BAROMETER
February - April 2025
Chess Coaching and Volunteering - Daniel A, Year 12
An Update from the Geography Scholars - Felix W, Year 12
Peace Threads: The Journey to Victory - Aditya D, Year 12
Trib Drama Review - Oscar F Year 13
Poetry Inspired by A Midsummer Night’s DreamYear 7
Sea Change Poetry - Year 8
Year 8 Creative Writing - Alex W-P and Nate D, Year 8
Brass Band Day - Felix W, Year 12
Karl Marx - Alex W-P, Year 8
The London Music SceneAlexander A, Year 7
Subway Shadows - Mir D, Year 9
Mercedes Benz 300 SLR Unlenhaut Coupe - Aleks S, Year 7
Lamborghini Urus SE - Aleks S
Vancouver Earthquakes -
Harry M, Year 10
Why YOU should have taken computer science - Santiago Q, Year 9
Masters of Uncertainty: The 2025 Quest for Augusta’s Green JacketEdward J, Year 13
F1-75 - Edouard R, Year 9
Six Nations 2025 - Felipe E, Year 9
Baking with Horatio - Horatio S, Year 7
Cover photograph - Arthur M, Year 13
Write for the Barometer
Contributing to the Barometer is a great way to earn gold notes, improve your writing, and it looks great on your CV
To submit articles or cover photos, join the Barometer club at Friday lunchtimes (B11) Or, you can email Mr s Bradley at nicola.bradley @wetherbysenior.co.uk
Read the latest issue at https://issuu.com/wetherbysenior
Chess Coaching And volunteering
Daniel A, Year 12 writes:
This half term, Felix W and I (both Year 12) took on a new challenge: chess coaching. We’ve been volunteering at Christchurch Bentinck, a local primary school, on Thursday mornings, teaching chess to children from Year 2 all the way up to Year 6.
Each week, we’ve worked with both first-time and experienced players, delivering short lessons and then encouraging them to play amongst themselves. It has been fantastic to see so many take to chess as we continue to return, with our most recent week seeing over 20 children participate. Just four weeks ago, we struggled to convince even eight children to come and learn, so seeing such an increase in interest has been incredibly satisfying. Even after leaving last week, the children were eager to continue playing, bemoaning the end of the club.
Volunteering has also been a
rewarding experience for both Felix and me, allowing us to give back to the local community and help children who struggle in the mornings. We’ve worked with limited English speakers, helping to build their confidence by chatting about their mornings, while also encouraging the children to make and develop friendships through chess—a game we both care deeply about.
As we continue our Thursday mornings, we’re excited to see the children further develop their chess skills, as well as build their confidence. We hope to see even more children get involved, and we’re looking forward to continuing our teaching in the coming terms.
Felix and I also volunteer during the week—I at St Edward’s (another local primary school), and Felix at Wetherby Prep. These are great opportunities provided through the school, allowing Year 12 students to give
back in meaningful ways, while also providing real value to both schools and pupils.
At St Edward’s, I work on reading with Year 3 students, reading along with them, asking questions about their books, and helping with any difficult words. While reading is important, holding conversations with younger children—about almost anything they can think of—is just as helpful, allowing them to practise their conversational skills. It’s also refreshing for us, as we get to chat with students full of curiosity and imagination.
Volunteering, whether through school or beyond, is always rewarding, and I encourage everyone to find ways to help out in their communities. For Year 12s, who are fortunate to be offered these opportunities through school, I strongly urge my peers to embrace them. While the impact may seem small, even a little effort can yield incredible results.
AN UPDATE FROM THE GEOGRAPHY SCHOLARS
Felix W, Year 12 writes...
The Geography Scholars have had a busy and exciting term, attending thoughtprovoking lectures, organising competitive quizzes, and preparing for the upcoming annual essay competition. From complementing our lessons with Monday night lectures at the Royal Geographical Society to battling it out for points at Trib Geography, this half-term has been packed with geographical achievements.
As part of our ongoing commitment to expanding our geographical knowledge beyond the classroom, the scholars attended two lectures at the Royal Geographical Society. The first, given by Dr Debadayita Raha, had the rather open-ended title of ‘The Global South’, in which she explained the interconnectedness between people and their environment, particularly through case studies in fishing villages in West Africa. Her lecture focused on the imminent threat that climate change poses to fishing-focused communities. She revealed gaps in public services that are partially responsible for the decline of these villages. Both lectures provided plenty of food for thought and will undoubtedly influence future discussions and debates within the Geography Scholars group.
The second lecture, delivered by Professor Ed Hawkins, focused on the significance of a single degree Celsius of global warming. His talk, titled ‘Why 1 Degree Matters’, underscored how even seemingly small global temperature
changes can profoundly impact weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems. Professor Hawkins, known for his climate spirals and work with the IPCC, highlighted the urgent need for action to mitigate further warming, showing that a mere average rise in temperature of 1 degree may actually mean a cooling of multiple degrees in far northern and southern regions and a severe warming in equatorial areas, making conditions more extreme throughout.
Beyond lectures, the Geography Scholars have also been busy hosting and competing in our school’s geography-themed Trib competitions. Last halfterm, we ran a Trib competition for the Lower School, where students battled it out in a test of geographical knowledge and quick thinking. The event was a great success, with enthusiastic participation and a fantastic display of geographical curiosity from the younger years.
For the Upper School, the competition was even fiercer, with many of our own scholars competing. Ravensbourne dominated the contest for the older boys, securing first place with double the points of the second-place team.
In addition to these events, Gabriel Barinstein, George Cummings, and I had the opportunity to judge the Year 7 presentation competition on Antarctica. The students delivered highly engaging presentations, covering a wide range of topics— from the Antarctic Treaty and whaling moratorium to the
challenges of tourism and the reasons why mining has not yet occurred. The depth of research and enthusiasm displayed made for a close competition and had us judges captivated throughout. The teams all worked well together and commanded the room brilliantly.
As we approach the end of term, we want to remind all students that the deadline for our annual geography essay competition is fast approaching. The submission deadline is 31st March, and all entries should be sent to Luke MacIntyre via Teams. This year’s broad prompt is: ‘How do physical and human geography interact to shape the world we live in?’ These competitions are a brilliant opportunity to explore a geographical topic in depth, develop analytical and research skills, and showcase your original thinking. Whether you’re interested in urban sustainability, climate justice, geopolitics, or any other pressing geographical issue, we look forward to reading your insights. This year’s prize for the winners will be a geographyrelated book.
PEACE THREADS: THE JOURNEY TO VICTORY!
Aditya D, Year 12 writes...
Peace Threads, our studentled social enterprise, is thrilled to announce our victory at the Central and South Central London Young Enterprise Showcase. Competing against a variety of innovative teams, we emerged as winners—a testament to our dedication, teamwork, and the impactful mission that drives us forward: supporting refugees through sustainable clothing and education.
Winning this prestigious showcase was no easy feat. The competition required us to excel in three key areas: submitting a detailed company report, participating in a team interview with the judges, and delivering a compelling presentation. Each stage pushed us to refine our business model, clarify our vision, and effectively communicate the importance of our work.
The first challenge was completing the company report—a document that provided an in-depth look at our financials, marketing strategies, and overall business performance. This was an invaluable exercise in reflecting on our progress, measuring our impact, and identifying areas for growth. The report not only highlighted our successes but also outlined our challenges and how we overcame them through resilience and innovation.
Next came the team interview, where we had the opportunity to engage with judges who were eager to understand the heart of Peace Threads. They asked insightful questions
about our operations, social impact, and future plans. As a team, we showcased our strong collaboration, unwavering commitment to our cause, and deep understanding of how businesses can drive meaningful change. This experience reinforced the importance of being articulate and confident in representing our company.
The final and most exhilarating stage was delivering our presentation. With only a few minutes to capture the essence of our mission and achievements, we ensured our message was clear, compelling, and emotionally resonant. We shared stories of
the refugees we aim to help, our sustainable approach to fashion, and the broader impact of our work. The audience and judges responded positively, recognising not only the strength of our business model but also the genuine passion that fuels our enterprise.
Winning the Central and South Central London Showcase is an incredible milestone for Peace Threads. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this competition, which has allowed us to refine our skills, receive valuable feedback, and connect with other inspiring young entrepreneurs.
The experience has reinforced our belief in our mission and has motivated us to aim even higher.
We appreciate the support of our mentor, teachers, and everyone who has believed in our vision. This victory is not just for our team but for the refugees we strive to support through our sustainable fashion initiative.
While we celebrate this achievement, we recognise that our journey is far from over. This win has inspired us to push even further, expand our reach, and continue making a tangible difference in the lives of refugees. Our next goal is to compete at the next level of the Young Enterprise competition, where we hope to showcase Peace Threads on an even larger stage and secure more opportunities to grow our impact.
Our mission is driven by the belief that business can be a force for good. If you share our passion for sustainable fashion and refugee support, we invite you to get involved. Whether through donations, collaborations, or simply spreading the word, your support can help us expand our reach and make an even greater impact.
TRIB DRAMA 2025 REVIEW
Oscar F, Year 13 writes...
All Change was unlike anything I’ve ever performed in. Six characters on a bus, heading to protest a hydroelectric dam – and in the process, slowly realising that they’re not protesting just a dam, but the end of their own childhood. It’s a play about climate change, friendship, missed chances, and a bizarrely everpresent shovel. It was funny. It was sad. It was occasionally very weird. But more than anything, it felt true.
As someone in their final year of school, with a year group about to scatter across both the country and the world to different universities, there were moments in this play that hit a little too close to home. The awkward attempts to hold a friendship group together, the jokes covering genuine panic, the sudden awareness that you’re not actually ready to grow up – it all hit. Standing on stage, playing a character trying to find his place in a world that’s moving too
fast, while knowing you’re doing the same thing in real life, was unexpectedly emotional. In a way, All Change, the last Wetherby play I will ever be a part of, became a little goodbye of its own. That made it all the more special to share the experience with every trib, each bringing something unique to the stage. Fleet opened the show, and yes, we may have ended up fourth overall, but at least we launched the journey with a healthy dose of chaos and
misplaced confidence. From Marvin’s relentless panic to Dogbert’s peace-sign mishap, our scene was fast, funny (I think), and slightly unhinged – the perfect way to meet these characters before they started to unravel.
Walbrook’s performance, after a rocky opening night, came back swinging to take first place. Their scene was slower and more reflective, with an understated tension that the judge felt warranted their top spot in the rankings. Tyburn followed with a burst of manic energy. Their movement, which won Best Movement Sequence, was sharp – whether dodging a bee or each other’s emotional immaturity. Ravensbourne took the show into more sombre territory; their scene, sparked by the tragic death of a seagull, centred on the unsettling realisation that time moves far too quickly – and that, somehow, it is far too easy not to truly know the people you’ve spent years alongside. Effra closed the show with a gentle, haunting
finale. As the characters are found lost on their way home, the atmosphere shifted to something dreamlike. That final quiet moment between Jamie and Harry – just two best friends saying thank you – was the kind of scene that stays with you.
Ultimately, when it comes to Trib Drama, there are always surprises – a last-minute costume swap, a set piece that moves when it shouldn’t, or an actor forgetting their line and turning it into a moment of bizarre, accidental brilliance. But this year’s biggest twist came not from the script of All Change, but from the results: Walbrook snatching first place from the jaws of defeat. They were followed by Tyburn, Ravensbourne, Fleet, and finally Effra. James Siskind was awarded Best Director for his brilliant command over a young cast, while Marty Vermaat earned Best Actor for a performance that was both powerful and emotionally precise. None of this could have happened without the incredible support of the staff behind the scenes. Enormous thanks to every teacher who gave up time to help direct, design, rehearse, and wrangle chaos. Thank you to Ms Twomey, who produced the entire show with boundless energy, care, and vision. And thank you to our external judge for coming in, lending their wisdom, and reminding us that art is subjective... especially when your trib comes fourth.
POETRY INSPIRED BY A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S
DREAM
Some Year 7 boys this half term wrote poems inspired by a speech given by Oberon, King of the Faeries, in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In his speech, Oberon tells of a magical bank of wild flowers where his queen, Titania, often sleeps. The place is richly described, full of sweet scents and lush plants, enchanted with natural beauty:
I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:
There sleeps Titania sometime of the night, Lull’d in these flowers with dances and delight;
And there the snake throws her enamell’d skin,
Weed wide enough to wrap a fairy in.
(Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
And here are the students’ poems:
Where Titania Herself May Lay
There is a bank not far from here Where Titania herself lies soft asleep.
It is filled with sweet musk-roses and vibrant colours, Where daisies whisper secrets, And the birds don’t sing, And the mice don’t scrim.
There you shall go and place the drops
Of the Love-in-Idleness in her sleeping eyes,
So that when she wakes, She shall fall deeply in love
With the first thing she sees— Be it beast, wolf, lion, Or some freak of nature.
There may be fairies watching over her
As she sinks into deep slumber, For there is not a whisper in the dense forest.
Scurry off now, gentle Puck.
(Owen M)
Petals and Shadows
I know a glade where moonlight falls,
Where tulips sprawl in its floral halls.
There fairies sing with such delight
That trees sway in the silver light. Soft winds hum a gentle tune
As shadows dance on the glittering moon.
Here is where the flower sits, Casting magic as the forest knits.
(Leo F)
The Moonlit Garden
Deep in the forest, far away, Past the woods of eternal ebony night,
You shall discover this dream-like place—
A garden of flowers bathed in moonlight.
The flower bed, as soft as sleep, This elegant haven will capture your gaze.
A vision so lovely, it may make you weep,
Hidden away from the sun’s heated blaze.
The scent of roses is sure to follow—
Breathe in the elegant daffodil. Here is the place to lay down your sorrow,
And joy in your heart shall refill. Leave this place feeling dreamy, Once the sky turns bright and blue.
In the end, you’ll drift off sleepy— The moonlit garden will rejuvenate you.
(Kyle R)
Cupid’s Greenhouse
Lulled in flowers, a tree stump lay; Upon it, a bloom that brings chaos and dismay.
A vile fairy, collecting for his master’s way, Left it enchanted—where Titania lay.
Dropped in slumber, the spell meets the eyes,
And the next soul or creature shall meet a surprise.
If what you seek is a devoted lover, The subject will dote as they dream under cover.
Long-forgotten past romance, Now reborn in a dangerous dance. Escape their gaze, or share their plight—
Soon you’ll be caught in love’s dark blight.
So heed this warning as time slips tight:
Once love takes root, it can’t be rewritten.
(Horatio S)
The Queen’s Bank Far away,
In a peaceful place, Where turnips and tulips
Fill the air with gentle grace. Where fairies sleep in midsummer,
There you shall place this flower— It is called Love-in-Idleness, To cast enchantment’s power. Where my fair Titania lies, This is what she rightly earns, For keeping from me the changeling child—
Now let her passion burn. For now I am outrageous, And she shall be furious, When she wakes and falls in love
With something most injurious— A foolish animal.
(Idriss M)
The Bliss of the Amazon Shows In the Amazon, where sometimes a cool, windy breeze
May wander through the night, In the morning light shall bloom
The flowers of life.
Where thy scent drifts, delight shall follow; In thy ground, the oxlips, the violet,
And the musk-rose shall grow. As the tall trees whisper
In the cold, chilly night, The flowers gently tell them
To stop their ruckus.
(Amr A)
Hermia’s Love
Where the plants grow, The night will show.
As she ran through the rich, She could only hear the fairies’ pitch.
When the night came, The fairies would obey;
As Oberon laughs, Titania flies away.
Lysander’s love could not compete
With all that Hermia could repeat.
As Puck flies girdles round the earth,
The flower of nightmares finds rebirth.
As the love grew, So too did love pursue.
(Henry C)
SEA CHANGE POETRY
Year 8 boys this half term wrote poems inspired by a short song in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. In the song, Ariel, a spirit, describes the profound but beautiful changes undergone by a man drowned in a shipwreck. The “sea change” – a term still in currency today – is richly described, full of beautiful metaphors and musical sounds:
Full fathom five thy father lies; Of his bones are coral made; Those are pearls that were his eyes: Nothing of him that doth fade, But doth suffer a sea-change Into something rich and strange. Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell: Ding-dong.
Hark! now I hear them,—dingdong, bell.
(Shakespeare, The Tempest)
And here are the students’ poems:
A New Sea Under the Same Sky The sea shifts under skies so wide, Its restless waves begin to guide. From gentle calm to sudden roar, It shapes the world along the shore.
The tides bring change—a quiet call,
A rhythm breaking one and all. Each wave a step to something new,
A path ahead, a clearer view. The ocean stirs; it never sleeps, Its secrets held in waters deep. A sea change sweeps both near and far,
A lantern light, a guiding star. The ocean is now something we never knew—
It always has something to brew. Into something new and strange, Something I would call a sea change.
(Namkhai A)
Beneath the Waves
Beneath the waves, where secrets hide,
A world of wonder comes alive. Giant turtles in slow motion glide, While glowing jellyfish seem to thrive.
Life everywhere, like an unstoppable blaze,
And fish dart through a coral maze.
The ocean breathes, its heartbeats deep—
A world of magic, wild to keep. Beneath the waves, where secrets lie,
A realm of wonder meets the eye. The coral blooms in hues so bright,
A world aglow in dancing light. A timeless rhythm, wide and free—
A home for all, in the neverending sea.
(Yassin K)
Where the Coral Grows
Beneath the waves, where silence sleeps,
And moonlight flows in briny streams, There lie fossils, bones, and shattered gems—
Down where the coral grows. No tomb is marked, no name remains,
The ocean forgets, yet also knows. It holds all those who once had passed—
Down where the coral grows.
A shattered mast and a clattered past,
All lost in the reef that slowly grows, Quietly, under everyone’s nose— Down where the coral grows.
(Sho C)
Echoes of the Drowning Light
Down in the dark sea lies
A bright ship made from cries—
On which people used to sail, Till they began to wail.
As the first scream broke,
All the people woke.
It had seemed bizarre,
But a towering wave had left a scar.
With that came a rumble,
And she began to crumble.
She staggered, groaned—her soul betrayed—
And vanished in the ocean’s cascade.
(Amos S-B)
A Sea Change
The waves washed over the crumbling sand,
As clams lay open like frozen hands.
Shells glistened—coloured auroral—
While dead wood jutted up like recovered coral.
Oysters lay dead, pearls falling from their jaws,
As seaweed draped the wood like gauze.
The sea glimmered beneath the bright sun,
As fish shot out of the water like a gun.
Seaweed danced in the churning currents,
As eels hunted fish, slithering like serpents.
All was well in the beautiful sea,
As whales dived deep to hunt, wild and free.
(Nathaniel S)
A Sea Change – The Storm
The lightning smashed and shocked,
The waves crashed on the rocks,
The wind was a hazard for the birds,
And thunder battered through the
air.
The downpour pattered on the sea, And life still mattered for thee.
The fish fled,
The crabs bled,
The corals dead,
The sea full of dread.
Seaweed swayed from side to side like a ragdoll.
After the storm, The beach was bare—
It had nothing to spare.
Only the slimy seaweed lay there, Lying on the barren wasteland.
(Lucas V)
Shaping of the Sea
Under the waves, his breath was not lost,
His fingers formed with the frost In the ocean. His heart blazed with light—
He chose neither to bite nor fright. His bones shaped into coral beneath,
Slowly, but surely, limb by limb, like a wreath.
Now he is pure and full, And the sea no longer tugs or pulls.
His eyes have turned to brooches lost at sea;
The fishes neither attack nor flee. For he is one with the water’s range—
He does not murder, nor does he change
What he has become through suffering and pain:
A soul transformed—a sea change. (Joseph J)
The Drowning
Scarlet-red flames fill the moonlit night sky,
Ponderous lead balls crack the rotten wooden wall,
Leaving men to pray to God as they cry, “Have mercy on us,” while those around them fall.
Red blood trickles, staining the sea floor.
Bodies lie motionless, sinking into the deep,
As the ship named Bloody Liberty breaks apart.
Yet still, the massacre does not sleep—
The count of corpses grows with every heart
That ceases to beat upon the broken ship.
Years go by, and the bodies lay still,
Arms and legs turning into coral.
The only movement comes from the krill,
As their faces bloom in colours floral—
Withering away, till only coral bones are left.
(Isaac G)
Wreck of Ships
The coal-black sky was filled with violent flames,
And in one moment, all the decks were wailing names.
As crimson fire grew and engulfed the crew,
Many bodies dropped into the dark ocean—
And there wasn’t much motion. The ripples of waves hit body after body after body.
Years passed by, and the bodies lay undisturbed—
Now part of the coral,
A home for the fish,
The sea remembers all.
(Yerden J)
YEAR 8 CREATIVE WRITING
Nate D, Year 8, writes...
What a calm day it was. Still, and yet full of life. I paused for a moment and looked up from the cartoons I had sat in my bedroom all morning to make, on the scratchy, cobalt-blue puff. I stared out my window. I saw a lizard—small and swift. He scuttled across the coarse stones in the garden and zipped into the bushes. I smiled. I’d always enjoyed surveying wildlife.
Then something else caught my eye. An enormous spider of a field-orange colour was hard at work spinning its web. Some people may have seen this spider as grotesque. But I didn’t. And this was why some people called me a nonconformist. But I didn’t mind. If they fail to see the beauty of wildlife, then they don’t matter to me. In my eyes, I was perfectly nonchalant. As I watched the spider, I enjoyed thinking about this: most viewed what it was building as a normal web. But to the spider, he was creating a castle. A wonderful castle. Made purely of clean, white marble. He was creating a home.
I looked at the back fence—or I tried to look at it. The leaves had become a green carpet around it, and it was no longer visible. The leaves were like Beefeaters: they were perfectly still. They were so lush and vibrant, it felt as if I could marvel at them for hours.
I then noticed a crow up high in one of the short trees, burrowed into its leaves. I frequently saw this crow. It had black eyes, and an extremely intense stare. But it wasn’t able to scare me. I saw it outstretch its wings as it came out of the tree.
They were drooping slightly, due to an excessive amount of backand-forth flying, I presumed. Its wingspan was unique—quite long, especially for a crow. I watched the crow as it soared, along a background of light blue, out of the garden. I smiled again. Who knew it could be so wonderful to simply observe?
Then the space outside grew lighter. I looked up. A dim light, emitted from a room in another house, far above me. I hadn’t ever observed my neighbours much. They seemed quite insignificant— just people in the huge city of London. I watched a man cross the lit room to a desk. The desk was wonderful. An unmoving rainbow of pencils was spread across it. He picked up the most beautiful hue of crimson I had ever seen. I had never wanted anything more than every single coloured pencil on that bland desk.
This gave me an idea for my upcoming birthday.
Alexander W-P, Year 8, writes...
What Is on Your Mind?
As the clock ticks slow, dragging time, Do you drift to rivers, far and wide,
Escaping the hum of this classroom’s mind?
What do you think? What is in your mind?
What is in your mind?
A doodle, a dream, a story unfold. Do you sail on seas, or climb mountains bold, While the controller’s words fade behind?
What do you think? What is in your mind?
What is in your mind?
In this horrid hour, when will it end?
When will freedom be ours? So I ask you again in this horrid hour:
What is in your mind?
Felix W, Year 12 writes...
On Wednesday, Wetherby hosted several schools from across London for the annual Wind and Brass Day. Wetherby students from all year groups, from Lower School to Sixth Form, sat side by side with other musicians to play a repertoire of easily recognisable pop songs.
The concert band was the core of the ensemble, with percussion, brass, and a small (but mighty) woodwind section. Wetherby has dedicated instrumental specialist teachers for almost all instruments played at the school, not to mention the highly qualified permanent staff: Mr Martin and Mr Linton, and the conductors, Mr Lewis and Mr Pippen, who supported us throughout the day. This support really came in handy—especially when the different sections split up to practise on their own, before coming together.
Throughout the day, students were excused from their usual lessons to focus entirely on music, rehearsing a variety of pieces spanning different eras and genres. From classic sports anthems like the BBC’s Grandstand to cinematic favourites such as The Mandalorian and The Avengers, the repertoire offered something for everyone. There was even a moment of pop-infused energy with Call Me Maybe—a real fan favourite that added an extra spark to the rehearsals.
It was brilliant to see such a wide range of abilities at the event. Less experienced students really took the opportunity to learn from
BRASS AND WIND DAY
their teachers and older peers. Over the course of the day, the playing improved noticeably, and especially during tutti rehearsals, the pieces started to come together. It was great to see less experienced musicians gain confidence as they progressed from essentially sight-reading the music to becoming truly familiar with it. It was especially rewarding to rehearse and perform outside the usual Wednesday club setting.
The real highlight of the day, however, was the concert in the afternoon. After hours of rehearsal, the musicians took to the stage to perform for an audience of teachers, friends,
and family. The group performed exceptionally well, and the set list kept the energy high throughout the performance.
If you enjoyed the performance— or missed out—be sure to attend the upcoming Spring Concert on Wednesday 2nd April. This event will feature performances from several of the school’s ensembles, not just the concert band, promising another fantastic evening of live music. It’s not to be missed!
Up next: Concert Band goes on tour all around Europe in June.
KARL MARX
Alex W-P, Year 8 writes…
Karl Marx had many theories that have influenced the world ever since they were published, they have enhanced countries and empires but also caused conflicts between countries that led to many lives lost and relations broken. Karls main thought was to have a world with no inequality or hierarchy and for the wealth of a country to be spread equally.
Capitalism for Marx
Firstly, a summary of capitalism. Capitalism is the economic system where businesses or individuals have private ownership over means of production, such as factories or land to produce a profit. The price of a good or service will be determined by the supply and demand of it in the marketplace. The businesses would need to have competition between each other to grow and the government would usually stay out of the way of the business.
Alienation
Marx was a critic of capitalism; he thought that it would alienate the workers and isolate them from work and labour. As well as the idea that workers will create products that they cannot afford, losing control over what they produce. The workers would have no power over what they do so they would become clogs in a machine, and they would have no creativity. He would argue that these methods of alienation would dehumanise workers so he envisioned that a communist society would get rid of classbased exploitation and operation.
Exploitation
Marx thought that capitalism exploited workers by driving down the workers’ wages and working conditions to maximise profits. Capitalists would pay the bare minimum to the workers and up the price of the product to create profit. They will also extend working hours with little or no break but keep the wages the same. This created the effect that if the workers quit or were fired, they would most likely die as they were living on the bare minimum (so they could not complain), they needed the money hence they could never grow in wealth as they were spending all their money on the bare necessities and the rich would only gain profit with this exploitation. Their employers exposed the workers to unsanitary and harmful conditions. Marx believed that their form of exploitation would eventually lead to the downfall of capitalism.
Karl Marx was known to be a huge critic of capitalism; he thought it was full of flaws and would lead to a time where:
-A small group of the wealthiest people would own the means of production.
-The working class would sell their work and labour for low wages.
-There would be an uncontrolled hierarchy in the society.
-There would be economic crises frequently.
Overall, Marx saw capitalism an unstable system that would ultimately lead to the collapse of society
Communism Communism is the political
system that is thought to be on the other side of the political spectrum to capitalism. Ownership is society is not privatised but it will all be owned by the state. The state must provide equally so wealth and food will be distributed equally, along with that there is no class system since everyone is equal. The idea first came from Marx, he is called the father of communism. He spread the idea through the book Communist Manifesto that he wrote with his friend Fredrick Engles.
How it Became
In the 19th century during the industrial revolution Marx and Engles observed the social inequality that the revolution caused. They believed that because of capitalism privatising property and profit the lower and working class would lead an uprising. In Marx’s and Engles famous works of the communist manifesto they described what a communist society would look like and what it would have. The book talked about how all wealth would be spread equally and there would not be a class system.
Communisms bad side
In real word instances when communism was how the country was run the people would have extraordinarily little political freedom. In a capitalist economy there are price signals for the producer and customer. They determine whether to buy a product or not and for the producer it shows whether to increase or decrease production. Why it was not that successful Communism was not that successful, but it was not because
of the ideologies but when it was in government and how the communist government was run. Many mistakes with the produce were made (mistakes like sending food to the wrong part of the country so lots of food was ether not shared equally. Without market prises to guide production and distribution it was hard to meet consumer needs. Many communist regimes were very authoritarian and repressive, this led to depression and resistance among the population.
In many communist countries there was not much trading relationships with other noncommunist countries, so this led to a lack of access to advanced technological trade and investments. This led to countries like Cuba and the Soviet Union who were unable to trade with the capitalist countries to fall behind economically.
The communist practise often had the development of large rebuttals, the goal was to eliminate the class system, but the reality was that the party leaders were enjoying elite privileges and elite goods when the citizens were only given basic privileges and goods. This led to widespread corruption between two classes, undermining the idea of an equal society.
In 1991 the Soviet Union fell this was one of the biggest declines for communism ever. It demonstrated the faller of centralised planning, the inability to reform the economy. Other former communist countries had started to shift towards market economies by the time the Soviet Union fell.
Best Quotes from Karl Marx
• - The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways: “The point, however, is to change it”.
• The working class is revolutionary, or it is nothing at all.
• History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.
• The production of too many useful things results in too many useless people.
• We should not say that one man’s hour is worth another man’s hour, but rather that one man during an hour is worth just as much as another man during an hour. Time is everything, man is nothing: he is at the most time’s carcass.
In conclusion, Karl Marx’s ideas have had a profound impact to the world that will last forever
in politics and the course of history. His hate towards capitalism, towards alienation and exploitation of the people, he hated the inequalities of capitalism and showed us a new side of the political spectrum with communism, where wealth and power can be shared equally. Ultimately Communism broke and uprisings started when people realised that it was not the utopia that Marks said it would be. Despite this shortcomings Karl Marx remains as one of the gravest political thinkers and philosophical intellects.
THE LONDON MUSIC SCENE
Alexander A, Year 7 writes…
London’s Music Scene: A Global Soundscape
London’s music scene is a cornerstone of its cultural identity, renowned worldwide for its diversity, innovation, and influence. Spanning a myriad of genres, it has been the birthplace of groundbreaking musical movements and a nurturing ground for legendary artists.
Genres and Movements
London’s music scene encompasses an eclectic range of genres, each thriving in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. From punk to grime, electronic to jazz, and everything in between, London has a sound for everyone. Iconic movements such as the British Invasion of the 1960s (led by bands like The Beatles, who often performed in London), punk in the 1970s (with bands like The Clash), and grime in the 2000s highlight the city’s role as a trendsetter.
Grime, born in East London, remains one of the city’s most defining contributions to global music. Artists like Skepta, Dizzee
Rascal, and Stormzy have brought grime to the forefront, blending it with other styles and expanding its reach beyond the UK. Electronic music also thrives in London, with pioneering clubs like Fabric and Ministry of Sound shaping the global dance scene. The city’s vibrant nightlife ensures that electronic subgenres like drum and bass and dubstep continue to evolve.
Iconic Venues
London’s music venues are as diverse as its soundscape. The O2 Arena, Wembley Stadium, and Royal Albert Hall host worldfamous artists and large-scale concerts. Meanwhile, intimate venues like the Jazz Café, Ronnie Scott’s, and Camden’s Roundhouse provide space for emerging talent
and unique performances. Additionally, historic venues such as the Marquee Club and the 100 Club hold a special place in music history, having witnessed iconic performances from rock legends.
Festivals and Events
London is a hub for music festivals and events, attracting both local and international talent. The Notting Hill Carnival, rooted in Caribbean culture, is a massive celebration of music and dance. Festivals like Wireless, Lovebox, and Field Day cater to diverse audiences, showcasing the best in rap, R&B, indie, and electronic music.
A Global Hub
London’s music scene is not just a local phenomenon; it is a global hub that attracts artists from around the world. The city’s multicultural population enriches its musical landscape, creating a fusion of styles and influences that resonate worldwide.
In essence, London’s music scene is a living testament to its creativity, diversity, and enduring passion for artistry. It continues to inspire and connect people, cementing its status as one of the most dynamic musical capitals on the planet.
Mir D, Year 9 writes...
On February 7, 2025, at the West 18th Street Station in Manhattan, New York City, a mentally unstable individual named Kamel Hawkins pushed an innocent man, Lynskey, onto the coalladen train tracks just as a train was approaching. This traumatic event left Lynskey severely injured, with four broken ribs, a fractured skull, a ruptured spleen, and a concussion. The brave and resilient man later said in an interview, “This city is my home, and I won’t be intimidated,” when asked if he would ever return to the subway.
Lynskey lives in an apartment in Brooklyn with his 16-yearold dachshund, Leo. He has lived in New York for 16 years and is the head of content and
SUBWAY SHADoWS
music programming at Gray V, a company that creates background music and playlists for businesses. He also performs as a DJ under the stage name DJ Joe Usher. On the night of the attack, he had originally planned to enjoy an evening out with friends on December 31st and was taking an express train back to Brooklyn when the horrific event occurred.
He had glanced at his phone for what felt like a brief second when he was suddenly shoved in the back, sending him hurtling forward onto the tracks.
Local authorities are urging vigilance and encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity. The NYPD is meticulously reviewing security footage from the station to gather additional evidence against Hawkins. Mayor
Bill de Blasio has called for enhanced security measures in subway stations to prevent such tragedies in future, emphasising the need to ensure the safety of citizens as they go about their daily routines.
As Lynskey embarks on the arduous journey of recovery, his bravery in the face of such adversity stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit. This unsettling incident has cast a shadow over the New York City subway system—often seen as an emblem of the city’s relentless energy—and has prompted a heightened call for awareness and safety.
The prompt actions of bystanders and emergency responders were instrumental in saving his life.
MERCEDES BENZ 300 SLR UNLENHAUT COUPE
Aleks S, Year 7 writes...
The Most Expensive Car Ever Sold
Price: $135,000,000 (£114,400,000)
A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is the most expensive car ever sold, having gone under the hammer for a staggering $135 million in 2022— the equivalent of £114.4 million.
Previously owned by MercedesBenz, the car was sold by RM Sotheby’s at the Mercedes-Benz Museum to an anonymous buyer. The winning bid was placed on the mystery buyer’s behalf by Simon Kidston, head of historic car specialist Kidston SA.
The £114.4 million hammer price
is the current world record for any car, more than doubling the previous record, which at the time was held by the Ferrari 250 GTO (now in third place on this list). It was so expensive that the SLR’s opening bid was higher than the final sale price of the 250 GTO.
Just two 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupés were ever made by Mercedes-Benz, and they take their name from the firm’s chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut.
The car was designed as a roadgoing version of the W196 R Grand Prix car, with an enlarged 3.0-litre straight-eight engine allowing it to reach speeds of up to 180 mph.
The car sold was chassis 00008/55—the second of the two
cars built, and the one Uhlenhaut himself used frequently. The sale makes the 300 SLR one of the top ten most expensive items ever sold at auction.
All proceeds from the sale, Mercedes says, will be used to establish a worldwide ‘MercedesBenz Fund’. RM Sotheby’s added that the fund will aim to “provide educational and research scholarships in the areas of environmental science and decarbonisation for young people.”
Aleks S, Year 7 writes...
Lamborghini Urus SE: Brutal Beauty Meets Hybrid Power
It isn’t often that I’m filled with trepidation when I drive in a car for the first time, but the Lamborghini Urus SE made me gulp. Perhaps it was the sheer vastness of it, or the fact that its extremities are so hard to discern from the driver’s seat. Then again, perhaps it was the thought of the cost of all that carbon-fibre bodywork—what if I clipped a kerb or a bollard? Or perhaps it was simply the sheer animalism of the twinturbocharged V8 engine gently ululating beneath the bonnet, reminding me of the 789 bhp at my disposal.
Perhaps it was all of these, combined with a small voice from the back seat telling me its owner was hungry and asking when it was time for lunch.
Either way, this is an intimidating, challenging-looking machine from the outside—and so it felt for those first few tentative miles from inside, too.
Pros
• Monumental grunt
• Spacious rear seats and a huge boot
• Astonishingly agile for its size
Cons
• Harsh ride
• Lots of road noise
Never quite feels as involving as you’d expect
‘Challenging’ is one way of putting the Urus’s looks. What’s certain is that you’ll either love it or hate it. The SE is the first model to get the facelift that will be applied to all Urus variants; the changes are minor, but the effect is not. The Urus has gone from scowling fearsomely at you to leering evilly.
Yet the styling isn’t the biggest
change. That’s under the bonnet, where the twin-turbo V8 from the old S has, after a bit of fettling, been paired with a gearboxmounted electric motor to create a hybrid system. The two power sources together drive through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with a Haldex coupling to distribute power between the front and rear, and a limited-slip differential on the rear axle.
This means the SE can travel as much as 37 miles on electric power alone, according to official tests (in the real world, expect more like 20–25 miles). Its far more favourable official CO₂ emissions figure of 51 g/km also means that, if you choose to run one through your company, you’ll pay significantly less company car tax.
This is likely to have had as much to do with the Urus’s conversion to electrification as any genuine green ambition. Indeed, to get anywhere near that emissions figure in real-world use, your Urus will have to spend most of its time on electric power—which means you’ll need to plug it in every night.
VANCOUVER EARTHQUAKES
Harry M, Year 10 writes...
Earthquakes in Vancouver: A Warning from the Fault Line
Several earthquakes occur each day with a magnitude greater than 2. Within the last 10 days (as of 5 March 2025), Vancouver has experienced multiple earthquakes and aftershocks. The first one struck on 25 February at around 12:30 am. The 5.3-magnitude earthquake was felt across the region, 68 km away from the nearest major city, Vancouver.
The tremors were reported in popular places on the west coast such as Whistler, Vancouver Island, Vancouver itself, and most strongly in Sechelt, which was the epicentre of the earthquake. The quake originated approximately 6 miles underground and caused houses to shake. Fortunately, there
were no reported injuries or severe structural damage.
The second earthquake occurred just 24 km from Sechelt, in a similarly active zone. This one registered a magnitude of 4.7 and occurred at around 5 am. The tremors were felt across parts of Vancouver Island, in Bellingham, and lightly in Metro Vancouver and Seattle.
Apple claims that its devices can warn users of seismic danger, but I personally did not receive a notification until 27 minutes after the incident. The alert came in the form of a loud, deep alarm followed by the instruction: “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
Scientists estimate that megathrust earthquakes occur roughly every 300 to 500 years. The last one to hit Vancouver occurred
on 26 January 1700, which means another could be due any time now. It is expected to occur along the Cascadia Subduction Zone—a fault line stretching from northern California to Vancouver Island.
Although experts believe a major earthquake is overdue, there is no way to predict exactly when it will happen without very short notice. For many, the recent seismic activity has served as a reminder that they live on a fault line and should always be prepared for the worst.
In all, these earthquakes have been a powerful reminder to the people in and around Vancouver that they remain vulnerable to seismic events. Some now wonder whether these recent tremors are simply isolated events or the early signs of the long-anticipated “Big One.”
WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE TAKEN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Santiago Q, Year 9 writes...
Why You Should’ve Taken
Computer Science
This is a letter dedicated to all of you who didn’t take it — and here’s what you’re missing out on.
1. Keeping an Eye Out for AI… In this new world, AI is becoming a double-edged sword.
Some use it for good, some for bad — and some to cheat academically. Deepfakes are getting more convincing, and more people are falling for them! If you know your way around AI, you could be one of the few with a keen eye for doctored content. You’ll also get to understand how AIs work! Did you know the words you send to AIs are converted into vector numbers? For example, “large man” becomes something like “17185893”!
2. Knowing Your Way Through the Future
Understanding computers and how the digital world works means you might be able to repair your own electronics — and
things will be easier (and cheaper) to fix! You’ll also be able to spot a scam when the repairman says, “It’s beyond repair” — because now, you can do it yourself.
3. You Will Look So Cool
You see that guy with the glowing red lines behind him? That could’ve been you. But no. You chose Classical
Civilisation. How dare you?
You gave up the chance to be the cool kid who walks over, types a few lines of code, presses a couple of buttons, and fixes the entire system. Now you’re stuck using the same old slapping-ituntil-it-works method. Once you graduate Computer Science, you automatically unlock a hacker mask and a black hoodie. That’s just how it works.
It’s Never Too Late.
MASTERS OF UNCERTAINTY: THE 2025 QUEST FOR AUGUSTA’S GREEN JACKET
Edward J, Year 13 writes...
The Masters 2025: Who Will Claim the Green Jacket?
The Masters Tournament, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, marks the beginning of ‘Major season’ in the golfing world. Since its inception in 1934, the Masters has become one of the most celebrated and storied events in golf. Indeed, the list of champions — including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Seve Ballesteros — underscores Augusta’s reputation as the ultimate test of golfing greatness. But who, this year, will go home with the coveted green jacket?
The case for Rory McIlroy is strong, coming off the back of victories at the Players Championship and Pebble Beach. However, McIlroy’s major drought — not winning a major championship since the 2014 PGA Championship — and his monumental collapse at last year’s US Open, missing short putts on 16 and 18 to hand the tournament to Bryson DeChambeau, is a serious stain on his hopes of victory at Augusta. This, combined with the unenviable pressure of completing the career grand slam — an honour reserved for those who stand at the very summit of the sport — makes his title bid particularly daunting. Although, given his immense talent, it is certainly not untenable.
What about world number one and defending Masters champion Scottie Scheffler? While the affable Texan could not put a foot wrong last year — amassing $62
million in prize money which, for comparison, was more than the box office earnings of ‘Best Picture’ winner Anora — he has struggled thus far in 2025, failing to win any events aside from the Hero World Challenge in December. However, if anyone in the field could find a sudden burst of form, it would surely be Scheffler, arguably the greatest golfer in the post-Tiger era.
Whilst this article has focused on PGA Tour stars, there are certainly golfers on the LIV Tour who have a strong chance of contending at Augusta. Indeed, the defending US Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau — who once notoriously described Augusta as a “par 67” — appears wellpositioned for a green jacket bid, given his consistent presence at
the top of major championship leaderboards and his inspiring performance at the Masters last year. However, like many other LIV stars, including Jon Rahm and Cam Smith, he has been uninspiring on the LIV circuit in 2025.
Overall, while attempting to predict the winner of the Masters is an almost futile task, therein lies the beauty of this tournament. The Masters is defined by unpredictability, where the most seasoned champions and rising stars alike can face moments of brilliance and heartbreak in the blink of an eye. Each year, new heroes emerge while past legends falter, reminding us that the Masters is a tournament where anything can happen — and the journey is just as captivating as the outcome.
Edouard R, Year 9 writes...
F1 Kicks Off 2025 Season and 75th Anniversary with Spectacular Launch at the O2
Formula 1 launched its 2025 season — and celebrated its 75th anniversary — at the O2 Arena in London last Tuesday evening. This was the first time an F1 season opener has been held at the O2, and the event was jam-packed with over 15,000 enthusiasts. The launch featured a Hollywoodworthy stage, complete with dazzling lasers, jaw-dropping visuals, and long-anticipated team updates.
All 10 teams and 20 drivers were
in attendance, showcasing their new liveries and line-ups for the upcoming season. One of the evening’s most anticipated moments was Lewis Hamilton’s first public appearance as a Ferrari driver, marking a significant shift in his illustrious career. The event also saw the unveiling of the new SF-25 Ferrari F1 car, with Hamilton expressing his excitement and energy for the season ahead.
McLaren, the defending Constructors’ Champions, revealed their MCL39, with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri sharing their enthusiasm for the months to come. Red Bull introduced their RB21, as Max
Verstappen prepares to chase a record-equalling fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title.
The event was a visual spectacle, featuring performances by US country sensation Kane Brown, award-winning multi-platinum artist MGK, composer Brian Tyler with “Are We Dreaming”, and the iconic British band Take That. The evening was hosted by comedian and actor Jack Whitehall, with familiar faces from F1 TV — including Laura Winter, Ariana Bravo, and Lawrence Barretto — presenting the teams.
The unique livery reveals used show cars to accommodate tight manufacturing timelines while safeguarding sensitive technical details.
Broadcast live by Formula 1’s official partners and streamed across its social media platforms, the event set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating and fiercely competitive season. With every team determined to make its mark, 2025 looks set to be a year to remember in the sport’s rich history.
THE SIX NATIONS 2025: A TOURNAMENT TO REMEMBER
Felipe E, Year 10 writes...
The Six Nations is an annual rugby union competition that runs from the end of January to the end of March. As the name suggests, six nations play each other over five rounds to determine the winner of that year’s Six Nations Championship. There are three trophies at stake: the championship itself, the Grand Slam, and the Triple Crown. The Grand Slam is won by beating every team in the championship. The most recent winners of the Grand Slam were Ireland in 2023. They attempted to defend it in 2024, but England put in a heroic performance at Twickenham and won with a last-minute drop goal from Marcus Smith – England’s number 10 (fly-half).
The Triple Crown is contested between the four home nations
(England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland) and is awarded to any one of them who manages to beat all the others in a single tournament.
This year’s Six Nations has been one of the most exciting in recent memory. In many of the games, either side could have emerged victorious. England lost to Ireland on the opening weekend but were certainly in with a chance of winning. Conversely, Ireland could easily have pulled away in the second half. The score flattered England, who spent most of the match pinned in their own half.
Wales were convincingly beaten by Antoine Dupont’s men in Paris, though they still took some positives from the game. In the Scotland vs Italy match, Scotland played well, but the margin of victory was smaller than many had predicted.
Round Two
In Round Two, England faced France at Twickenham (now the Allianz Stadium). Their last meeting had been a close match in Marseille, though the year before that France had put fifty points on England. The first twenty minutes were uneventful, but France soon became overconfident, playing flamboyant rugby and making multiple handling errors — including from their star player, Antoine Dupont. England capitalised on this, building momentum and launching an attacking move that culminated in a brilliant try from Tommy Freeman off a Fin Smith crosskick.
France scored late on and looked to have sealed the win, but Fin Baxter came on and won a crucial scrum penalty. England kicked to
the corner, won the lineout, and powered over for another try. A turnover from Ben Earl set up one final chance — and they took it. Another driving maul ended with Alex Mitchell feeding Fin Smith, whose delayed pass found Elliot Daly for the winning try. The successful conversion sealed a remarkable comeback.
Elsewhere, Italy beat Wales in Rome. Although Wales fought back, it was too little, too late. Scotland lost to Ireland at Murrayfield, unable to finish their chances. A head collision between key players Darcy Graham and Finn Russell forced both off after just 20 minutes.
Round Three
The highlight of Round Three was the Calcutta Cup clash between England and Scotland. Scotland had won one and lost one so far and had been thoroughly beaten by Ireland the previous weekend. England entered the game off a spectacular win against France and were slight favourites.
For Scotland, the Calcutta Cup is always a huge fixture —
particularly because they don’t tend to win any other trophies. The match was widely seen as a decider for Gregor Townsend’s future as head coach. Before 2018, England had dominated the fixture, but since then Scotland have largely had the upper hand, except for a storm-hit loss in 2020.
England had shown promise under Steve Borthwick over the previous 18 months, though results had not always reflected their performances. This match was a chance to silence critics. Scotland started strongly, scoring two excellent tries, but England responded with another from Tommy Freeman. Fin Smith kicked a penalty in the 66th minute to give England a sixpoint lead, which proved decisive. Duhan van der Merwe nearly stole the win for Scotland, but Finn Russell missed the conversion.
Meanwhile, Wales’ coach Warren Gatland had left by mutual consent the previous week, with Cardiff’s Matt Sherratt stepping in as interim coach. Wales made things difficult for Ireland, but Irish experience told in the final quarter. France hammered Italy in
Rome, winning by 70 points. The match had been billed as a tribute to Sergio Parisse — one of Italy’s greatest ever players — but France dominated from the outset. Last year’s fixture had ended in a draw after Pablo Garbisi missed a lastminute penalty, making this one a highly anticipated rematch.
Round Four
Round Four began with a mouthwatering clash between Ireland and France — widely regarded as the title decider. France had struggled in tight games recently, so many expected Ireland to edge it. However, with world-class scrum-half Dupont back from his Olympic sabbatical, France looked significantly stronger.
Ireland started well, playing in the right areas of the field, but they failed to turn pressure into points. France absorbed the pressure and capitalised on Irish errors. A sinbin offence gave France a lineout five metres from the Irish line, and they took full advantage. In the end, France scored 42 points.
In the other fixtures, Scotland built a strong lead over Wales in the first half, but Wales stormed back in the second and nearly won. England comfortably beat Italy on Sunday, earning a bonuspoint victory.
Final Round
France sealed the championship by beating Scotland on the final day.
BAKING WITH HORATIO
Horatio S, Year 7 writes...
Welcome to Baking with Horatio!
This is the first of many baking columns, and today we’re making brownies.
Ingredients:
Unsalted butter
Dark chocolate chips (optional)
Sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
Vanilla extract
Plain flour
Cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
Dark or milk chocolate bar
(optional — this gives the brownies a gooey, soft centre)
Preparation:
Grab a microwaveable bowl — any size is fine, as long as it’s big enough. Add 200g of butter (about ¾ of a standard block), then add the chocolate chips (as many as you like). Heat the mixture until it melts.
Next, add a cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in the 3 lightly beaten eggs and mix until smooth.
Now add ½ a cup of plain flour, ¼ cup of cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until you have a thick, chocolatey batter.
[Optional: break up some dark or milk chocolate and fold it through the batter to create a gooey centre.]
Pour the mixture into a lined baking tin and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20–25 minutes, or until the top is set but the middle is still slightly soft.
Let cool, slice, and enjoy!
WRITE FOR US
Do you have something you’d like to write about?
Is there a passion or interest you’d like to share with others?
Is there a cause you would like to draw attention to?
Would you like to report on school events?
Are you a great photographer or artist?
Send your articles (and images to go with them) to nicola.bradley@wetherbysenior.co.uk, or ask to be added to the team on Teams where you can submit it directly.
A submission deadline will be set each half term, so get writing so your article can be included!