The Barometer Half Term 4 2023-24

WSS Spring Recital

The Borgata Ski Trip - Sho C, Year 7

Upper School Ski Trip to Canada - Oliver B, Year 12

Peer Mentoring - Falco P, Year 12

Music Day - Benedict S and Iggy B, Year 9

Rock School - Haruki S, Year 7

A Comprehensive Review of England’s Sixth Nations Campaign - Felipe E, Year 9

Othello at the Globe TheatreCarter O, Year 12

Why has Hamlet’s Appeal Stood the Test of Time?Edward J, Year 12

The Hills of CaliforniaEdward J, Year 12

The Duchess of Malfi 2024Ivan G, Year 12

Eco Club - Breck R, Year 9

The Hunger Games ReviewDom M, Year 7

Olympic Dreams - Alexander A-H, Year 7

Covered in ControversyJames S and Oscar F, Year 12

How AI is Revolutionising Healthcare - AJ J-R

The Foreign Exchange Markets - Husain G, Year 10

Cover photograph - Luca G, Year 12

WSS Sponsored Spin - Oliver B, Year 12

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The Spring Term Music Recital, held on February 28th, 2024, was a captivating performance that resonated with the diverse musical talents of our school’s young artists. The intimate setting of the recital hall provided a warm and supportive atmosphere, allowing the performers to shine in their solo and duet pieces, offering a glimpse into the future of our school’s musical landscape. The program presented a delightful tapestry of genres, seamlessly weaving together the timeless elegance of Vivaldi’s “Concerto in C” with the playful charm of Jacob’s “Robot’s March.” Mohammed A and Lukas A displayed impressive control and technique on their cellos, while William R’s trumpet piece, “Share My Yoke,” resonated with a bright and optimistic energy.

Zade S brought a touch of whimsy with his rendition of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” infusing the familiar tune with a playful spirit. Samar C’s heartfelt performance of “Sky Boat Song” showcased the expressive potential of the violin, drawing the audience into the emotional depths of the piece. Dylan S’s lively performance of “Branle des Sabots” pulsated with rhythmic energy, while Orlando T’s interpretation of Chopin’s “Mazurka in A minor” revealed a budding talent for piano performance, characterised by a nuanced understanding of the

piece’s emotional core.

The evening featured several noteworthy collaborations that transcended individual performances. The cello duets, “Standchen for two cellos” by Schubert and “Hoe Down for two cellos” by Coles, demonstrated a beautiful synergy between Ettore T and Alexander W P, their instruments intertwining in a seamless dialogue with Ms Lee .

Meanwhile, Adam H’s vocal rendition of “Sky Boat Song,” offered a touching and wellblended performance, showcasing the power of music to unite diverse artistic voices.

The program concluded with a range of solo performances, highlighting the individual strengths and developing talents of each musician. Julian H’s interpretation of Bach’s “Mer hahn en neue Oberkeet” displayed a promising talent for the violin, marked by a clear and confident tone. Ralph J’s rendition of “John Ryan’s Polka” brought a touch of Irish cheer to the stage, his lively performance infusing the piece with infectious energy. Sammy S and Namkhai Al showcased their developing piano skills

with maturity and grace, while Kian B’s vibrant performance of “Trad. Zulu” resonated with the cultural richness and power of music to transcend borders. Marco H’s introspective rendition of “La dispute” offered a moment of quiet contemplation. Li Ma’s virtuosic performance of Liszt’s “La Campanella” served as a fitting finale, leaving the audience in awe of his technical mastery and artistic expression.

Overall, the Spring Term Music Recital was a resounding success. It provided a platform for our young musicians to showcase their dedication, talent, and passion for music. The evening served as a testament to the hard work of both the students and their teachers, and left the audience eager to see what musical journeys these young performers will embark on in the future.

A special thanks to Mr Martin, Director of Music, Mr Lewis Head of instrumental, Ms. Lee, Ms. Gorbanova and Mr. Williams, whose dedication, guidance, and expertise have fostered the musical talents of our students, allowing them to blossom and share their gifts with the world.

THe BORGATA SKI TRIP

Sho C, Year 7 writes...

We woke up and did some lastminute packing for the long day of travelling (approximately 12 and a half hours), and all arrived at school at about 11:00 AM with our suitcases and backpacks ready.

At 11:15 we left on the bus to take us to Terminal North Gatwick Airport and our flight took off at around 16:00. We landed at Milano Malpensa at about 19:00. Then the bus was delayed as it was stuck in a snowstorm, and it arrived at about 21:45. From there we started our second step of the journey the 3 hour long bus ride

to Borgata. The second leg of the trip about half the people were sleeping. And at 01:30 we finally arrived in Borgata. We had 30 minutes to get ready for bed and we were all in bed and ready for a quick rise and shine at 7:00 to get our breakfast in, boots fitted, and onto the slopes by 9:30.

The first day was about assigning our groups and evaluating how good we are at skiing. This was mostly determined by a form we completed about two weeks before the trip. I was assigned to the amateur group. Then we went out with our ski instructors and went down the slope Blue 8 which

was pretty easy to say the least. We repeated this slope multiple times over this trip. The second day was the day where we did the first red slope, which was very hard. At one point, one student’s ski deconstructed, and we had to wait about 10 mins before we could go down the slope. After that we headed down for lunch. The lunch was pomodoro penne pasta or pesto penne pasta and I felt lucky to eat such authentic Italian food. We were all very hungry after the long days of skiing.

And that, in a nutshell, was the 2024 Borgata Ski Trip.

UPPER SCHOOL SKI TRIP TO CANADA

Oliver B, Year 12 writes…

For the third consecutive year, Wetherby students travelled across the Atlantic to one of the world’s leading ski resorts: Panorama, British Columbia. The crew on this trip consisted of boys in years 10-13, along with five dedicated teachers who renounced their potential alternative holiday plans to deal with us.

Despite arriving exhausted by jet lag, we were delighted to be greeted by the majestic mountains. This was the first skiing expedition for some of us and we all took to the slopes with great enthusiasm.

Panorama boasts 135 slopes, which range in difficulty and cater for all levels. Indeed, Panorama boasts the most space per skier among the world’s 100 largest ski areas. We were split into groups according to experience and each group benefited from the guidance of a seasoned instructor. Many instructors were former international competitors who used to represent their country. Thus, we were fortunate to be able to cultivate our technique both on and off the piste.

Besides skiing, the resort had an ample selection of facilities, including a hot tub and sauna to be enjoyed after long days on the slopes. Mr. Stokoe very kindly

offered to run early morning gym sessions for those of us who wished to fully immerse ourselves in the training regime of a competitive skier. As part of the varied evening activity programme, we cooked or – in some cases – burned s’mores in campfires underneath the full moon.

We are grateful to the staff for such a phenomenal trip with five fantastic days of skiing in one of the world’s most stunning resorts. Special thanks are owed to Mr. Underwood for his execution of a smooth operation, without which the trip would not have been such a tremendous success.

PEER MENTORING

Falco P, Year 12 writes...

What is Peer Mentoring?

A peer mentor is a sixth form student who performs weekly visits to answer any questions younger years may have about their future at Wetherby or in their lives in general, and acts as a role model for all of the students in his allocated tutor group. The tutor groups can range from years 7 to 11 so what it means to be a great peer mentor to your students varies quite significantly.

I am the peer mentor of Mr Murphy’s wonderful year 7 tutor group. Every morning I begin my day with an energetic bunch who are eager to interact and talk to me about whatever interests them.

A regular session of peer mentoring will look like this:

I arrive at Mr Murphy’s art classroom around 8:25 and am met with a chaotic wave of greetings from the energetic year 7s. After I’ve made my good morning remarks to the class, I make my way to the front of the room. Silence takes over and the clamouring is controlled. The students listen attentively to Mr Murphy as he takes the register and gives his morning notices. After all of the administration is done, I make my way to sit down next to a couple of the students and speak more individually with a couple of them. This is my favourite part and what usually makes my mornings as I hear the most interesting stories and questions: “Falco is this cologne good for getting girlfriends at the disco party I’m going to this weekend?” – yes you read that right: girlfriends plural! This

gives me the opportunity to get to know the students a little better and make them feel comfortable sharing without the pressure of the rest of the classroom listening. I tend to make sure that I sit down with a different set of students every day so that I get around to everyone. After a good chat, the bell abruptly alerts us that it is lesson time. I check YONDR pouches with Mr Murphy, and then send the class on their way to lessons.

Once a week or so I will make the session more academic focused. Some mornings the tutor group is given a tough maths challenge, and gold notes are on offer to whoever can solve them and provide an explanation for those who didn’t quite get there. Interestingly, one of my passions is Economics, as it is for many

boys at Wetherby, which means I get to chat to them about the stock market, by far the collective favourite topic, and maybe teach them a little here and there that they didn’t know.

Why do you do it?

I get asked this question very frequently. I always reply with “because I love it!” This is a large part of the truth and while it is very rewarding to have very excitable fans from time to time, I don’t do it for myself. I am a peer mentor so that the students in my tutor group have someone they can talk to who hasn’t got the intimidating authority of a teacher and isn’t one of their peers who might not sympathise with them. Me acting as a midway student/ teacher provides them with another dynamic and person they can talk to about certain issues which they wouldn’t necessarily be comfortable talking to anyone else about. For example, there was an instance where two of the boys in the tutor group were having a tough time getting along with each other; I spoke to both of the students and then by getting them to talk to each other with me there, they learnt that communication resolves conflict. Perhaps a teacher wouldn’t have been entrusted by the two students to talk openly about their feelings towards each other proving a peer mentor useful in this situation. Ultimately, I know how much I would have appreciated having a relationship with an older student in the school. Being the youngest at the school can be tough and year above students may seem intimidating, but, in reality we’re all the same so I make sure that they know that.

MUSIC DAY

Benedict S and Iggy B... Year 9 write…

Wednesday 13th March was Music Day! The entirety of Concert Band enjoyed a day of rehearsing with other schools, including St Thomas’ Battersea, St Thomas’ Kensington and Queen Anne’s. We rehearsed a multitude of pieces,

including ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Call Me Maybe’, ‘Blinding Lights’ and Beatles Gold, which is a mash-up of the Beatles’ top songs. The day kicked off with the schools arriving and Mr Wiltshire doing an ice-breaker session in which we played hand-eye coordination games to help

us warm up for the long day ahead. We rehearsed until lunchtime, when we gathered for a feast of sausage and mash. The other schools had lunch with us, allowing them to get the full Wetherby experience. The afternoon consisted of more rehearsals, all in preparation for the informal concert that took place after school. The concert was attended by parents and teachers of all those taking part and was a resounding success, topped off by Iggy B’s saxophone solo during ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ and the bellowing of Benedict S’s tuba.

We really enjoyed the day and it gave us an excellent opportunity to experience playing with a larger band and taught us how to work collaboratively with new musicians. We hope that we can do this again next year.

rock School

Haruki S, Year 7 writes…

I am part of Year 7 Rock School and I play the bass. Our singer is Kasper E, our guitarist is Caspian G and the drummer is Lucas V. I started playing the bass after I joined Wetherby. I originally signed up for Rock School as a drummer, but there were too many drummers, so having a history of guitar playing, I decided to convert to bass, and I love it! We have been practising ‘Sunshine of your Love’ by Cream and ‘Smells like Teen Spirit’ by Nirvana. ‘Sunshine of your Love’ is my favourite because we have been playing that for a long time

and our performances for it are stronger. I am looking forward to

performing at the Spring Concert later this term.

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ENGLAND’S SIX NATIONS CAMPAIGN

Felipe E, Year 9 writes...

Many things were said about this England team in the build up to their campaign. Many English fans wanted England to play attacking rugby. And with a young squad this was possible. England started their campaign in Rome. This is where England’s new blitz defensive system would be tested for the first time. England didn’t start brilliantly, conceding a penalty and a try in the first ten minutes, but then held on to win the game by the skin of their collective teeth. It wasn’t a great performance to get a win on the first weekend of the Six Nations was a good feeling. England then went back to their training camp to prepare for their first home game of the campaign against Wales.

There were questions about the atmosphere around Twickenham, but this was a chance to prove the doubters wrong. England didn’t start well here but managed to eke out a win with only 13 players on the pitch at one point. One of tries was scored by the ever-present and brilliant 26-year-old Ben Earl, who got man of the match for his performance.

Next England went to Scotland with their tails up having won two games from two in the first Six Nations since the World Cup. However, Scotland were the favourites after having won 3 of the last 4 Calcutta Cup matches. Doubt this England side at your peril, however; after all, everyone wrote them off before the WC semi-final and England had the game all but won, before losing out after a controversial

scrum penalty in the last minute denied them. England started the Scotland game well but then threw it away with some stupid handling errors. Next came the Ireland game, again at Twickenham. England came into the game as huge underdogs, but the Twickenham crowd was right behind this team from the National Anthem onwards. England started very well, scoring a try within the first 10 minutes.

Could England sustain this brilliant start? It was neck and neck all match, but England ended the game with a brilliant drop goal from Marcus Smith to sneak the win 23-22.

The match against France was just as frenetic, but this time England were pipped to the post: 31-33.

OTHELLO AT THE GLOBE THEATRE

Carter O, Year 12 writes...

Othello at The Globe Theatre: a resplendent reimagining of 17th Century literature in a breathtaking 21st Century performance.

On the evening of Thursday, March 7th, a fortunate cadre of Year 11 students embarked on a journey to witness the latest rendition of Shakespeare’s Tragedy, Othello, unfold live at the iconic Globe Theatre near London Bridge. What initially appeared as a mildly temperate and somewhat brisk afternoon would soon pale in comparison to the spectacle awaiting us. The performance, initially marked by a clever infusion of comedy in its early acts, proved to be a vibrant and immersive portrayal, showcasing Shakespearean literature in a modern light.

Shakespeare’s 1603 masterpiece underwent a compelling transformation into the 21st century, with Othello assuming the role of the head of the Police Force, specifically the London Met. The audience was artfully drawn into the intricate themes of institutional racism within the Police Force, seamlessly interwoven into the fabric of the play. Ira Mandela Siobhan’s portrayal of Othello was nothing short of spectacular, skilfully capturing the protagonist’s inner turmoil as his subconscious haunted him, symbolically echoing Othello’s tragic descent into chaos through poignant pacing, twitches, and spins across the stage.

Special commendation is reserved

for the riveting Fight Scene in Act 2 Scene 3, featuring stellar performances from Ralph Davis as Iago, Oli Higginson as Cassio, Ken Nwosu as Othello, and Sam Swann as Roderigo. Act 5 Scene 1, bathed in dim, ominous blue lighting, left an indelible mark, as Iago’s plan unravelled, resulting in Roderigo meeting his demise staring down the barrel of a pistol.

Adding to the play’s resonance were intermittent walkie-talkie insults, ingeniously delivered by the cast directly to Othello. This twist served to underscore ‘the destructive effects of racism, laid bare by candlelight.’ Notably, these walkie-talkie insults, typically embedded into the script, were artfully excised and sporadically woven into the narrative, providing a dynamic layer to the performance. The production fearlessly delved into contentious themes, departing from the conventional tragic suicide of

Othello in its conclusion. Instead, Othello’s apprehension presented a jolting counterpoint to the media’s portrayal, challenging the perception of him as a malevolent criminal, and repositioning Iago as grappling with ‘mental health issues.’ A modern take indeed!

Beyond the narrative specifics, the venue itself was nothing short of spectacular. Despite a brief interruption caused by a malfunctioning fire alarm during the interval, the firsthand experience of such a play is undeniably memorable and invaluable, especially for students preparing to write about it in this year’s GCSE cohort.

Kudos extends to the entire cast, with notable mentions to Maggie Musgrove as Bianca, Che Walker as Lodovico, David Hounslow as Montano, Charlotte Bate as Emilia, and Poppy Gilbert as Desdemona.

WHY HAS HAMLET’S APPEAL STOOD THE TEST OF TIME?

Edward J, Year 12 writes...

In an industry where the sands of time sift the salient from the ephemeral, Hamlet is a piece that excels beyond comparison, a play that marks the zenith of theatrics to any aspiring actor and a production infused with soliloquies that have reached a folkloric level of adoration.

One of the many reasons for Hamlet’s ubiquitous and enduring appeal is the psychological depth of its protagonist, plagued by the torturous internal struggle of fulfilling his father’s prophecy. The heavy burdens of pressure and expectation are, indeed, universal scuffles that we all must face. Whether they form as a result of school life, work life, or our personal lives, the overbearing agitation of judgment can be enough to paralyse even the greatest of minds. Before being asked to murder Claudius, Hamlet was a scholar returning from Wittenberg and a man representing the complete antithesis of a revenger. Suddenly, he was tipped into the crucible and ordered to complete a deed entirely contradictory to his morals and ethos: kill in the name of vengeance. Thus, Hamlet could represent an everyday person trapped within a wicked web of

murder and misfortune, painfully uncertain of how to escape its lattices.

Furthermore, Hamlet’s circumstances remain, although extreme, infinitely relatable. Tragedy and grief are, ultimately, challenges that often make up the fabric of the human condition. Hamlet is simply a young man beginning to understand the gravitas of his situation and preparing to face the political cauldron of Elsinore without his beloved old man. The motif of death remains crucial to the play, and it is later on when Hamlet begins to question his morbidity. When he stares deeply into Yorick’s soiled and mucky skull - in what is now one of the most celebrated and illustrious moments in theatrics – he faces an onslaught of agonising and sobering realisations: no matter one’s standing in life, King or vagabond, everyone reaches the same ultimatum in the inevitable decay of the human body and the inescapable devastation of death.

Another facet of Hamlet’s identity that makes him immensely relatable is his proclivity for delay. Procrastination is a repetitious aspect of everyday life - we put off the things we wish to avoid doing - much like Hamlet does in evading the responsibility of slaying Claudius. Thus, Hamlet forces us to “hold a mirror up to nature” and appraise our own decisions and actions: are we unhelpfully putting things off? Are we doubting and questioning ourselves too often? And are we living our lives to the fullest, unflustered by the pressures of extrinsic judgment?

THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA

Edward J, Year 12 writes...

Jez Butterworth’s latest play, the Hills of California, is a sorrowful yet intriguing story that explores a group of Sandgrownian sisters bickering and reminiscing as their mother lies on her deathbed. Joan, the most successful of the sisters, hasn’t returned home in years as she experiences apparent successes in California. Indeed, this, along with other harrowing and shocking misfortunes, draws divisions between the sisters who are still - although rather begrudgingly and to varying

degrees - united by the stricken horror of a dying family member.

As a part of our English A-level, we must study a 21st century piece of theatre. In previous years, Jerusalem, often cited as Butterworth’s greatest piece of work, had been the play of choice. However, eager to explore something fresh and different, Mr Hayes landed on the “Hills of California”.

Excited and prepped to explore the West End, we made way for the Harold Pinter Theatre. Basked

in History, and situated in the epicentre of London’s theatreland, we were immediately enthralled to see what awaited us.

Once we had reached our seats and the dim, indistinguishable chatter of the audience began to fade, our anticipation only grew. Would the play live up to our lofty, yet justified, expectations? Well, it was a captivating and enthralling performance that was festooned with numerous ebbs and flows of emotion. The chilling plot twists left us debating the possible outcomes during the intermissions - desperate to unpick every detail of the Act that we had just watched.

Despite the looming awareness that my classmates and I would, ultimately, have to construct our 1,000-word coursework on this piece, we left delighted to analyse the play in more depth and unpick all that we were yet to even realise.

THE DUCHESS OF MALFI 2024

Performed at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre on the South Bank, director Rachel Bagshaw’s 2024 production of The Duchess of Malfi counters the darkness and cruelty of many other stagings, opting for a more comedic and vibrant interpretation of John Webster’s influential revenge tragedy, led by British actress Francesca Mills in the title role of the Duchess. Bagshaw’s decision to use projections of the actors’ lines presents an intriguing twist, emphasising the poetry of Webster’s language and making the experience significantly clearer for new audience members while exploring what the future holds for theatre and how the stage could evolve to keep up with technology. At the same time, Bagshaw was able to create a lively interactive experience by employing direct address from the actors, which feels threatening when coming from Ferdinand or the Cardinal but friendly and dynamic from Antonio and the Duchess, as well as using

the Sam Wanamaker Theatre’s intimate candlelight together with a performance from a group of musicians above the stage.

While this production seemingly did not have a clear creative approach to Webster’s tragedy, choosing to add a couple of meaningless moments when modern concepts are mentioned, the potential of Bagshaw’s optimistic interpretation is evidently demonstrated by the compelling performances of her suitably diverse cast.

Ivan G, Year 12 writes...

ECO CLUB

Breck R, writes...

Hasnain A, Henry R, Cooper F, Daniel F, Breck R and Leon D have been working on a project called Eco Club. We have been working towards an Eco-Schools Green Flag. Current schools with this status have:

* Saved a combined 6.2m kWh in gas usage, compared to the previous academic year.

* Collected 30,151 bags of litter during 21,065 litter-picks with over 100,000 people taking part.

* Planted 50,188 trees.

* Delivered 5,911 walk, cycle, or scoot to school days.

Every Friday, members of Eco Club have met and worked towards our goals, focusing on our three topics: energy, global citizenship and waste.

Did you know that the average carbon footprint of 100g of beef, excluding methane, is 15.5kg? That is equivalent to driving around 50 miles. That’s nearly four times the mean footprint of chicken, or 10 to 100 times the footprint of most plant-based foods. In comparison, nuts actually have a negative carbon footprint.

Research suggests that incorporating meat-free days

into your diet can significantly decrease your carbon footprint. Additionally, you can offset your carbon emissions from flights and general activities.

Consider taking small steps towards reducing your carbon footprint by choosing plant-based options and incorporating meatfree days. Together, we can make a difference for our planet.

If you are interested in offsetting your carbon emissions from flights and other activities, some websites you could use are Greenly, Ecology, Carbon Neutral Britain and Green Business gas.

The Eco-Schools Green Flag certification comes with a myriad of benefits. Firstly, it promotes environmental awareness and sustainability within the school community. Secondly, it provides a platform for students to actively engage in eco-friendly initiatives and projects. Thirdly, it helps schools save money through energy conservation and waste reduction measures. Lastly, it enhances the reputation

of the school as a leader in environmental education.

There are many ways to get involved and make a positive eco difference. Start by reducing your own carbon footprint by using reusable items and recycling materials. Get involved in local eco-friendly community projects such as clean-up efforts or tree planting initiatives. Support organisations that are dedicated to protecting the environment through financial donations or volunteer work. Educate yourself and others about the importance of sustainable living practices and encourage others to join in making a difference. Remember that even small actions can have a big impact on our planet’s health.

We know there is a spectrum of involvement in the environment and also we know that everyone will want to help, so we hope that this information can be useful. You can also check our eco board on the 3rd floor outside M32.

WSS SPONSORED SPIN

The Wetherby Senior School Annual Sponsored Spin took place on Tuesday 19th March. Over 100 boys and staff from all Tribs competed in a half hour sprint in the Spin Studio to raise money in aid of Lives not Knives, an award winning, youth-led charity that works to prevent knife crime, serious youth violence and school exclusions. This charity was chosen by the whole school in a vote in assembly.

The sponsored spin is a 12-hour long competition, taking place from 7am to 7pm with boys aiming to help their Trib become the first to cycle the 346km distance of the Thames. The winning Trib wins Trib points. Boys who do more than 10 miles also receive a t-shirt.

The challenge inspired friendly competition between staff and students who all take part in order to raise money for a good cause. Fleet were crowned champions after some fantastic efforts

throughout the day, topped off by a record-breaking performance by Andrew H, spinning 12.6 miles in 30 minutes.

The Charity Committee set the ambitious target to raise £7000 for this year’s charity. This target was smashed thanks to the incredible generosity of the Wetherby community. Eliza Rebeiro, CEO of Lives Not Knives, visited the Spin Studio to congratulate the boys on their event and wanted to extend her appreciation for the support Wetherby has shown for their charity this year.

The final totals were as follows:

1. Fleet (231.2 miles)

2. Effra (219.5 miles)

3. Walbrook (218.3 miles)

4. Ravensbourne (199.3 miles)

5. Tyburn (178.0 miles)

Oliver B, Year 12 writes…

THE HUNGER GAMES REVIEW

Dom M, Year 7 writes...

The Hunger Games is the first book in The Hunger Games Series and is a dystopian fiction based in the near future. It follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, a poor girl trying to feed her family in the twelfth district of Panem (the corrupt country they live in). 70 years ago, the districts revolted and were beaten by the capitol and are punished every year to remind them of the capitol’s control. The Hunger Games are a fight to the death where the capitol takes one boy and one girl from each district to fight to the death for their entertainment.

Winning means glory; losing means certain death. Katniss has an edge. She hunts in a wood just outside the district with her best friend, Gale who, like Katniss, is desperate to feed his family as he has six siblings and his dad sadly died in a mine explosion, which is the same grizzly end that Katniss’s father met.

Before long, the two friends attend the Reaping (where the tributes are chosen for the Games). As they arrive in the square, everyone is holding their breath as they pick out the names.

This is the introduction to the Hunger Games, and my review is below.

The Hunger Games is an amazing book with astonishing twists and turns, each one making your heart pound like you’re in the 74th Hunger Games with Peeta Mellark.

And then there’s Katniss Everdeen,

hiding and going through not just a rollercoaster but a whole amusement park of emotion.

The death of Rue really saddened me as in my opinion she was an incredible character and it was hard not to feel sympathy for her.

There is a heart-racing denouement to the novel, as the iron grip of the Capitol is challenged. I found the ending extremely surprising and exciting.

In conclusion, The Hunger Games is a very good piece of literature and I recommend it to any readers aged 11-16.

If you like the book, then you can also try The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay as well as Mortal Engines.

See the next edition of the Barometer for Catching Fire The Recap!

Alexander A-H, Year 7 writes...

A little boy named Johnathan had always dreamed of being in the Summer Olympics but it just never worked for him. He had tried any type of sport that was featured in the Summer Olympics but every time he would break his glasses. This would escalate to him requesting a pair, but his family was tight on money and most of the time the money would be spent on essentials instead. He had a very unsupportive father who would always laugh and say “Oh you’ll never make it to the Olympics”, but Johnathan would just ignore his father’s criticisms and would just keep living life and trying to make his dream come true. He was desperate to prove his dad wrong.

One day Johnathan was reading a book about the Olympics and he landed on a page about the Winter Olympics, which had then given him a thought: instead of going to the Summer Olympics why not go to the Winter Olympics? It was a great idea! He thought of doing

OLYMPIC DREAMS

skiing as it looked cool. He rushed down the stairs as fast as he could to his parents and asked “Can I please have ski stuff for skiing?”

His father laughed and kept reading his three-week old newspaper, but his mother said yes as the father had gotten a pay rise because of his new position at work.

Two weeks later it had arrived. His new ski clothes! He was jumping up and down with delight. A week later his parents had paid for a year of lessons. So he got started right away, but he knew that it was going to be a tough year; everyday he would fall but get back up.

One day he came back from the skiing centre and noticed something: his father wasn’t reading his newspaper and his mother wasn’t home but instead his father had his hands covering his face. His father had some gruesome news: Johnathan’s mother had died in a car crash.

Johnathan ran straight up to his room in tears; he had lost his only hope that would help him not give

up. Johnathan felt new emotions, like shock and sadness. Over time he would feel depressed but never give up on his dream as his mother would always say to Johnathan “Never give up and you always get something good in return”.

Over time he would learn new tricks but sometimes fail those tricks. His coach was testing his resilience and seeing if he would ever get angry or frustrated. Johnathan would get back up and always keep going, and that did pay off as the English national team coach for skiing had scouted him.

From that day on he would train with the national team and he would then go on to win three gold Olympic medals. After that, he tragically got injured and was never be able to ski again. Even though this had happened his dream had come true and he would always be remembered in Olympic History as one of the greatest skiers of all time.

COVERED IN CONTROVERSY

James S,w Year 12 write...

Hi, I’m James S, a Year 12 Politics student, and my friend Oscar F and I disagree on a lot of things. Every edition we hope to provide you with two opposing views on a relevant political topic to help you come up with your own opinions.

This half term:

Does Trump Pose an Existential Treat to America?

With the recent Super-Tuesday primary result, the Republican Party have asserted their clear support for Trump, which resulted in his GOP opponent, Nikki Haley, pulling out of the race. This, alongside Biden’s dominance in the Democratic Primary contest, has essentially confirmed a re-match of 2020. Division in the Democratic Party has led to rapidly deteriorating public approval of Biden, and the polls are indicating a Trump victory. So with another four years of Trump in the Oval Office seeming to be an increasingly likely possibility, how will it impact America, and does he pose an existential threat to the system as we know it?

James’s take: “The American system of checks and balances, with absolute sovereignty belonging to the Constitution, makes it boarder-line impossible for Trump to cause damage too severe to undo.”

Donald John Trump, a name synonymous with controversy, absurdity, and dubiousness, and yet not one many would associate with dramatic change. Sure, Trump hoped to change a lot, primarily running on a ballot

focused around the concept of “America First”:

- Building the border wall to keep out Mexican immigrants

- Reforming international treaties to lean more in America’s favour

- Leaving international treaties and organisations that he didn’t personally like

- Building back the old ways of industry in the US, by reopening the steel mills, and coal mines

- Cutting the US’s trade dependence on China

However, by the end of his four years, very little of this, if any, had been achieved. Yes, Trump did reform the North American Free-trade Agreement (NAFTA). Absolutely, he did opt out of the Paris agreement. And ok, you got me, he has reduced the trade deficit with China.

Yet despite all this seemingly drastic change, nothing much has been done at all. The borderwall, Trump’s most famous policy, still stands incomplete seven years later. China is still the third largest US trading partner. And the industrial revitalisation? Practically non-existent. In fact, despite Trump’s best efforts, America still stands as the Leader of the Free World, granted with their reputation slightly tarnished, and has led the Western powers’ efforts to support Ukraine.

Trump’s whole “MAGA” ideology has seemingly failed miserably. But how can that be? Well the answer is a little complex so you’re

going to have to bear with me.

1. Checks and Balances

The US political system was set up in such a way to prevent any one person from gaining too much power. This means that there are several checks and balances against the President’s power, which prevent him from becoming an effective dictator as Trump claims he will be, but only on “day one” of his re-elected time in office. Firstly, each government in the US, be it local, state or federal, is officially split into three branches of the executive, legislative, and judiciary, but you don’t need to worry about the Judiciary for now.

The executive is the role of the President, who has the ability to propose and approve legislature, in order to effect change within his own country. Furthermore, the President also has complete power over foreign policy, and is sometimes described jokingly as the foreign office of the US. Now hang on a minute James, you might be thinking, that actually does sound like quite a lot of power belonging to one man, what’s all this nonsense about checks and balances I hear you mention earlier? Well, here it is... The legislature.

In the US, the legislature, better known as Congress, is broken down into two bodies: the upper house, which is known as the Senate, and the lower house which is known as the House of Representatives. For the purpose of today’s article, you don’t really need to understand what the differences are between each

house, but what’s important to know is that all laws are debated, discussed and amended in both houses, and have to pass both houses in order to be submitted to the president for final approval. Furthermore, whilst the President is the face of American foreign policy, the power to declare wars, lies exclusively with Congress, and in order for a treaty to be signed a majority of 2/3’s must be achieved in the Senate.

It’s around about now that people start to realise the limits of the President’s power. Whilst his job holds a lot of power, he is essentially rendered powerless without the support of Congress. This means that compromise, moderation and bi-partisanship is required to achieve lasting change in the US, which means that almost all legislation and lasting international changes are incredibly moderate and generally represent the beliefs and concerns of almost all Americans: much more so, certainly, than the simple electoral college majority required to put a president in power.

This protects the country from populist, and inherently polarising leaders like Trump who rise to power on the support of just enough fanatic supporters and are incredibly disliked by the rest of the population.

2. The 4th Branch of Government

Aside from these three branches of power, the 4th branch is just as effective at checking the president’s power as congress is. The Civil Service, and in particular the Federal Reserve, or The Fed for short, is incredibly important in ensuring financial stability. The Fed the US’s central bank, which is completely separate

from the government and the President’s power. A major concern with a leader like Trump, is that a lack of compromise will lead to overspending, which threatens to destroy the economy. However, the work of the Fed helps to ensure that the economy stays stable and balanced, and thus far it has done a pretty damned good job at it. The details and specifics of how they do it are very complex and are taught at A-Level economics if you are interested in learning more about it, but to put it simply, when the economy starts to grow too fast, The Fed makes keeping your money in the bank more beneficial than trying to invest it, which effectively slows the economy back down.

3. Constitutional Soverignty

My third and final reason I will give for why I believe that the US system will prevail is the ideal of constitutional sovereignty, which entails that total power and ability to make change lies with the constitution which is almost

impossible to alter, requiring mass support across both state and federal governments. This essentially means that the system is almost impossible to undo, and would require an almost world ending event to bring about.

Ultimately, I have only laid out three of the strongest defences for the strength of the US system, and briefly at that, so you’ll have to excuse me for any omissions I have made, but the basic premiss on which my argument stands, still holds firm. The checks, and balances, separated central bank and the near impossible task of reforming the constitution in which all power ultimately lies, means that despite the dangers that Trump poses to the image, and short-term economy of the US, in the long-term, common sense will prevail, and order will be restored.

HOW AI IS REVOLUTIONISING HEALTHCARE

Artificial Intelligence: Ushering in a Healthcare Revolution

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the landscape of healthcare, driving unprecedented advancements in patient care, medical research, and healthcare delivery. Through the fusion of advanced algorithms, big data analytics, and machine learning, AI is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, empowering healthcare professionals and organizations to delve deeper into precision medicine, predictive diagnostics, and personalized care.

One of the most profound impacts of AI in healthcare is its ability to enhance diagnostic accuracy and timeliness. With access to vast repositories of medical

data, AI algorithms can swiftly analyze complex imaging scans, genetic information, and patient histories to detect diseases and anomalies with remarkable precision. By recognizing patterns and markers indicative of various medical conditions, AI-powered diagnostic tools are aiding healthcare professionals in achieving early detection and intervention, ultimately elevating patient outcomes. Moreover, AI is reshaping treatment approaches and personalized medicine by leveraging machine learning and predictive analytics. By scrutinizing an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle factors, and medical history, AI systems can tailor treatment plans and medication regimens to align with the specific needs of each patient. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive

optimized treatment strategies, heralding a new era of precision and individualized healthcare.

Also with treatment innovations, AI is catalyzing breakthroughs in medical research and drug development. By navigating through massive datasets and deciphering complex biological information, AI is expediting the identification and development of novel therapies and pharmaceuticals.

With the capability to predict drug candidates, anticipate adverse reactions, and optimize clinical trial processes, AI is accelerating the journey from research to treatment, offering new hope for patients with previously untreatable conditions.

Furthermore, AI is optimizing

AJ J-R, Year 10 writes...

operational efficiency and healthcare delivery, from automating administrative tasks to predicting patient admission rates and optimizing resource allocation.

AI-driven systems are streamlining healthcare operations, reducing costs, and enhancing theoverall patient experience. Virtual health assistants and AI-powered chatbots are providing personalized support to patients and easing the burden on healthcare professionals, leading to more efficient and accessible care.

In addition, AI is augmenting the capabilities of healthcare providers, serving as an invaluable ally to clinicians in interpreting medical images, analyzing complex data sets, and providing decision-making support. By alleviating the cognitive burden associated with complex medical

tasks, AI is enabling healthcare professionals to deliver more precise, evidence-based care, ultimately improving patient outcomes. AI’s impact extends beyond individual patient care to encompass preventive medicine and population health management. Through predictive analytics and risk stratification algorithms, healthcare organizations can identify individuals at high risk of developing chronic conditions, enabling proactive interventions and tailored preventive care plans. This proactive approach not only improves patient outcomes but also helps in reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems by mitigating the impact of chronic diseases.

Finally, AI is leading the charge in remote patient monitoring and telehealth, offering AIpowered wearable devices, remote monitoring platforms, and

telemedicine solutions that enable healthcare providers to remotely track and assess patients’ health metrics. This paradigm shift toward remote care is especially significant in improving access to healthcare for underserved populations and individuals living in remote areas.

In conclusion, AI is spearheading a transformative revolution in healthcare, from diagnosis and treatment to research, operational efficiency, and preventive care. As the potential of AI in healthcare continues to expand, it is crucial to navigate this transformation with a focus on ethical, regulatory, and privacy considerations to ensure that the power of AI is harnessed responsibly and equitably. The integration of AI in healthcare holds the promise of enhancing patient outcomes, driving innovation, and shaping the future of medicine in ways that were previously unimaginable.

THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKETS

Husain G, Year 10 writes...

The forex (foreign exchange) market is where banks, funds and individuals can buy or sell currencies for speculative purposes. Speculation is a form of trading where traders look to profit from market price movements.

Forex trading can provide high returns but also brings elevated risk. 95% of retail forex traders lose money.

In forex trading, currencies are being traded and are listed in pairs called currency pairs. The most common global currencies traded are the US dollar, the Euro and the Japenese Yen. As we said, currencies being traded are listed in pairs, such as:

EUR/USD - this is the most popular globally traded currency; this is the quote of Europe’s Euro against the US dollar.

GBP/USD – this currency pair is the British Pound against the US Dollar. This is the second, on the basis of average daily trades placed

per day (volume), out of the three listed here.

USD/JPY - this is within the top 3 most popular globally traded currency pairs, and this currency pair is the same as above which includes the US dollar against the Japanese Yen.

A currency pair is the exchange rate of a currency against the unit of another currency as shown above. The exchange rate of the Dollar against the Yen shows how many Yen 1USD can buy. If the USD/JPY chart is going up it means the Dollar is getting stronger.

Unique features of the forex market:

The forex market is the largest of all the markets, with $5 trillion worth of value traded each day, compared to the meagre $200 billion of the stock market. In the forex market, the way to purchase/trade currencies are through lots, which are either micro, mini or standard lots. A micro lot is 1000 units of any given currency, a mini lot is

10,000 lots, and a standard lot is the biggest at 100,000 lots.

The forex market is open 24 hours a day for 5 days a week MondayFriday. Forex trading is available to anyone, but there is no physical exchange of money from one party to another because this transaction is taking place online through CFD trading platforms and brokers. CFD (contract for differences) trading platforms are software solutions that brokers, and financial institutions offer to facilitate digital trading from remote locations. They allow you to trade thousands of financial instruments without owning the assets.

Another unique feature of the forex market is that it allows to utilize leverage, leverage is using borrowed capital to increase returns. The forex market is often characterized by its high leverages and traders often use it to size up their positions.

Tip:

When you place a buy/go long (betting on the price of that asset/ security) on securities you can only lose a certain amount of money until the security falls to zero. However, when you short/ sell (bet on the security/asset depreciating) you can lose infinite amounts of money because the security could rise for an unprecedented amount however when you long (buy) something if the trade doesn’t turn out your way you can only lose a certain amount. That way you can apply a margin of safety when trading which limits downside risk (loss of money).

Bottom advantages and disadvantages:

The advantages of trading the forex market is that compared to the stock market the forex market is significantly more volatile and therefore when making a right trade you would earn more money in the forex market than if you won a trade in the stock market. However, disadvantages of the forex market is that the price movements are influenced by geopolitical and financial events and due to the fact that there are countless geopolitical events occurring constantly in different countries it is very hard to predict

the direction of the forex market because we live in a constantly changing world.

Leverage:

When speculating in the forex market, there is one key factor that will make or break your returns: leverage. Leverage is the use of borrowed money to invest. People do this because by borrowing money from a broker, they can trade using larger positions in the underlying currency. But as I mentioned earlier, leverage is a double-edged sword as it can also increase expected losses.

Prolific investor Charlie Munger

stated, “There are only 3 ways a smart person can go broke: liquor, ladies and leverage.” The main message of this quote is to stress the pernicious nature of the risks of borrowing money and using money that you don’t have. Although there is potential to earn substantial returns from utilizing leverage, it can also work against investors. E.g. if you have a position where you bet on the US Dollar strengthening relative to another currency, such as the British Pound, and the position is moving in the opposite direction, your trade leverage will amplify the losses.

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