Chessington World of Adventures - Caspian G, Year 7
Year 9 Field Day - Felipe E, Year 9
People, Places and Things, A Theatre Review - Ivan G, Year 12
The General Election: Things Can Only Get Better - James S and Oscar F, Year 12
Five Famous Female AuthorsMoses N, Year 9
Hisham H, Year 7
My Visit to the World Snooker Championship - Breck R, Year 9
Ending of an Era Points to Bright Future - Edward J, Year 12
Beautiful Scottish TownsBreck R, Year 9
Meet the Prefect Team
Cover photograph - Lukas A, Year 7
The Power of Music - A Poem - Lukas A, Year 7
The Writing on the Mirror -
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
ROWING SUCCESS
Congratulations to Luke T in Year 11 who finished an impressive 3rd in the Ball Cup Regatta last month.
He raced for Fulham Reach Boat Club in the J16 singles division.
The 750m event, first held in 1934, is hosted at the Olympic rowing course at Dorney Lake in Buckinghamshire.
We had some fantastic entries this year for our annual photograph competition. Thanks to the Burnett family for judging and choosing the finalists and winner.
Clockwise from above:
Skiing Scene by Caspian G: ‘He truly captures the wonder of the winter environment, magic and mystery in one shot.’
Skyline by David S: ‘The wonderful
colours of the sky juxtaposed against the harsh, cold, wintry rooftops is fantastic.’
Parakeet by Elyes B: ‘We’re doubly jealous of this one! We were in the Amazon a few weeks ago, and neither of us came close to getting such a great shot of such a beautiful bird.’
Heron by Freddie Gould: ‘The heron in the shadow of the fiery setting sun is a wonderful image.’
Flower Carpet by Haruki S: ‘This is a great shot! The use of focus and angle makes you feel like you’re lying in the field yourself.’
Desert by Lukas A (Winner): ‘This picture transported us – we felt like we were looking at a scene from The English Patient.’
Palms by Mohammed A: ‘He manages to capture great contrast in the sky and clouds, bringing great depth to the picture.’
ART SHOW
Elijah N, Year 11 writes...
Last Thursday saw all GCSE and A Level art and graphic design students display two years worth of coursework and exam projects in the Drama studio. The exhibition housed a section dedicated to the work of every student in order for it to be examined and then enjoyed by our fellow students, friends and relatives.
The GCSE students showcased their coursework projects (Natural Forms, My Environment for Art and Illustration and Packaging design for Graphics) alongside their ‘Power’ projects which was the general exam topic assigned by the exam board. The exhibition included our sketchbooks, process work and final pieces, which ranged from sculptures, textiles, paintings, book covers and packaging designs.
After two years of hard work and a 10 hour examination (15 hours at A Level!) in which all boys produced a response to ‘Power’, the exhibition was a particularly rewarding and exciting opportunity for all art and graphics students to look back at their work over the years. In the exhibition itself was a wide array of different pieces and media; some projects I found particularly intriguing were the A Level sculptures exploring the concept of ‘light’, illustrations inspired by the ‘power’ of music, and book covers for Animal Farm and the Old Man and the Sea for graphics coursework projects.
For my section of the exhibition I displayed my tapestry inspired
by ‘skin’ (part of my coursework), and my triptych inspired by the power of human emotion and how it can be communicated through colour which I completed for my exam project. I personally enjoyed walking around the gallery and trying to understand the boys’ range of ideas and responses to the prompts.
As a GCSE student soon moving
on to A level Art, I felt very proud to see the work displayed, and I think that the GCSE course has certainly enabled me to see what media I enjoy working with and what styles speak to me the most. I am especially grateful to Miss Bradley and Mr Murphy for putting just as much effort into organising these galleries year after year: a very strong way to end and celebrate the course.
ART SHOW
LORD OF THE FLIES REVIEW
Edward J, Year 12 writes...
This year’s Lower School Production – William Golding’s The Lord of the Flies – saw a myriad of exceptional performances in a professionally convincing production. The 1950s classic tells the story of a group of British schoolboys stranded on a deserted island who quickly descend into savagery as they attempt to govern themselves and survive. Appositely performed in the Marylebone Lane Drama Studio of our all-boys school, the production successfully captured the story’s pandemonium, with the only critique being that some of the psychopathic performances were, perhaps, a bit too convincing.
As seats began to fill up in the drama studio - effectively transformed into the setting of a deserted island - the anticipation continued to build as parents, teachers, students, and guests eagerly flicked through their programmes. Thanks to the incredible work of Ethan in year 9 (the student lighting designer)
smoke enveloped the stage and further contributed to the authenticity and virtuosity of the performance. Once the seats had been filled and the studio had reached its maximum capacity, the excitement was distinctly palpable. The lights were shut off and indistinct murmurs of chatter were silenced. After a few encouraging shouts and cheers from the crowd - we were off.
Immediately, James in year 8 –who had already performed in two Wetherby Senior productions (Yano in Amazon and the Shopkeeper in The Government
Inspector) – gave a confident and notable performance as Piggy, a rational outsider who is ruthlessly bullied. Patric, playing the character of Jack, gave a standout portrayal as the aggressive and dominant leader of the hunters, successfully highlighting Jack’s savage thirst for power and the intoxicating nature of authority that can often corrupt. Henry also gave an excellent account of Ralph, representing leadership, order, and civilisation as a contradictory foil to Jack’s savagery. Zander’s performance as the quiet and introspective character Simon was another excellent portrayal. Alexander – having already performed in several plays – gave another convincing display as Roger, a quiet but sinister character who becomes increasingly sadistic throughout the performance. Whilst there is, unfortunately, only enough space to name just a few, everyone gave a genuinely impressive performance and helped contribute to the superb quality of the production. Numerous other moments delivered a real shock factor. The grotesque, shocking, and impressive realism of the pig’s
head – killed by Jack’s hunters – contributed to the brutal authenticity of the students’ portrayal. Throughout the performance, the boys’ faces and hands became more and more bloodied, their clothes soiled and dirty, and their shirts rugged and ripped. It was particularly amusing – although, in the context of the story, shocking – to see how boys chose to wear their ties as the story progressed. Whilst, at the start, the cast all wore their ties smartly, by the end, some kept their tie around their undone collar, some as a makeshift headband, some around their shoulder and under their arm, and some even used it as a wristband. Either way, it was profoundly convincing, as these s appeared to have abandoned all societal norms, deeply disturbed by the horror of being left to fend entirely for themselves as mere schoolboys.
The interval - tactfully organised by Miss Twomey (among her many other roles) was pleasantly placed between Act 2 and Act 3allowed the parents and teachers to grab themselves a drink and have a catch-up in the adjacent studio. Director Lawrence Harp appeared to take on a multitude of important roles: managing the
sound, directing, calming down the actors before the performance, and even cameoing at the end of the play as the Naval Officer.
Overall, the production of The Lord of the Flies was a greatly impressive piece that remained faithful to Golding’s original, with its underlying motifs coming through resplendently. Above all, however, my takeaway was how much hard-workings collaboration – both seen and, predominantly, unseen - must have gone into the entire play.
MUSIC Tour: Beligium 2024
George M, Year 9 writes...
This year, the musicians of Wetherby Senior school were lucky to go on a music tour to Belgium.
On Thursday 9th June we embarked on our journey. As soon as we loaded all our instruments and other luggage onto the coach (which was no easy task!) we set off to Belgium. The coach ride from Marylebone to Blankenberge, a charming sea-side town located in West Flanders, went smoothly. We arrived at the Hotel Sabot D’or in time for a delicious dinner. After that, we took a trip to Blankenberge’s stunning beach, which is where Archduke Franz Ferdinand would go on holiday prior to his assassination.
The first full day of our trip was action-packed, with fun activities
such as a Canal cruise of the picturesque city of Brugge, which was followed by a demonstration at Roose’s Chocolate World, where we were given the opportunity to taste and buy lots of delightful Belgian Chocolate. However, in the afternoon it was time for our first concert, held at an exquisite bandstand in the beautiful town of Ostend, which for a year was where the highly influential soul singer Marvin Gaye resided. The concert attracted a lot of spectators, some of whom commented on how professional it was. A couple of parents also made the journey to Belgium to watch their sons play.
After dinner, we took another trip to the beach, this time enjoying an incredible sunset while walking along the well-known Art Deco pier at Blankenberge.
The subsequent day of our
trip featured an exhilarating, adrenaline-filled trip to Bellewaerde theme park. We enjoyed rides on rollercoasters, and water slides among other things. But it wasn’t just the students who had fun; the teachers joined in on the action, accompanying us an a variety of terrifying rides.
After our day of fun, it was time for our final concert. This time our venue was an archway in lovely market square in Ypres. When we arrived at the venue our setup and rehearsal was delayed by a downpour of heavy rain but fortunately it cleared up in time for the concert.
The concert was a massive success. We were supported by a few Wetherby parents as well as attracting a good audience who seemed to be having a great time. After the concert we were treated
to a tasty meal at the restaurant Depot in Ypres. After that, we took a trip to the Menin Gate memorial, which was a sobering experience and very important thing to see.
The next morning we were ready to return to England. Thanks to the amazing work of all the teachers, especially Mr Martin, we were given an amazing experience, which we will remember for the rest of our lives.
YEAR 7 ECO HOUSES
Some of our Year 7 pupils have been learning about eco architecture and designing their own houses in their Art lessons. We sent some of their designs to an architect who specialises in housing for his professional opinion:
Alexander M, Year 7 writes...
:My design is made out of recycled timber. There is a wild garden on the roof for natural growth of flowers and plants, as well as solar panels to create energy. I chose solar panels over wind turbines are they are cheaper to run in the place I live. The garage has a full turf roof for grass to grow and it can house a bicycle and an electric car. The garden is completely wild with no weed killers or chemicals to encourage wildlife to live in and to prevent any chemical
waste. In the garden, there is also a small wildlife pond with reeds and shallow banks so animals can make it their home. The purpose of the shallow banks is that if any animal accidentally falls into the water they will be easily able to come back out again. There is a greenhouse for growing fruits and vetables so that the residents can cnsume home-grown foods. There are also vegetables growing on the window sills.
Architect’s feedback: What made this entry stand out was a big focus on encouraging biodiversity alongside a strong architectural concept. I really like the timber panelling on the drawing, it is really well done and the use of colour helps to sell the idea of it being reclaimed. There is also a consideration of the location of the house (you mention it being better for solar panels where you live) - which is an important factor in choosing solutions for the building. Well done!
Ari G, Year 7 writes....
The house is powered by solar panels and made of locally sourced material like bricks to reduce transport and emissions. There is a small roof garden on the house with an eco-ar vent that uses the wind to circulate air around and save power.
Around the back is a water tank and filter providing the house with rainwater. This will help to reduce water waste and bills.
In the garden there is a flower bed and a vegetable patch for self-sustainability. Alongside is a beautiful overgrown wild meadow garden as the highlight of the house, allowing for wildlife. Further to the right is a small
beehive and wildlife pond with reeds and lilypads o create a habitat for animals and birds. There is also a bird feeder in the corner of the garden.
In the driveway there is a small electric car to reduce petrol emissions and a bike for shorter distances.
Architect’s feedback: I enjoy the detail you have out into your drawing, your meadow planting really works well to sell the idea of a biodiverse setting for your house. The use of locally sourced bricks is also a good thought that will help reduce the embodied carbon of the building! Well done!
Chessington world of adventures
On Friday 7th June, Year 7 went to Chessington to mark the end of exams. With lots of shops, restaurants, an arcade, rides and even a zoo, Chessington has something for everyone. The Year 7 trip was also a good example of responsibility and independence as children got to make their own groups and almost do everything on their own.
The rides in Chessington range from gentle, like SeaStorm, to intense, like Dragon’s Fury; however, if rides aren’t your thing, Chessington offers an arcade, full of claw machines to racing games and lots of other games around the park. Some intense rides like Dragon’s Fury had lots of queues, sometimes going up to an hour, but most intense rides were well worth the wait. One of Chessington’s new additions, Mandrill Mayhem, had a fifteenminute queue, went upside down twice and had top speeds of 72 mph, perfect for Jumanji fans like myself. I went on it five times!
Another great ride is the Vampire, and with my prior experience at Chessington, I made sure it was the first ride I went on, with only a fifteen-minute queue. To put it into perspective, the queue is normally one hour. If you’re looking for more gentle rides on a hot day, I would suggest going to the mini log flume, Tiger Rafts. And if you have an adult with you, you could go on the Tiger Rock. But beware, all rides are built below the tree line, so they try their best to make the rides extremely fast! I also thoroughly enjoyed Croc Drop, though I wouldn’t suggest doing it straight after lunch!
Talking about lunch, Chessington has some tasty, but unhealthy and expensive lunch options, from delicious tacos to some less delicious ranch chicken burgers, the park has got some varied options. They also sell hundreds of sweets, £7 donuts, and some refreshing soft drinks.
Now, some people don’t enjoy rides, so instead, you could watch some imaginative and insightful shows on animals. Although I would suggest going to the zoo instead where you can see some tigers, otters and many more animals. The park also has some games like Hook a Duck, claw machines and basketball, which are complete scams! Unless you
are willing to pay £80 for a Mario plush toy, I would steer clear of some games. On a lighter note, the arcade is stocked full of some racing games and other adventure games, where you could easily spend a day in the arcade.
If you are a thrill seeker like me, I’m going to tell you 3 of the best rides that some other Year 7s and I went on. Vampire is a good starting point and a fast 72 kph ride is sure to wake you and your friend up! Mandrill Mayhem is exciting and fun, definitely one you will want to do more than once. Lastly, Dragon’s Fury, the fastest ride in the park, at 77 kph, is definitely a must for thrill seekers.
YEar 9 Field Day
Felipe E, Year 9, writes...
On Wednesday the 19th of June, a group of 17 Year 9 students were able to take part in a very special Field Day, which involved going to Stamford Bridge and having a tour. We all met up in our school’s wonderful gym so that Mr Underwood could register us and so that we could all be briefed on our wonderful day ahead. We started by heading to Baker Street Station so we could catch the tube to Stamford Bridge, the home of the best team in London, Chelsea Football Club. The tour was about the business of football, so we learnt about Chelsea’s commercial and matchday revenue and how Chelsea was able to spend £1 billion on players. He explained the loophole that Chelsea was able to sign players because you could give them longer contracts so you could spread the payment of the transfer deal over more years, so you could pay less.
Now on to the tour itself. We first went to the press room where we were able to get a few nice pictures. Mr Tucker and I, who were the only Chelsea fans on the trip, got a nice picture together. We also were able to go and see the players’ changing rooms for both teams. We then went down
the tunnel and onto the pitch, which was a surreal experience. We were able to go up and down the touchline as well and sit in the managers’ seats for the home and away team. We then finished off our tour by the hospitality boxes. We then went to the museum,
where we showed the Tottenham and Arsenal fans how to win trophies. We then finished a brilliant trip in the club store.
A massive thanks should go to Mr Underwood, Mr Tucker, and Mr Stokoe for organising the trip.
PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS: A REVIEW
Ivan, Year 12, writes...
Disquieting existential anxieties abound, materialise, and become all-too-palpable onstage (yet underground) at the unassuming Trafalgar Theatre in this long-awaited revival of Duncan Macmillan’s harrowing exploration of addiction, a bona fide classic that is quintessentially contemporary both in date of composition and in its penetrating understanding of the modern human condition. Apart from minor updates to Macmillan’s script that seek to help, if you will,
to keep the text up with the times, it would be fair to say that the production remains as audiences first experienced it at the National Theatre in 2015—in the ways that matter, at least—with Jeremy Herrin returning to direct, Bunny Christie closely reproducing her original staging, and, of course, Denise Gough, of recent Andor fame, reprising her Olivier Awardwinning role as our drug-addicted heroine-in-recovery, to whom, lest anything important be spoiled to the uninitiated, we shall here strictly refer as Emma.
Indeed, and with plenty of respect for all ancillary performers, including the here-too-returning Kevin McMonagle, whose dual roles consistently provide muchneeded, heartfelt boosts of comedy to this distressing piece, it is this central trifecta of talent that appears to ultimately define the show as seen onstage. Christie’s geometric square-white-tiled set—forming the confines of the rehabilitation facility within which nearly all action throughout the two acts occurs—is clean, clinical, claustrophobic even, almost maddeningly minimalist, and it is through the subversion of this feeling of order that Emma’s traumatic journey towards recovery is communicated. In one outstanding moment that is, admittedly, better seen onstage than read on-page, precise projection mapping seems to rip several white tiles from their walls, rendering them eerily weightless as Emma hallucinates from withdrawal. Otherwise, furniture violently slides out from camouflaged slots hidden in the wings to shift scenes into Emma’s bedroom, tinging this theoretical sanctum with threat and discomfort; intense green strobe-lights colour the stage’s monochromes in sudden frenzied dance sequences suggesting the euphoria of relapse; and towards the end, with our heroine finally ending up at home, a platform, cut out in the centre, descends from above, locking into place to surround her as she remains still, reminding us that, throughout this play, Emma perceives herself as the helpless constant around which a cruel universe fluctuates indifferently.
Herrin’s compelling direction shines most noticeably in the production’s more psychedelic sequences, subtly blurring the lines between diegetic hallucination and theatrical expressionism, certainly immersing us profoundly in Emma’s turbulent headspace. Perhaps his most effective motif proves to be the repeated use of twitching, writhing Emmadoppelgängers, costumed and blonde-wigged identically, onstage alongside her in a series of uncannily choreographed, chaotic physical sequences, initially emerging—somehow— from seemingly the insides of Emma’s bed. The fact that the play begins with a meta-theatrical performance of an extract from Chekov’s Seagull (Emma, an actress, in the role of Nina), which is then interrupted by sudden breaks in character and the literal ‘breaking’ of a ‘fourth wall’. To clarify, it must be mentioned that, in something of a mathematical bend-of-mind, this performance in fact had two ‘fourth’ walls to be broken as a result of Christie’s traverse staging, whereby eager viewers watch from both sides of
the stage, the actors performing in the centre; that being said, this amateur journalist was fortunate enough to have his ticket booked by a certain Miss Twomey, who had arranged for her A-Level Drama students to be seated on the third row of the more exclusive, only-three-row section, and it was the mesh ‘wall’ on this side of the stage that was ripped by a rapidly formed group of actors right before the action began. From the inaugural A-Level Drama cohort of Wetherby Senior School—thank you, Miss. Thank you indeed.
THE GENERAL ELECTION: THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER
Oscar F and James S, Year 12, write...
Why has he called it?
James’s Take:
Rishi Sunak’s announcement on May 22nd came as a surprise to many—including his political rivals—and that, I believe, was the predominant reasoning behind it. You see, since September 2021, the Tories have been lagging behind Labour in the polls with no sign of recovery. Month after month, the Conservative Party’s approval rating dropped off, and following Liz Truss’s disastrous 49 days in office, the result of the next general election was a foregone conclusion. Nevertheless, Sunak has still managed to somehow worsen the already difficult situation he is in. Currently ranked as the least popular politician in the UK (why Liz Truss miraculously isn’t baffles me), Sunak trails by a mighty 16 points according to Statista, and when you hear Sunak’s track record it kind of makes sense. Under Sunak, the country has experienced a cost-of-living crisis, economic stagnation, tax hikes, and so much more. All the while, Sunak’s scramble to reunite his deeply divided party, coupled with the looming threat of Reform stealing the party’s far-right voters, has led to the Conservative Government pursuing pointless migration policies that have not only done nothing to address the biggest issue that is the economy but have been completely and utterly ineffectual. This is all just to say, Sunak had nothing. Nada.
No history of positive influence. No polling advantage. No chance. And yet, with the five-year deadline for calling a general election coming up in January 2025, the only thing he did have was the element of surprise. And wield that he did.
Oscar:
Tony Blair’s infamous election anthem Things Can Only Get Better drowned out the sound of Rishi Sunak’s snap election announcement—while the opposite seems to be true for the man himself. The true reason behind the announcement seems to be that things are on course to only get worse. The economy is seeing some macroeconomic indicators of success, with inflation having come down to 2.5% on the day of the announcement, but Sunak’s promise of interest rate cuts over the summer seems to have been ignored by the Bank of England. It has also been suggested that his flagship policy to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda was set for huge delays due to legal challenges.
On a more personal level, some people believe that Rishi Sunak is just… done with politics. His whole life, he has been a winner, from being head boy of his secondary school to huge success as an analyst at Goldman Sachs, but since becoming Prime Minister he has been a loser in the political world: one of his closest aides claimed that he was “simply fed up” in an interview with the Mirror.
What will the biggest issues be?
James’s Take:
Since 2015, one singular issue has dictated the direction of the Conservative party more than anything else: Immigration. It inspired a revolt against Cameron and the centre of the party in 2015; it forced Theresa May to fill half of her cabinet with political rivals; and it allowed Boris Johnson to win over the Red Wall (Northern constituencies that generally vote Labour) that contributed to his gargantuan majority in 2019. As a result, the Conservative Party abandoned their traditional economic policies of limited government spending and rebranded themselves as a party that advocated for conservative social policy and liberal spending. In complete opposition to the one-nation Conservative Party that David Cameron had led until 2016, Boris Johnson turned the party into a right-wing populist party, whose target voters shifted from traditional middle-class families in the South and East to disillusioned working-class families in the North. While many speculated this may lead to the death of the Labour party, the long-term ramifications turned out to be completely different. Following Keir Starmer’s appointment as leader of the opposition in the 2020 Labour Leadership election, the Conservative Party found themselves in a seemingly impossible position. Ordinarily, the Conservatives would have shifted to the centre to mitigate
the impact that Labour would have in winning over some of their more left-leaning voters; however, the Conservative party also found themselves being squeezed from the right by Reform. This is almost completely unprecedented in British political history, as the Conservatives have never experienced a party that challenged them for their core voters before, and the last time the Labour Party had to contend with vote splitting was in the 1987 general election (before most of you reading this were alive). Therefore, I believe that the biggest issue that has the potential to determine the outcome of this general election will be immigration due to the unprecedented nature of Reform splitting the far-right vote and the ramifications it will have on potential swing seats.
Oscar’s Take:
This election is truly extraordinary: the political climate, campaigns, polls and figureheads are entirely unique. This election cycle is principally not being fought on the grounds of policy, ideas or innovation. Apathy and disillusionment with the electoral system have grown to such a scale that steadfast manifesto commitments are now seen as wasted promises. This is most clearly exemplified by the current state of Conservative party polling; while individual policies in their manifesto, particularly a 2% cut in national insurance and protection of the state pension, have proved to be highly popular with the public, the poll shift has been negligible. There is no trust in their leadership. The lies of the Brexit campaign, lies over the Partygate scandal, and most recently the lies over election
betting from Sunak’s closest aides have denigrated trust in politics entirely, thus making that the core issue of this general election. Keir Starmer has his problems in this regard too. Every interview he now does is plagued by questions over why he called Jeremy Corbyn a “great” candidate to be Prime Minister in 2019. It is put sharply by journalists: were you lying to him or to us? However, he has equally leveraged his successes as director of public prosecutions to establish some level of credibility with voters, becoming the best of two bad options—a running theme in this general election.
What lies ahead?
James’s Take:
It is my belief that Labour will win this general election with a majority similar to, if not greater than, that of Tony Blair in 1997 (418 seats—326 is required to win a majority). This is due to three key factors. 1. The Conservatives have lost the trust of the people. Throughout 14 years, the Conservatives have maintained the government that imposed austerity, implemented Brexit, and utilised economic policy which resulted in economic stagnation, tax hikes, and a cost of living
crisis; not to mention the handling of COVID, the sleaze, and the various scandals that occurred (Partygate, Dominic Cummings and his eye test, Matt Hancock’s infidelity etc.). As a result, the Conservative Party have lost the trust of the people not just to run the country, but on a personal level. This is a key marker of an opposition victory, as it can also be seen to signpost the Labour victory over the incumbent Tory government following the 13 years of dominance from 19511964. 2. Reform are poised to steal many voters away from the Conservatives. This is completely uncharted territory from a Conservative standpoint, and the last time this occurred in British politics, it contributed to a 102seat majority for the Conservatives in 1987. 3. Labour is centrist. Game theory mathematically proves that the closer a party is to their opposition, the more likely they are to win, and in a two-party system, being in the centre can be a game changer. This can also be seen in historical trends. Tony Blair’s 1997 General Election victory clearly displays the power of a centrist party. With their new “Third Way” policies in hand, Labour won a landmark landslide victory, with the greatest majority in British politics ever.
Even so, today’s Labour have advantages over Blair in 1997, predominantly due to Reform’s campaign, which is drawing a lot of the Conservative Party’s attention.
Nevertheless, whilst simultaneously believing that Labour will win (and in a landslide at that), I am also quite pessimistic about the future of a Labour Government. This is rooted in two main concerns. Firstly, that the Labour party is not as centrist as it appears, and sooner rather than later, a much less appealing leader may emerge from Labour’s ranks (potentially Angela Rayner or Rachel Reeves) to replace Keir Starmer. And secondly, and more importantly, that the Labour Party doesn’t really know what it’s doing. Whilst being aware of the issues that face the UK in the modern world, Labour’s top cabinet ministers haven’t the faintest idea how to deal with them. In a recent lecture at Chatham House (political think tank), David Lammy and Rachel Reeves discussed Britain’s place in a post-globalist world, where they blatantly stated that Britain was going to find itself almost completely isolated. We cut ourselves out of the EU, we willingly distance ourselves from China, and the US will find no value in us... and what was Labour’s grand plan in this inevitability? “Singapore upon Thames.” Essentially a trading and business hub. Whilst this may seem like a solid plan on the surface, it falls apart when you start to consider Labour’s actual manifesto, which includes policies like getting rid of the ‘non-dom’ tax exemption. Somehow, in the writing of their manifesto, Labour managed
to forget that some of the most important people in making the UK a relevant business and commerce capital also benefitted from the non-dom tax status. As a result, my expectations of the future are not bright, and as Labour may rise to be the giant I project them to be, I fear they will cast a great shadow over this nation.
Oscar’s Take:
Polls do indeed demonstrate an eye-watering lead for the Labour party: the Electoral Calculus currently predicts a 499-seat win for Keir Starmer. However, this has equally been an election where polls have shaped public opinion rather than public opinion shaping polls. This is evidence of a brilliant campaign, and last happened in 1997, where such momentum is generated that people feel unable to express their support for a different party.
This level of momentum may, in this instance, have gone too far. The election to many feels like a foregone conclusion, and in fact that is the current messaging of Conservative
Party Headquarters. Current Conservative advertising arguably even amounts to deliberate voter suppression, while Labour launched its newest campaign this week, focused on increasing voter turnout. A leaked memo from Pat McFadden, Labour’s national campaign coordinator, even urges that local election material should now focus on ensuring a positive turnout in marginal constituencies, as opposed to negative campaigning towards the Conservative party.
Coupled with a range of different factors—for example, the prevalence of the SNP in Scotland—this is likely to mean that Keir Starmer does not quite meet the 418-seat landslide of New Labour. Instead, it is expected to land at a comfortable 390-seat majority in the House of Commons—which we should never forget would in and of itself require one of the largest swings in British electoral history.
FIVE FAMOUS FEMALE AUTHORS
Moses N, Year 9, writes...
Today, there are many more female writers, and in 2020, for the first time ever, female authors overtook male authors in book publishing. The author who has sold the most books after Shakespeare is, in fact, a woman: her name is Agatha Christie. There are also many famous female authors with amazing books. These include Jane Austen, Margaret Atwood, S.E. Hinton, Daphne du Maurier, and Mary Shelley.
Firstly, for Year 7, I would recommend The Outsiders written by S.E. Hinton. It is a story about a rebellious boy living with his two brothers who is involved in an accidental murder. It helps convey the struggle of class divide but also shows how, even though some people may have more money, they still have their own problems.
For Year 8, I would recommend Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It follows the story of a monster created by a scientist in the 18th century, assembled from scavenged body parts. The
Monster is shunned by its creator as it turns out to be a horrid creature who exacts revenge through murder and terror.
For Year 9, I would recommend Rebecca written by Daphne du Maurier, a story about a young woman marrying a wealthy widower. However, she becomes haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. The book takes an
interesting turn towards the end. It is a psychological thriller set in the halls of Manderley. This book is a classic and a must-read.
For Year 10, I would recommend Pride and Prejudice written by Jane Austen. This novel is set in 19th-century England. It follows the spirited Elizabeth Bennet and her struggle to find a compatible husband. The story delves into themes of love and social expectation while also exploring the complexities of human relationships in a land of luxury.
For Year 11, I would encourage all who feel mature enough to understand the story to read The Handmaid’s Tale written by Margaret Atwood. It is a story set in a dystopic world where, due to low birth rates, ‘Handmaids’ like the protagonist are stationed to high-ranking families who have trouble conceiving. This book is far from the hardest read; however, there are some interesting points that are brought into the mix which help make this story more intricate and interesting.
THE POWER OF MUSIC
A poem by Lukas A, Year 7
As I jog to school through busy London streets, rushing to beat the bell,
I am grooving to the rhythm that is playing in my ears.
After a three-week Easter break, I still manage to arrive late, just to find out that we start off the day with music, I know – how ‘boring’, right?!
I have always loved music since I was a small child, but if only the teachers could put more effort into us actually playing music, not just listening to the monotonous classical tones. Its time for a change, it’s not the 1800s,
The world has progressed, and so has music, Why not deep dive into hip hop?
Have you ever heard the quote: “Never be afraid of trying something new because life gets boring?”
I have been daydreaming in all the classes, thinking of beats, at least, the day is over now. It felt like an eternity!
While I stroll through the roads that guide me home, at the corner of my eye I catch a sight of a school for hip hop and talented artists, wow, this might just be exactly what I have been secretly looking for!
“Auditions on the 5th of May!” a voice shouted from behind.
“Thanks,” I responded, trying to hide my excitement.
The only problem is that my Mum is obsessed with academics; Sadly, my dad passed away last year and he was the only one who enjoyed me learning about hip hop, listening to it, performing and creating it.
I am going to have to use all my techniques of persuasion … ‘Family dinner’time has arrived, it is much more hectic than it should be, my little brother keeps screaming and kicking, because Mum forgot to put on his favourite TV show; he’s a little spoiled baby, who knows how to make it all about himself and what he enjoys, depriving everybody else of peace and tranquility.
Eventually, I gather my courage to interrupt and to ask:
“While I was walking back from school, I came across this poster, Which advertised auditions for Talented Hip hop artists, …. ….. and I was wondering if I could audition…”
“Haha, you are funny. You can try to audition, but what do I always say:
You are wasting your precious time!,” responded Mum.
In my head I was asking myself: “Does my Mum really think that I am that bad?”
I guess she is just trying to politely convince me not to spend more money.
After months of practicing and putting hours of dedication, the D-day has arrived.
I lined up nervously, silently observing rejection after rejection, but it was finally my time to shine.
As I introduced myself confidently to the judges, it didn’t hesitate to turn the track on.
“Let me introduce you to the power of music, that’ll never fail. It’s a universal language, speaks to the soul, makes you feel whole, helps you reach your goal. This is what music means to me. From the beats to the rhymes, it’s a symphony, bringing people in perfect harmony, no matter where you are from, no matter who your parents are, no matter your race, rich or poor, music unites us all, puts a smile on our face.
Remember, in the ups and downs of life, music will always be there to help you thrive, So, keep your head up, keep the music alive.
Let it be your strength, let it help you survive.”
Suddenly, I hear nothing else than just a roar of applause echoing in my ears,
Just like a loud scream vibrating in my surroundings, this was a dream come true and I still can’t believe it is real!
Never be afraid of trying something new. That is the power of music for me!
Hisham H, Year 7 writes...
As he was casually looking through the eerie attic of his grandma’s old house, James stumbled upon a dusty mirror. It was large and foreboding, its surface reflecting the dim light in a sinister manner. As he approached, he noticed faint writing etched into the corner: “Find the key to unlock the truth.” James’s heart raced with fear and excitement. What truth was hidden behind those ominous words? Determined but apprehensive, he searched every corner of the attic. What felt like minutes turned into long, hard hours until James found a worndown old box. He opened the lid and inside was a rather large, old handkerchief. He felt something hard inside, and though he thought maybe it would be best to leave it, his curiosity got the better of him. Slowly, he unwrapped it revealing an old and rusty key. But what would that key unlock? He pondered to himself. He put the key in his pocket and decided to look around for any clue possible, yet he did not realize the clue was within reach, so much so that just by looking at it he could find the answer to his problem.
After twenty minutes of searching, he took the key out of his pocket and looked at it. There was a small message that read:
“If you have found me, congratulations. The door to your problems is in front of you. Look at your reflection carefully.”
He knew exactly what this meant. He scurried back to the mirror and took a long look. Until he saw
THE WRITING ON THE MIRROR
it. He saw a little door in the left corner of the attic. He ran there and tried to unlock the door. With a struggle, he opened it and there was a little parchment inside. The parchment was crumpled up and looked like it had been through a lot. He read it:
“If you are related to Leonardo Crasic, keep reading.”
James looked up. He remembered his late mum briefly mentioning how his distant uncle, who died in the army as a hero, was called Leonardo Crasic.
“Please help me. I’m stranded in Mount Patti, Nigeria. I have very little supplies and I need help. My family thinks I’m dead, but I have been held captive by the Battle
Axe, and this is the only message I’ve been able to sneak to you. I am sending this to you, please help.”
James pondered for a moment why his grandma, Leonardo Crasic’s mum, never said anything. Yet he remembered how his grandma, Harriet, has severe dementia.
Filled with mixed emotions, James looked at the mirror one last time before leaving the attic; he knew this was just the beginning of a long adventure.
Yet one question was still on his mind: Who put the writing on the mirror? And was it destiny for him to find it?
MY VISIT TO THE WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP
Breck R, Year 9 writes...
The 2024 World Snooker Championship was an exciting event held at the historic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. Snooker enthusiasts from around the world gathered to witness intense matches, incredible breaks, and nail-biting moments. I was lucky enough to attend the World Snooker Championship this year, seeing Kyren Wilson (the eventual champion) and David Gilbert in action.
Snooker is a game of skill, strategy, and nerve, with players using a cue ball to hit an object ball, red first, then a colour, and then back to red. The colours are worth different points: red (1 point), yellow (2 points), green (3 points), brown (4 points), blue (5 points), pink (6 points), and black (7 points). The object of the game is to win as many frames as possible, with winning a frame entailing getting more
points than your opponent. To put it into perspective, the final is played over four sessions (8, 9, 9, 9 frames respectively) with a total of 35 frames.
I left for Sheffield on Friday and attended the evening session that starts at 19:00 and continues until they’ve played eight frames, finishing around 23:00. I went to
the match between David Gilbert and Kyren Wilson. Both semifinals had finished their first two sessions at 8-8, meaning that a lot was at stake. The Master of Ceremonies, Rob Walker, came out and addressed the crowd before it fell silent, awaiting the go-ahead from the BBC.
In the thrilling final, Kyren Wilson faced off against Jak Jones. After a hard-fought battle, Kyren emerged victorious with an 18-14 win, securing the coveted title. His precise shots, strategic play, and nerves of steel impressed fans and fellow players alike.
During the tournament, Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham achieved a remarkable feat: a maximum 147 break in the third round of qualifying. Although he ultimately lost to Jackson Page, Saengkham received a £10,000 bonus for his 147 break in qualifying. The highest break at the Crucible itself was 142, achieved by Ricky Walden, Mark Williams, and Page in the first round.
ENDING OF AN ERA POINTS TO BRIGHT FUTURE
Edward J, Year 12 writes...
As Jimmy Anderson announced his retirement on the eve of the cricket season, we were all reminded of the painful yet faintly refreshing mantra that “all good things must come to an end”. With 187 test matches and 700 wickets under his belt, he bows out as a titan of the game and is unequivocally England’s greatest ever bowler. While it wasn’t the fairytale ending many had hoped for, Anderson’s farewell marks the beginning of a new era in English cricket – the ruthless, relentless, and rousing “Bazball” era.
Making his debut at Lord’s Cricket Ground against Zimbabwe in the summer of 2003, Jimmy was a scrawny, baby-faced seamer who represented England just months after his debut for Lancashire. His talent was undeniable from the start. Talismanic, he took five wickets in his early spells, helping England to a resounding innings and 92-run victory over Zimbabwe. Now, nearly 40,000 deliveries later, Anderson has firmly placed himself in the pantheon of sporting greats. Yet, change in sport is an inevitable reality, and if England wishes to reclaim the title of the world’s best test match side, change is essential.
This sentiment was echoed by the new England head coach, Brendan McCullum. Emphasizing the need for change as England prepares to regain the Ashes, McCullum’s directive underscores his ruthless approach. This marks a new era in English cricket – aggressive fields and high run rates are now standard. Gone are the days of Boycott-esque blocking;
“Bazball” is thrilling fans and filling stadiums at a time when test cricket needs a resurgence.
With Anderson and Broad’s retirements leaving a gaping void, England selectors face the daunting task of rebuilding the bowling attack. They may rely on familiar faces or view this as an opportunity to revamp England’s
bowling strategy, potentially calling upon emerging talents like the experienced Chris Woakes or the dynamic Josh Tongue, among others from County Cricket’s deep talent pool. The selectors’ challenge is immense, but with an eager and experimental coaching staff, they will relish the chance to discover the next English cricketing great.
Beautiful Scottish towns
Breck R, Year 9, writes...
When you think of Scotland, cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh often come to mind, but beyond these urban centers lie hidden gems nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Highlands. Let’s delve into
some lesser-known towns that showcase Scotland’s picturesque charm.
Kyle of Lochalsh
Known as Caol Loch Aillse in Gaelic, Kyle of Lochalsh is a quaint village located in Ross &
Cromarty on Scotland’s northwest coast. It serves as the gateway to the mystical Isle of Skye via the Skye Bridge.
Geography: Situated 55 miles west-southwest of Inverness, boasting stunning views amidst its scenic surroundings.
Transport: The terminus of the Kyle of Lochalsh Line, offering railway connections to Dingwall.
History: Noted for the tragic sinking of HMY Iolaire in 1918 near Stornoway, a significant event in local maritime history.
Attractions: Offers visitors breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, the panoramic Plock viewpoint, and a serene marina.
Community: Functions as a vital hub for regional transport,
shopping amenities, and essential local services.
Thurso
Inbhir Theòrsa in Gaelic, Thurso is a historic town situated in Caithness on Scotland’s north coast. It is celebrated for its Viking heritage and serves as a gateway to the Orkney Islands via ferry.
Geography: Positioned at the northernmost tip of mainland Britain, providing unparalleled coastal vistas overlooking the Pentland Firth.
Transport: The terminus of the Far North Line, connecting the town to Inverness via rail.
History: Rich in Viking legacy, evidenced by its name derived from Old Norse, meaning “Thor’s River.”
Attractions: Highlights include the ancient Old St Peter’s Church dating back to the 12th century, Thurso Castle, and access to the scenic North Coast 500 route.
Community: Acts as a bustling hub for education, retail, and local services, characterized by a strong community ethos.
Pitlochry
Known as Baile Chloichridh in Gaelic, Pitlochry is a charming town nestled in Perthshire, central Scotland. It is famed for its idyllic setting amidst the Scottish Highlands.
Geography: Located 27 miles north of Perth, nestled along the banks of the River Tummel amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Perthshire.
Transport: Serviced by Pitlochry railway station, offering convenient connections to
major cities like Edinburgh and Inverness.
History: Renowned for its Victorian architecture and status as a beloved tourist destination since Queen Victoria’s visit in 1842.
Attractions: Features include the acclaimed Pitlochry Festival Theatre, the innovative salmon ladder at Pitlochry Dam, and nearby Edradour Distillery, Scotland’s smallest traditional distillery.
Community: Acts as a vibrant hub for tourism, outdoor pursuits, and local amenities, fostering a warm and welcoming community spirit.
Benji Biggs Head of Effra
Tommy Toker Head of Fleet
Matteo Mezan Head of Ravensbourne
Oliver Bush Head of Walbrook
James Siskind Head of Tyburn
Vangelis Flood Deputy Head Boy
Oscar Frederiksen Head Boy
Christos Lazari Deputy Head Boy
Alexander Flood Vlad Kukharev
James Cheung Falco Price Lorenzo Stock
Tobi Olanrewaju
Arthur Morvan Lucas Lipton
Jackson Kirby Edward Jephcott
Jack Dupuy
Aylan Touat
Harry Singh Virdee
Niam Shah
Mark Mwangi
Alexander Flood Miles Hapgood
Dom Trudzik
Aidan Zilkha
WRITE FOR US
Do you have something you’d like to write about?
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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!
