Archive
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Celebrating The “Jack Petchey Foundation”
The Jack Petchey Foundation, established by Sir Jack Petchey CBE in 1999, has dedicated over £170 million to inspire and empower young people across London and Essex. The Foundation focuses on recognising the achievements of individuals aged 11
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The perfect place for geography experience: Pen Y Fan hiking trip.
Whitgift Geography group is on their way to the Pen Y Fan (Image: Brian Jiang, Whitgift School) In the south east of Wales, UK, Pen Y Fan is welcoming a good time of having trip, especially for the geography students from any schools. It sit in the
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The Benefits of Swimming for Mental Health
Swimming is extremely beneficial for mental health through improved mood, quality of life and stress levels. In particular, it has undeniable benefits for wellbeing and mental stability, as not only does it provide the opportunity to escape the
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Closure of St Raphael’s at home care has had a major impact on the community!
As many of us are aware, St Raphael's hospice provides home care to support those who aren't able to do so themselves. Unfortunately, the hospice itself has been faced with financial pressures. Consequently, the decision of making cuts to their
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Sizing up school travel: what's best for you?
Sizing up school travel: what’s best for you? We are always moving. When you stop and think about it, our lives nowadays are dependent on transport more than ever before, which prompts the big question - are you making the right decision when
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Gardening - do it yourself!
As autumn rolls on, the leaves continue to fall and the rain continues to pour. And as the plants transition too, it means piles of yellow leaves engulf gardens and streets and plants grow exponentially as rain carries on flooding down. So this time,
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A Flawed Modern Adaptation of the Duchess of Malfi
Based on a classic play written by John Webster, with a modern spin. It is currently being performed at the wonderful Trafalgar Theatre. This adaptation of ‘The Duchess of Malfi’ by Zinnie Harris, starring Jodie Whittaker, has been criticised
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Tom Walker – ‘I Am’ album launch at PRYZM
To promote the release of his new album ‘I Am’, Scottish singer – songwriter Tom Walker visited PRYZM night club in Kingston on 18 October, performing his gripping songs to an approving audience eager to hear his latest music. After selling over
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Being Black In Britain: Reclaiming A Centuries-Old Narrative
As a British-born black person, I have always felt like I teetered between the edges of two cultures. In England, I am too African to be considered British despite my having citizenship. On the contrary, in my home country of Nigeria, I still
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Football Obsession and Its Correlation To Domestic Violence.
In the UK, every time England loses a match domestic abuse rates increase by around 38%- according to the National Centre for Domestic Violence. In other words, some grown men kicking a leather bound sphere makes other grown men decide to go and
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The History Boys: An enchanting triumph at Richmond Theatre
Twenty years ago, The History Boys by Alan Bennett premiered at the National Theatre in London. It immediately became a modern classic, even being voted the Nation’s favourite play. After watching Sean Linnen’s version last night, I can wholeheartedly
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Croydon High’s 150th Birthday
On the 14th September 2024, Croydon High School celebrated its 150th birthday with visits from alumni, a week packed with activities related to the theme of ‘150’ and even the launch of our very own Croydon High School rubber ducks! Croydon High
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One of Hertfordshire’s hidden gems – The Cole Green Way
The Cole Green Way is a picturesque walking, equestrian and cycling route between Welwyn Garden City and Hertford. This charming trail also has an intriguing history as it used to be a railway line. It opened on March 1st 1858 and was eventually
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"Treat yourself culture": Are we turning to retail therapy for an escape from life?
Go on. Buy it. Treat yourself. A phrase many of us are now used to hearing. When did our lives become so entrenched in capitalism that purchasing goods- be it a doughnut or a bag - became our only source of relief? Our fast-paced and hectic
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Manchester United - the search continues
Following Erik ten Hag's sacking, there has been lots of speculation as to who will be the next person to step into the management role at Manchester United and try and live up to Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign there. Many fans believed that Ten Hag may
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Out with the Old and in with the New for Wimbledon Park
As of June 2024, the café in Wimbledon Park was refurbished - after 2 years of closure - and welcomed many local residents as the summer season started. The new company ‘Cooks Kitchen’ brought a clean and fresh atmosphere to the space with a vast
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The Importance of Fibre: an Overlooked Nutrient
Are you always hungry? Fibre could be the solution. For years, it has been dismissed as an insignificant nutrient that’s useless to your body, thought to pass straight through your system with little benefit beyond helping you pass stools.
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Doesn’t all types of phishing stink?
Have you received a similar message to “You have won! Click the link to Redeem?” Undoubtedly, we have all received a similar message, email, or call that is fake and corrupted. Its primary aim is to make you visit a fake website to download malware
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Parmiter's Singers And Pianists Recital: Shining A Well-Deserved Spotlight
On Thursday the 24th October, 31 students at Parmiter’s School across years 7 to 13 performed in a special evening, jam-packed with a vast selection of songs and piano music. This informal concert is known as Parmiter’s Singers and Pianists Recital
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The First Steps To A Healthy Lifestyle
Many people today end up asking themselves the question of … What is important? Here I will explain to you why I believe engaging yourself in physical activities you enjoy is one of the most important things you must do regularly. To begin
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How to be a responsible screen user: the layman's guide
There is no way of getting around it: mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices are central to the modern world. But technology also comes with its dangers. That leaves a major question. How do we reap the benefits of electronics while
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Costume Conundrum
Do you buy a new Halloween costume every year? Do you throw away the cheaply made, fast fashion costume the next day? Well, you are not alone as according to Hubbub (an environmentally active charity) 90% of families buy a new costume every year
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Why Is Cold Water Swimming The Healthiest Hobby?
For most people, the idea of going swimming in freezing water on a cold October morning is not a fun one, however recently popularity surrounding this peculiar pastime has risen massively. The use of cold-water therapy dates to the Ancient Romans
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Not Just Pom-Poms: How Competitive Cheerleading Is Taking The World By Storm
Cheerleading may once have been relegated to the sidelines of football matches, but over the past decades it has increasingly become a sport in its own right. Starting in America in the late ‘80s, competitive cheerleading (aka “all-star” cheerleading
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Top tips for making the most out of the school year
It’s a new term and summer is over, and it’s time for another year at school. After a long break, it can be difficult to get back into the school mindset, and to not only get back into the mindset in September but carry this mindset through to July
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The Death of Cinema and Rise of Streaming Services : a brighter future?
And with that, the age of Cinema Comes to a Close It was the last time you would do that; the last time you would wait anxiously in queues forpopcorn, 2 minutes until the movies started; the last time you would uncomfortably tread
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Barbados: A guide to your next holiday
As we approach these cold winter months you may start dreaming about warmer climates elsewhere, well paradise is only 8 hours away… You must consider the tropical island of Barbados, you may know it for its iconic white sand beaches, all
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The power of being an optimist
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? An optimist is often perceived to be an overly happy and a smily person and delusional or oblivious to reality but by google definition they are a ‘person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future or
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De-extinction: Can We Bring Extinct Species Back To Life?
Imagine walking through a forest and hearing the call of a bird that vanished from the skies a century ago or standing on a snow-covered plain watching a woolly mammoth stride majestically through the snow. These vivid images, once confined to
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Crash of West London community hubs...?
The plan and building of more housing, tower blocks and apartments In many areas such as Hounslow, Brentford and Isleworth is proceeding quickly, with many of these developments already at the end of construction. With this development comes a
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A Jazz Night to Remember
Music unites people. It is essential in bringing groups of people together by experiencing emotions through the lyrics and melodies of this art. On the 19th of October, many people from the community joined together at Hook Church, Surbiton
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Young Reporter: How AI revolutionised oncology
Just two years ago, artificial intelligence (AI) seemed like a brand new concept to many. However, today, it's an essential part of our lives, demonstrated through chatbots like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini. But AI's guidance is much more than
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The Dark Side of Online Gaming
Online gaming is one of many ways to pass the time and can be relatively amusing therefore children engage with online gaming as well; however, many risks come with immersing yourself in online platforms. Particularly, children are vulnerable
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Theatre Review: “A Raisin in the Sun” at the Lyric, Hammersmith
On the 9th October 2024, I went to see a production of “A Raisin in the Sun” written by Lorraine Hansberry in 1959 and directed by Tinuke Craig. The play follows a Black family’s experience living in South Chicago as they deal with the consequences
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Ferris Bueller’s Day off, an 80s timeless classic
Following the recent release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in cinemas- i felt prompted to watch some absolute 80s classics at home, these include Back to the future, The Little Shop of Horrors and one of my all time favourites, Ferris Bueller’s Day off
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“The Idiot” By Elif Batuman - A Book Review
As I’m sure it’s captured you, the title of “The Idiot” by Elif Bautman immediately drew me in. Who is the idiot? Why is it so abrupt? And does the title have anything to do with Dostoevsky’s book, exactly named? From the very beginning, this
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The Impact of Taylor Swift on the World
Taylor Swift is currently one of the largest and most popular best-selling artists in the 21st Century and dominates the charts whenever her music releases. Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour This singer has received colossal support from family
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What should you expect at Thorpe Park Fright Night?
Fright Night occurs during and around Halloween at Thorpe Park in Chertsey. This year I attended the event with some of my friends and I found it to be an incredibly enjoyable event that I have never experienced before. Within the park there
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Let the competition begin!
We have all been there. No idea what to do for a birthday party, half term boredom buster, awkward meet up with mom’s work friend and her kids.... Everyone looking to you to find something to do. A solution to this very problem is…
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You think you know Croydon? Here’s Why You Don’t.
Croydon Bowling Club has existed since 1749, making it one of the town’s historical gems, yet many residents know little about it. A short history of bowling It’s hard to picture Oliver Cromwell, England’s first Lord Protector, bowling around
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Authentic Persian Café on Surbiton Rd
You wouldn't believe that Persian Delights Cafe on Surbiton Rd, Kingston is only 7 months old if you walked into it. Upon entry, your eye is immediately drawn to the decor. From the floral wall to the array of cakes and other sweet treats
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"Can You See Me" Book Series Review
What do you think when you hear or see the word "autism"? Really, most people have incorrect views and ideas on what it is but there is one example of a book series "Can You See Me" which has an authentic delve into the world of autism which we will
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Theatre Review: “Our Country’s Good” at the Lyric Hammersmith
On the 25th of September 2024, I went to see a production of “Our Country’s Good” at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith. Written by Timberlake Wertenbaker in 1988 and based upon the novel “The Playmaker” by Thomas Keneally, “Our Country’s Good”
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Guardians of Kenley Airfield: Defending the Past, Inspiring the Future
Kenley Airfield isn’t just a patch of open land - it’s a living testament to the courage of those who took to the skies when Britain’s fate hung in the balance. Once a hub of intense aerial warfare during the Battle of Britain, today the airfield
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Success or failure? Is the ULEZ doomed to fail?
Does it make sense!? The Ultra Low Emission zone (ULEZ) has been introduced in some areas of London since April 2019 but is it a strategy worth employing? The issue was first brought up by Boris Johnson who was the conservative mayor of London
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Halloween - From Sacred Celtic Tradition to Social Media Sensation
As the season of witches, vampires and ghosts descends upon us - it is time to travel back and examine the true origins of this spooky celebration, questioning whether the transformation of this festival has meant that society has forgotten its roots
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Social Media: the drug that is addicting young people everywhere
What’s your favourite social media app? Is it TikTok? Snapchat? Instagram? Really, this phrase should be altered to “what’s your favourite drug,” because that’s how addictive social media is. Millions of us all over the world struggle with a healthy
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Local ultimate frisbee club preparing for national level competition
The now Epsom Eagles are currently preparing to take a team to girls nationals, with high hopes set in mind. The girls' team was seeded at fifth going into the past summer outdoor nationals, so hopefully a good result will be obtained this year
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Bubble Tea popularity invasion!
Bubble tea, also known as Boba, originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. This fashionable drink has been around for nearly 50 years, what makes it so popular and relevant today? 2 claims have been made about how it was invented. The
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The Beauty of Iceland's Natural Landscapes
Iceland is an island which is located where the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans meet. It is on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between North America and Europe and is home to Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital. During the half term holiday
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‘Life of Pi’ (2012) film review
A vivid, thought-provoking and riveting film not for the faint of heart: Life of Pi premiered in 2012 and yet, over a decade later, it can easily hold a claim to being one of the most gripping and immersive adventure films to be ever created in
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World Beach Ultimate Championships Open 2024 Report
This year saw the first official world beach ultimate club championship, held from the 14th to the 19th of October in Portimão, Portugal in the lovely twenty degree heat. Beach ultimate is a rapidly growing sport, rising in popularity all over
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Beauty Of ‘MOMENTUM’- Hanwell Coffee Shop
Momentum: a coffee shop of positivity. Momentum is a lot more than its lattes and sweet treats - there is so much passion and care to be found behind the bar. Currently, the shop is being managed by the Seferaj siblings, Mario and Ariola.
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London’s food: No Laughing Matter
English cuisine is often considered to be the laughing stock of the world; some criticise the lack of flavour, others the unappealing appearance or dull texture, and so people are often shocked at the variety of the food that is found in the streets
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VAT on private schools: What is the local impact?
The UK government has decided to remove VAT exemptions and charitable rates relief from private schools, coming into effect in January 2025. This has been received with some backlash, as the policy’s aim to invest in state funded schools might
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Bras hang from the school ceiling to recognise Pink Day 2024!
In recognition of Pink Day, the Tiffin Girls’ School decorated their halls with personalised bras, highlighting the power of creativity in drawing attention to crucial issues. On Friday 18th October, Schools and other institutions across the country
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Local sport for young people: The rugby season begins for grassroots teams
I talked with two school-age rugby players about the benefits of grass-roots rugby. "It helps form bonds between you and your friends" said one boy, who I will refer to as Alex. Alex plays through his school, Watford Boys. We talked about how
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Is the GCSE English Literature Specification Outdated?
The GCSE English Literature Specification, studied by 14 -16 year olds across the country, is heavily focused on classic texts, such as Macbeth, An Inspector Calls, and Jane Eyre. However, it has recently come under fire, with critics suggesting
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‘Hasta Mañana’ – a celebration of heritage through music
‘Hasta Mañana’ – a celebration of heritage through music In the UK, when we think of the month of October, we always remember Black History Month. But in October (or at least half of it), many people also celebrate Hispanic or Latin Heritage
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Equip Sports: Revolutionising Sports for the Community
Recently, Equip Sport stations have been popping up in local parks, including Wimbledon Park and Holland Garden in South West London. The stations, which contain sports equipment, have allowed locals to utilise pre-existing facilities, for example
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How has social media affected the fashion industry?
There is no doubt that social media has taken the world by storm in the last two decades, altering the foundations of our everyday lives. From politics to sport, social media provides endless opportunities to develop and shape our global industries
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Puppy Awareness: What Can You Do?
Sleepless nights, toilet training, a constant pair of eyes. As much as this sounds like a household with a baby, I’m sure that many puppy-owners out there will be able to empathise with this. Because really, having a puppy is as hard as having
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Why are we so resistant to the idea of reparations?
With the handover of Chagos Islands, Britain’s last African colony, to Mauritius, discussions about Britain’s former empire and its impacts have been pushed to the forefront, with calls for reparations talks from within the Labour party, which have