BAROMETER THE
WETHERBY SENIOR SCHOOL WEEKLY FEBRUARY 11th 2019 | WEEK 6
THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT!
FROM THE HEADMASTER
Dear Parents, As someone who chose to teach a subject often portrayed as on the brink of extinction and, as a result, a subject that has come up with some unusual justifications for its existence at times, I felt a sense of déjà vu as I read about the decline of English as a subject at A Level (the number of students in England taking English language or literature has fallen 25% since 2013) and degree level. That this points to a wider reduction in the study of arts and humanities subjects not just in the UK, but globally, is equally concerning: the number of students beginning foreign language courses fell by 10% last year; art and design by 5%. The story is the same in the US where humanities degrees have fallen to less than 5% of all degrees; a fall that was accelerated by the financial crash in 2008/9. There is, of course, a place for the pragmatic view in the current uncertain climate, but I still believe that the advice I was given is true: you should study what you enjoy and what you find rewarding. A study by Reeds a few years ago
found that 56% of people wish they had chosen a different career path. Careers advice is being built into the PSHE curriculum of the school and the Year 12 programme of support is underway; boys in Year 12 should be using some of their study time to research options and to use the experience of the Sixth Form tutor team and the relevant subject teachers to begin to narrow their choices to a list of aspirational, realistic and reserve choices. Final decisions do not have to be, and indeed should not be made now, because we need to return to the list and reflect on it depending on the academic progress the boys make over the next few months. Mrs Deedat is holding a Year 12 parents’ talk later in the term to give more details of the process. There have been some very positive events to finish the half term: the Live Lounge Concert showcased the best of the rock, pop and funk being made by the boys. An eclectic mix of pieces including solo performers and groups made for a fantastically entertaining evening. The night before,
Serpentine’s film night with pizza in Hannah House was a well-supported event by all ages with all money raised going to the School’s chosen charities. Going forward there are several events to look forward to in the second half of term including the first of the year group drinks parties being organised by the PTA. Those that were organised last year were fun evenings and good opportunities for parents and staff to get to know each other away from the formal environment of the School; I am lucky enough to be invited to them all and I do hope I will see you there. This half term is always a challenging one – cold, dark and wet – so I hope you all enjoy the break and I look forward to seeing the boys in just over a week when hopefully it will be much brighter arriving at and leaving school.
WEEK B MONDAY
WEEKLY DIARY 25.02.19
Talk for Sixth Form boys - Matt Jackson, United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency - Francis Holland, Regents Park 15:00
TUESDAY
26.02.19 Rugby WSS U13A vs Hill House (H) 14:30 Football WSS U17 A vs Highgate (A) 14:30 Football WSS U16 A/B vs Highgate (A) 14:30
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
27.02.19
28.02.19
Football WSS U15 A/B vs Radnor House (H) 14:30
FRIDAY
01.03.19
SATURDAY
02.03.19
SUNDAY
03.03.19
Lunchtime clubs and societies 13:40-14:25 Whole School Assembly at Hinde Street Methodist Church 16:15-16:45
WETHERBY SENIOR SCHOOL WATER BOTTLE Help reduce our school’s plastic consumption by using this personalised Active Bottle, emblazoned with the Wetherby Senior School logo and your own name. Made from highly durable materials, your Active Bottle is easy to open and close, won’t leak and will keep your drinks hot or cold throughout the school day. Active Bottle supports our planet by donating 10% of all their proceeds to aClean Ocean and what’s more, all remaining profits from selling the bottle will go straight to support your school’s PTA and their selective charities. Can’t get better! You can order online at:
https://activebottle.co.uk/collections/wetherby
Please remember the deadline for payment for the Year 10 Drinks and Canapes event is 26th February 2019. Please transfer payment and RSVP to tessa. stewart@ wetherbysenior. co.uk including details of any dietary requirements.
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Charity Book Sale If you have any unwanted books (preferably ages 9-13 years) please bring them to reception at either site before Tuesday 5th March 2019. Any queries to Michelle Byrnes PTA (michelle. byrnes2@gmail. com)
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Main: Spaghetti and meatballs
Main: Steak and mushroom pie
Main: Chicken curry
Meat Free: Totellini fromaggio with tomatoes, mushroom and spinach
Meat Free: Leek and gruyere tart
Meat Free: Lentil dhal
To Go With: Mashed swede, steamed florettes, parsley potatoes
To Go With: Chana masala, Fennel seed rice, Kachumba salad, mini naan bread, rhaita yoghurt
To Go With: Tomato, red onion and boconchini salad, salad, peas and beans, herbed diced potatoes
Dessert: Chocolate Brownie
Dessert: Orange tart
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Main: Beef stroganoff
Main: Beef or chicken burgers
Meat Free: Vegetarian pizzas
Meat Free: Falafel and spinach vegetable burgers
To Go With: Pilau rice, French beans Provencale tomatoes, garlic and parsley pasta Dessert: Orange jelly bowls
To Go With: Chips, roasted Mediterranean vegetables, Calabrese with garlic and chilli
Dessert: Chilled Spanish style rice pudding
EVERY DAY
Homemade Bread Freshly made yogurt pots Fresh Fruit
Dessert: Baked jam roll and custard
MENU
DRAWING THE EARTH Year 7 geographers took part in a competition to see who could create the most accurate representation of the Earth by drawing the continents and lines of latitude onto balloons.
WHY STUDY GCSE GEOGRAPHY? What do you study in GCSE Geography? GCSE Geography is an exciting course that is based on a balanced framework of physical and human geography. It allows the boys to investigate the link between the two themes, and approach and examine the battles between the man-made and natural worlds. The boys will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). Topics of study include climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Boys are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.
WHY CHOOSE A LEVEL GEOGRAPHY? What do you study in A Level Geography? Geography A Level will challenge perceptions and stimulate the boys’ investigative and analytical skills. Some of the topics covered include: Global governanceThis section focuses on globalisation and the changes associated with technological and other driving forces which have been a key feature of global economy and society in recent decades. Increased interdependence and transformed relationships between people, states and environments have prompted
more or less successful attempts at a global level to manage and govern some aspects of human affairs. Population and environment – During this topic the boys will explore the relationships between key aspects of physical geography and population numbers, these include health and well-being, levels of economic development, migration and the role and impact of the natural environment. CoastsThis section focuses on coastal zones, which are dynamic environments in which landscapes develop by the
interaction of winds, waves, currents and terrestrial and marine sediments. Boys will gain an informed appreciation of the beauty and diversity of coasts and their importance as human habitats. EcosystemsThis focuses on the biosphere and in particular the nature and functioning of ecosystems and their relationships to the nature and intensity of human activities. Boys will engage with contemporary people– environment issues including those relating to biodiversity and sustainability.
The Guardian view on geography: it’s the must-have A-level ‘Geography is a subject for our times. It is inherently multidisciplinary in a world that increasingly values people who have the skills needed to work across the physical and social sciences.’
YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY PRESENTATIONS The A level geography boys were tasked with preparing a presentation on the causes of change in the world’s carbon stores. JP C explained the devastating effect that plantations are having while Pip E outlined how upwelling in the oceans is releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere than was previously thought. Rory suggested how deforestation was having the greatest impact of all, irreversibly changing the way tropical rainforests function, our biggest carbon sink.
BBC AFRICA REVIEW Mrs Deedat writes... I have a confession to make… at home, I often avoid natural history/ travel documentaries as they remind me too much of lessons. However, after Dragons’ Den on Sunday the TV stayed on BBC2 and Africa with Ade Adepitan came onto my screen. It turned out to be a really relaxed, varied, colourful and most importantly, interesting four-part series following Ade across Central and Eastern Africa. I have to admit there are also a lot of geographical links. See if you can identify the following topics as you read a brief synopsis of the first episode: • • • • • • • • • •
Rainforest Appropriate Technology Renewable Energy Brain Drain Economic Migration Deforestation Globalisation Development Gaps Commercial Agriculture Volcanoes
Ade starts by parachuting into Cape Verde landing on grey beaches formed by volcanic rock. He visits a small village in the shadow of an active volcano that buried half the homes in lava when it erupted last. When the Portuguese left in thr 1970s it was a completely underdeveloped country. Monte Trigo is
one of Cape Verde’s most isolated islands but the lives of the people have recently been transformed through the harnessing of solar energy. Ade points out the impracticality of providing electricity to remote areas with power stations and the national grid. We see the difference that a reliable energy source has made to the people of the country, particularly when it comes to education. Commercial fishing has had a devastating impact on the local Senegalese economy. 11 fishmeal factories have opened with 116 industrial fishing boats, none of which are Senegalese. The fishmeal is used to feed animals such as pigs and cows which are consumed in Europe and North America as meat. Meanwhile, the colourful, local fishing boats which are fishing to feed the country are struggling to make a catch. Ade speaks to some of the local salt collectors who dredge the lake earning a
penny per kilo. They explain that low incomes and lack of opportunities are why some of them have attempted to cross the Sahara desert and make their way to Europe. In Gabon, we learn about the importance of palm oil to the local economy but also the effects that the industry is having on the rainforest ecosystem. The country still retains 80% of its forest but it is seriously under threat. The manager argues that the palm oil is being farmed sustainably but Ade speaks to a number of people who are sceptical of the ‘green’ credentials portrayed by the government. This is a really engaging series which is brought to life by the enthusiasm and personal links of the presenter who is a Londoner but Nigerian born. I really recommend watching the series on BBC iPlayer if you haven’t done so already.
GEOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK Aims to be: • Curious and able to uestion, research, problemsolve, argue and critique. • Someone who is resilient in their constant acquisition of geographical skills and knowledge. • A global citizen who reflects on their current and future role in the human and physical environment. • Empathetic and respectful to others. • Enthusiastic about pursuing Geography to further study.
Pip E Year 12
Nelson T Year 12
Josh R Year 10
Alexander F Year 7
Leopoldo PB Year 7
Ben R Year 8
Fabien C Year 11
Alec F Year 8
Matthew M Year 12
Rafael H Year 9
Savva I Year 11
Jack H-G Year 12
Platon B Year 12
YEAR 11 REVISING HARD!
WETHERBY SENIOR SCHOOL FOOD DRIVE Wetherby Senior School is proud to be partnering up with North Paddington Food Bank to collect food donations to help the food bank supply necessities to people who are in need. Please check the list for the different items you can bring in to help THE ITEMS WILL NEED TO BE BROUGHT INTO MISS NASH’S ROOM (H35) OR MARYLEBONE RECEPTION BY THE 11th OF MARCH
ENGLAND AND WALES REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1165272
SH O PPI N G Tinned meat / fish Tinned vegetables Tinned tomatoes Rice/couscous Gel/Shampoo Noodles Cereal Long-life milk Soap
Coffee Sugar Tinned fruit Biscuits/crackers Jams Peanut butter Pasta sauces Curry sauces Toothpaste
LI ST Toilet roll Shower gel Shampoo Sanitary towels Baby food Nappies Formula milk Men’s razors Laundry capsules
Everyday people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. The Food bank will provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in North Paddington.
THE NORTH PADDINGTON FOODBANK IS LOCATED AT THE WECH COMMUNITY CENTRE, ATHENS GARDENS, W9 3RS EVERY WEDNESDAY 9:30AM TO 12:30PM Contact: Telephone James or Phyllis at the WECH office on 0207 266 3347 email info@npfoodbank.org.uk | visit www.npfoodbank.org.uk | Twitter @npfoodbank Facebook NorthPaddingtonFoodbank | Linkedin North Paddington Foodbank
THE RIOT ACT On Thursday 7th February, The Riot Act visited Wetherby Senior School to deliver their road safety presentation to Year 7 boys. Initially the boys were not particularly excited by this prospect as they assumed this would involve being endlessly lectured to about the dangers of crossing the road. However, within 30 seconds the boys realised that this would not be any ordinary road safety presentation. The following hour saw the boys watch a hard-hitting mini-play in which all of the characters involved were affected by a road traffic accident. They also took part in activities which focused on the issue of both peer pressure and peer influence. By the end of the presentation, the boys had a greater understanding of how to keep themselves safe when crossing the road; this is something which is even more important for the boys this year due to our split site.
SERPENTINE TRIB TRIP Miss Maroudi writes... As a reward for their progress and success with gold notes, the boys in Serpentine went to Oxygen Freejumping. We had a great time on the trampolines and whilst Dan R impressed us with his speed and reaction skills, Isaac E flawlessly worked his way around the obstacle course. Kwame D showed off his flips and the Year 7 boys competed in an intense game of dodgeball. Finally, after a nonstop hour of jumping around we went to Nando’s for a fiery feast.
ACTIVITIES BULLETIN Mr Chidell writes... This term it has been the turn of a group of Year 7 and 8 boys to have a go at basketball. Once they developed the key sporting principle of using space smartly to draw defenders out of position, the quality of the match ups improved, leading to some end-to-end basketball and lovely finishing, especially from Kwame and Raph. All the boys enjoyed the opportunity to leave the classroom behind and have a vigorous run around at the state of the art Moberley sports centre.
BOOK REVIEW: DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S ADVENTURES OF A YOUNG NATURALIST Name of book: Adventures of a Young Naturalist Author: David Attenborough Genre: Autobiography Summary: In 1945, David Attenborough was offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to travel the known world, collecting specimens for London Zoo’s collection and film the quest as they voyage through the faunabrimming ecosystems. With armadillos in Paraguay, giant anteaters in Guyana and Komodo dragons in Indonesia, the explorers face treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather as they trade, capture and film animals of the exotic countries. Also in the story are cannibal fish, tree porcupines and wild pigs which cause several problems for the group of explorers. Overall opinion: I can’t find the right words to describe this autobiography! David Attenborough has written a perfect book for anyone who likes travelling and encountering different species of animals. He has
clearly captured all the different cultures and events the team witnessed during their stay in each location. My favourite was the cock fights (chicken fights) in Indonesia where, even if it sounded quite gory, it was quite interesting to find out more about the entertainment of villages of South-East Asia. I would recommend this particular book (and others related to it) especially to the Geography Department and Biology teachers as I have a gut feeling that they would enjoy it a lot. By Tommaso S, Year 10
OXBRIDGE CLUB Mrs Deedat writes... Tuesday saw the fourth meeting of the Sixth Form’s Oxbridge Club. We were joined by Emily Varley who graduated from Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 2015. The boys found discussing their aspriations with her really useful and she shared some successful personal statements. She emphasised the importance of demonstrating a real passion for the subject you wish to read. Emily has set the boys some homework and we look forward to welcoming her back in March.
SPORTS NEWS Football 1st XI WSS vs DLD College London 6-5 U14A WSS vs Kingston Grammar School 7-0 U14B WSS vs Kingston Grammar School 9-2 Rugby U13A WSS vs Fulham Prep School 0-50 U13A WSS vs UCS 0-0 U13B WSS vs Fulham Prep School 0-50 U13B WSS vs UCS 0-7 U13C WSS vs Fulham Prep School 0-0
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