in a time where we are often ranked by our peers on the things that we have. Crippling social pressures are pressed upon us every day, due to trends and status. Adolescence is marked by the search for a peer group and social identity; yet it can be hard for us to fit into a ‘group’ without having the right ‘stuff ’. This is why we are constantly buying new things that will maintain our place in the social hierarchy. I’m out of breath from keeping up with trends! A classic example of the judgement we receive from our peers is android phones– often labelled ‘shandroids’- that have a stigma attached to them. Millennials’ favourite today is the iPhone and anyone who does not obtain one of these can be ranked ‘lower’ in the eyes of others. Having a Samsung doesn’t change who we are, but the reality is that it changes how others may view us. The same goes for the

“50% OFF”

“Last remaining”

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clothing brand ‘GAP’. These social stigmas that we attached to these items cause us to constantly buy new stuff to replace the stuff that has the potential to make us social outcasts.

However, not only do social pressures force us to cave into buying new things, but the harsh consumerism of the society we live in today makes it impossible for us not to give in to buying new stuff. As materialistic beings we are indoctrinated into spending more and more and more on stuff we don’t need. You may think you need those reduced Nike Air Force 1s, but these big companies only want to pry the money from your pockets, using anything they can.

“BUY NOW”

Red. Red is the most arrogant attention grabbing colour in the spectrum. A highly energetic colour that creates a sense of urgency in you to buy buy buy. Marketers often use big red signs that taunt us with ‘Buy one get one free’, ‘Last remaining’ and ‘25% off ’ and it is hard to resist. This ongoing cycle of consumerism is the reason we end up with all this new stuff. However, all this new stuff that we collect over the years deteriorates in value and is longer new. You may have thought you wanted those shoes at the time, but they will lose social status eventually and end up collecting dust along with the other stuff abandoned on the shelf of forgotten trends. So, remember this; whatever material items you buy may never bring you longlasting happiness, and will only bring you but prolonged pain in the cycle of stuff.

“Buy one get one free”

“25% OFF”

By Naomi S. L6 New beginnings

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Autumn recommendations Tyler and Lauren (U6) have some great recommendations in entertainment, places to eat out and shopping to help you get into the Autumn spirit; perfect for if you need something to do or a reason to procrastinate!

Music Ashnikko - Ashnikko, a female musician from London invades the male dominated rapping industry with an empowering feminist EP and album (recently released). Throughout the work she mentions subjects which are often taboo subjects which creates an unusual dynamic within the work itself, bringing about a certain originality that is uncommon showcasing harsh base rock/pop rhythm.

Still Woozy -His artist alias is “Still Woozy,” which shows the self-described “dreamy” and “out of it” way he’s said to have felt in life. His music is a mix of acoustic and electronic instruments that combine to make a mixed, laid-back, abstract sound.

Tessa Violet - Her newly released album ‘Bad Ideas’ has an uplifting tone and her indie pop style is good for any time of the year. This is her debut album and after seeing her live, we recommend her. She describes her music as altpop or anti-pop but feels as though her music does not fully fit into pop or alternative genres.

Rex Orange County – ‘Pony’ is his third release and his new album has a mix of mellow and hiphop r&b and is a definite listen as its perfect for any mood. His intuitive production and songwriting are things that shine through the whole record. He hops through different genres, fusing countless influences with his trademark sound. ‘It Gets Better’ blends R&B beats and woozy, layered vocals with soaring, orchestral strings, while album closer ‘It’s Not the Same Anymore’ brings the more mellow side of his album out.

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TV & Film Rick and Morty - season 4 (new release) – The new season of Rick and Morty is arriving! If you haven’t seen any of the seasons previously released, then you should hop on this train! But only if you are a fan of dark humor, idiotic scenarios and an overall shockingly enjoyable plot; as this TV show is not for the faint hearted.

The Politician – This TV show is a comedy about motive, ambition and getting what you want at all costs. It shows that nothing is quite what it seems, and in the teenagers’ pathologically self-conscious lives we see the world and the politics we have created. We watch as personalities and attitudes are constructed, torn down, flung up again, and changed throughout the show.

The Addams family – The Addams Family's starry voice cast and eyecatching animation aren't enough to outweigh its sweet and sentimental handling of the dark source material.

Joker – This movie has mixed reviews but overall, this film gives its infamous central character a chillingly plausible origin story that serves as a brilliant showcase for its star. It is also a dark evolution for comics-inspired cinema.

Lifestyle Food – Topalabamba and @pizza are two definite visits if you are looking for a fast, good lunch or dinner in town. If you're feeling a bit fancy however give Viva Mexico a go; situated off The Royal Mile, this restaurant serves killer nachos and desserts that you can’t help but eat.

Another good place to visit is Amarone, also a bit expensive but serves amazing pizza and is right in the center of town.

Good shops to get blankets, mugs and other gifts – Oliver Bonas is bringing some sick stylized mugs to the table (pun intended) and anthropology is supplying a ton of cute blankets, candles and mugs. if you need some cute gifts for yourself or others give these two stores a go, although sometimes expensive we love them anyway.

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Fourth time lucky Anna P. (U6) discusses what it’s like to be a new girl, and how to feel at home in a new environment.

New beginnings can happen any day at any time. New friendships, new teachers, new schools and even new hobbies can all bring change and variation that can offer us support, friendship and even small moments of joy and laughter.

I joined St George’s in Remove and I can still remember my first day ever so clearly. Joining a new school has to be one of the scariest and most daunting experiences; the pressure to fit in and make friends is almost overwhelming and from my own personal experience, there is nothing worse than feeling like you don’t belong because you are the “new girl”. If I had to go back in time and give my 12-year-old self a piece of advice, it would be don’t worry about what other people think of you and be yourself. Your true friends will like you for you, not for how you look, how you talk or how you dress. Even now as an Upper 6, I really do believe in this and I think it is so important to remember that everyone feels overwhelmed and anxious at the best of times, especially when in a situation where uncertainty lies ahead.

“don’t worry about what other people think of you and be yourself.”

I have been to four different schools over my school career and at the end of Upper 5 I decided to leave St George’s and finish (what I thought would be) two final years of school at Heriots. I only made it into

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one month of being there until I realised leaving St George’s was a huge mistake and discovered that it is in fact true what they say about not realising what you have until it’s gone - corny but very true. Despite the fact my year at Heriots wasn’t as enjoyable as I expected it to be, I don’t look back on my year away with regret and despair, but rather the opposite. I made friends along the way who I can’t imagine my life without now and on the whole have built a much stronger and better work ethic to what I had before. I believe that we no other choice but to go through times of pain, sadness, anger and uncertainty to help us grow and learn as individuals (or should I say independent women).

“Change is a funny thing…”

Change is a funny thing and it affects people in different ways, but I think it is crucial to remember that nothing is permanent and there are endless amounts of opportunities to better ourselves and grab the most out of situations we may be thankful for later on in life. If I had been writing this 5 years ago when I had just started St George’s (for the first time, not the second) I would have not had a clue what to say. All I know now is that 1) my friends couldn’t get rid of me that easily (to their disappointment) and 2) every day here is a new opportunity for a new beginning, to push ourselves and achieve the very best.

“It may seem overwhelming now, but things take time”

Being the new (but not really new) girl at the beginning of this term was still daunting, even though I was familiar with my surroundings. My advice to the girls who are in fact new and may still be feeling uncertain and anxious as to where they fit in is please do not worry. It may seem overwhelming now, but things take time and with a little help from those around us, as well as a positive mindset within ourselves, we can make new beginnings a much rather positive and uplifting topic rather than a scary and daunting one.

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COPING THIS NEW SCHOOL YEAR Starting back at school in August can feel like a drag: we are bombarded with loads of work that we haven't had time to process yet, leaving us feeling stressed before the first week is over. The fear of newness can be overwhelming, especially in a school environment when anxiety levels surround us all.

Being taught new information in class can feel intimidating and uneasy, straying away from the work we felt so comfortable with last year. I remember this feeling of panic each school year, the sudden pile of work stacking up at the side of my desk for subjects I had never taken before, full of information that is foreign to me.

I know the feeling of picking up a pen, reading a news article and sitting for a double period listening to a teacher can feel new all over again, but we soon regain the same sense of familiarity, especially when surrounded by friends who feel the same way we do. While the new school year may feel pressuring and uncomfortable at first, soon it will become part of our routine. I can relate to the feeling that I’m the only one not understanding the

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new content, not settling back into the new year, feeling out of place and telling myself I'm not clever enough to understand the new information. But, at times like this, I tell myself to look up, look around, and see that the majority of the class feel the same way I do; feel as though they are only one “I tell myself to worrying about the new year, look up, look when in fact we around, and see are all worrying together. The that the solution to this majority of the feeling of insecurity and class feel the doubt in yourself and your ability same way I do” is simply to talk about it to someone else. Tell them how you’re feeling, what work you don’t seem to be grasping, and it is very likely their reply will be, “Same, I thought I was the only one”. This shows that while we can all convince ourselves we are alone in the struggle with new work and school, we are surrounded by friends that feel the exact same way.

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I have been at school for 13 years regain the feeling of confidence now, and therefore have had 13 you had the last school year. ‘new years’: 13 times I have had new Ultimately, this new term is stresses, new subjects and new halfway through, work is anxieties. But by the 10th year I perpetually piling up for all realised that it wasn’t just me who students, but looking to your felt isolated by these worries. friends and teachers during each Joking around with friends over term is crucial for how little I your work-life understood could “The simple act of balance. The only get me so simple act of asking a friend for far; by simply asking a friend for asking or telling a some help or some help or teacher of your explaining your worries or lack of explaining your worries over understanding school or other worries over school can be problems can help reassurance or other problems you feel relieved enough you are of the burden you can help” coping just fine. are carrying.

They can help Remember, new is you out, just as your friends have, new for everyone, but soon enough to manage your work, go over the it becomes old and familiar. parts you don’t understand and

By Tilly M. U6

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Why moving on is a good thing Life never stands still. Fact. As a child these changes can largely pass you by, but as you start to get older and develop more of an intuitive mind, these changes can be a source of anxiety. Whether you are moving to a new house or starting a new school, moving on from a bad relationship or starting university, I think that changes and moving on can often be negatively portrayed, that to move on you must leave things behind, and it is these things that we focus on. Often this overshadows the things you gain from moving on, like new friends, a better sense of belonging, the next stage in your education. There is no denying that moving on is scary.

I’ve moved schools several times and moved around the UK at various stages of my life. I’ve lived in London, the Scottish borders and Edinburgh.

Every time I moved there were various challenges I faced, such as having to start all over again in building friendships. But now I’m so glad that I made these changes, even if I wasn’t at the time.

The best thing about moving on for me, is being able to create a new image for yourself. You don’t have to be the girl that was sick at the Christmas concert in Primary 7 (I’ve been there), or the girl that embarrassed herself some way or another. Suddenly you find yourself with a clean slate. It’s fun and exciting introducing yourself as who you want to be and getting to start again. Building new friendships is a great way to introduce yourself to new people. Having friends makes any transition a lot easier, and helps you to integrate into your new community, whether that be in school or your local neighbourhood. Making new friends doesn’t have to be scary, it can be a source of enjoyment too. It’s always a good feeling when you feel a connection with someone, maybe a common interest, or a similarity. Sometimes this can feel impossibly difficult, breaking through anxiety you may feel.

But the beauty of moving on is making new friends, starting up conversations and making connections.

Moving on can also be good in the sense that it can benefit you in the future. For example, moving on in the school environment, to a different stage of your education. This leap may seem stressful and

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upsetting, but it’s leading on to something better in your life. For example, leaving school to go to University. For many people this is a source of anxiety and fear at leaving a safe world they’ve lived in all their lives. You lose your friends, the teachers you’ve known for years, and in many aspects your family. Flip this around. Yes, you lose your friends, but you gain more.

Yes, you lose great teachers, but you gain equally good professors. Yes, you may ‘lose’ your family, but you gain a sense of independence and belonging.

You’ll also find it strengthens your family bond because suddenly you appreciate them more. As you can see, moving on provides many opportunities as well as losses, and your moving on experience really depends on how you see it.

Life would be so boring if we stayed in the same place, and we never went out of our comfort zone.

Bearing all this is mind, here are some tips to positively benefit from a moving on experience: 1. Try to think positive. You may be gaining more than you first think.

2. Once you are in a new environment, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and try new things.

3. Join any clubs that interest you, sport or academia focused. This is a great way to meet new people that hold similar interests to you.

4. Make the extra effort in a new environment to strike conversations with other people.

5. Stay true to yourself. Contrary to first thought, you won’t be happy pretending to be someone else.

By Harriet WB. L6

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New Beginnings of 2019 This year at St George’s has been a fresh start for many students. As we ready the school for Open Day, to welcome more people to our school, it is already new for many girls who began this term. Some new girls have come from mixed schools, making the all-girls format quite different: for some, they prefer to lose all the competitiveness and noise! Another difference is moving around the classrooms.

Being able to walk around the campus is something else to get used to for some of the girls that began this term. Heather Cheng, (L4) said that she enjoys changing rooms for different lessons and having fresh air between classes.

She loves the science labs because her old school in Hong Kong had science neither as a subject or a lab!

On Open Day it gives us a nice opportunity to take a peaceful look at the surroundings we sometimes rush through. To be able to look out of Lansdowne House and see the trees blowing gently in the wind is a beautiful thing. So, as Summer ends and Autumn comes, it’s time for new beginnings, so here’s to fresh starts and all their possibilities.

Amber S. L4 News Correspondent

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“The Last word” with Helena C. U6

Culture Cannot be New When we say something is new, what do we mean? Something we’ve never seen, an updated version of a piece of technology, an unseen season of a tv show or something else? But do we ever think about our art, music, literature or even fashion? Maybe. But if you really think about it, these fields are just recycling old ideas, old themes and even sometimes just blatantly copying the work of others.

Therefore, can the word ‘new’ be used to describe culture? I think not. Then why do we use it? Is it because its readily available? Partly. But is it also because marketing teams are trying to sell us the same thing again, packaging it as something new and shiny when in reality that is not the case? Definitely. So why do they do it?

Money. It all comes down to money. It is said that ‘money is the root of all evil’, or at least in this case it’s the root of those aggressive marketing campaigns trying to sell you this seasons clothes when they are really the same as those that have come before. The campaigns trying to sell you those books you know you don’t really need but will buy anyways, those new shoes.

Even the lyrics to that new song you love are just rehashes of old songs- looking at the same old topics from similar lenses. Why is this though? Why is it that culture specifically seems to just rehash the same ideas repeatedly? Why not tech, or travel or any other sector? Why culture?

Well that’s because culture is largely based off human emotion and aestheticism. As much as we want to say that we’re different and more advanced than our ancestors, at the most basic level we’re not. We feel the same emotions and the same kinds of stories appeal to us. Why else would people listen still to old music or read the books that we’ve labelled as the classics.

If we had truly moved on and advanced beyond our ancestors, this would not be the case.

Since it is, however, it has to be argued that we are still fundamentally the same at our core as those that came before us.

Consequently, our culture cannot be considered new. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Just because our culture deals with the same things as it always has doesn’t mean that our culture is stagnant, old and out of date. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Now, more than ever our culture is growing to be a diverse and unpredictable thing. Yes, the core themes and emotions are the same as ever, but the way that they are being explored and presented is not.Therefore, despite our culture not really being new it is still a fascinating thing and

something to be fully engaged with. So, engage with it; but research its history as well.

15 New beginnings You may well find connections and inspirations you never knew existed.