Welcome to the first edition of the Humanities Newsletter. In this newsletter we will show you how you can apply what you learn in your lessons to the real world. The very first edition of the Humanities Newsletter is produced entirely by Humanities A‐ Level students. Students from all disciplines — Anthropology, History, Psychology, Sociology, Government and Politics and Geography — have been working hard for the last two weeks to produce this newsletter.

In this first edition, we are focusing on people with physical and mental disabilities. The Olympic and in have inspired many young people to strive to be the best in their respective sporting competitions. Through hard work and dedication, humans are able to achieve extraordinary feats. The Paralympics in London were the most successful games to date. In this newsletter we explore how the human body can be used to understand a range of different issues. We look at how humans modify their bodies and for what reasons; explore psychological explanations of eating disorders such as anorexia; discuss the history of Paralympics; examine how conflict can cause disability; understand legislation in the UK surrounding disability; and look at the attitudes of society towards disabled people.

Students have also interviewed two new members of the Humanities department, Ms. Jones who teaches Social Sciences, and Ms. Hayward, who teaches History and Anthropology, so that you know who will be teaching you.

It is very exciting to share with you all what we can learn in the Humanities Department at Heston Community School.

We hope you enjoy reading the Humanities Newsletter. Ms. Jones and Mr. Maric

The Music Of Love. This picture was taken in Tenganan Village, Bali (2010). Tenganan is the most famous Bali Aga (original Balinese) village and is located close to Candi Dasa in East Bali. A man was playing bamboo music to entertain a disabled child which is not his son, but he loves this child likes he loves his own son.

The present formal explanation for the name "Paralympic" is that it derives from the Greek preposition παρά, pará ("beside" or "alongside") and thus refers to a competition held in parallel with the .[3] The Summer Games of 1988 held in was the first time the term "Paralympic" came into official use.

Athletes with disabilities did compete prior to the advent of the Paralympics, alongside the able bodied. However the origins of the first organised athletics day that coincided with the Olympics took place on the opening day of the in London. The man credited with its creation was Dr . The first games were called the 1948 International Wheelchair Games. Dr. Guttmann’s aim was to create an elite sports competition for people with disabilities that would be equivalent to the Olympic Games. The games were held again at the same location in 1952, and Dutch veterans took part alongside the British, making it the first international competition of its kind. These early competitions, also known as the Stoke Mandeville Games, have been described as the precursors of the Paralympics Games.

The first official summer Olympics took place in 1960. To date there have been 14 summer Paralympics each one with more participants and spectators then the last showing its rising popularity. In the London 2012 Paralympics, 4,294 athletes from 164 National Paralympics Committees participated (the most ever) with most venues sold out.

People often wonder why none of the participants are hearing impaired or suffer from intellectual disabilities. The reason is that they have their own IOC recognized games being the ‘Deaflympics’ and ‘Special Olympics World Games’ respectively.

The Paralympics has changed the attitude of millions towards those with disabilities. It has had the effect of creating and changing legislation. It is a growing phenomenon which is still only 52 years young. The hope is that the next Paralympics in Brazil, Rio 2016 will have the same effect as those previous to it and inspire millions and change society’s attitudes in another part of the world.

Al‐Ameen Velliyattil. 13A Balraj, Nav, Manika & Zarah

ANTHROPOLGY OF THE BODY

What should the human body look like? And what do ideas about the body say about people’s notions of culture and identity? This article explores these notions and how we use the body to present ourselves. The study of anthropology allows us to explore what it really means to be human. Body decorations can communicate a person's status in society, their identity, and differences between each other. Not all cultures share the same values and beliefs and certain body modification practices are often misunderstood or misinterpreted, even within the same setting.

In the past and present the body has been reshaped in many culturally relevant ways. Some religious traditions believe marking the body is a corruption of the perfect human form designed by god. However, for some, body decoration is something that distinguishes humans from the animal world, or from other humans in different cultures. Some modifications of the body are expressed different among non‐western cultures:

FOOT BINDING is used in China as a way of beautifying the female body, in China. It became popular in the 12th century and its purpose was to restrict the growth of the foot. This form of body modification was a way of expressing the beauty, wealth and discipline of a woman. It meant that women couldn’t walk properly but was considered attractive as a marriage partner because her physical impairment was suggested that she was honorable and a virgin. Foot binding begins at the age of 3‐6 and the girl’s toes apart from the big toe are folder underneath the foot and banged into position.

SCARIFICATION is an invasive way of permanently marking the body through cutting the skin and is carried out as a part of a ritual. Scarification is still widely practiced across the world today in Africa and among the Australian Aboriginal peoples. Depending on the size, patterns and shape of them, the scars represent different things. For example, indicating group identity or a stage in a person’s life. In southern Sudan Nuba girls traditionally make scars on their forehead, chest and abdomen at the beginning of puberty.

LIP PLATES were worn among the some people of North Africa, South and Northwest America. In Brazil however, the Kayapo men still where lip plates today, and mean different things to different tribes and cultures. A hole is sliced into the lower lip and a small object is inserted. After the hole heals around the object, it is removed and is replaced by a large plate, gradually stretching the hole.

In the western society, the most common form of body modification is developed through cosmetics which are used to beautify our aesthetic appearance. More than 10 million women have a plastic procedure each year. Women tend to undergo plastic surgery more than men because in the western society women feel the pressure to look attractive. This is another way in which individuals conform to the norms of society. In western society today, the female aesthetic appearance is thought to be skinny. Males, however aspire to have a V‐shaped muscular body with a slim waist. Efforts to achieve this ideal body generally centre on exercise rather than diet. Large body size may serve as an attribute of attractiveness in men because it symbolizes health, economic success, political power, and social status. However, the socially constructed ‘ideal’ body shape often has its consequences resulting in a large number of girls suffering from anorexia.

When we study society in sociology, we learn firstly about its ever‐changing norms and values. This, with a brief knowledge of history, can allow us to make the rash statement that ‘It is human nature to fear or ridicule people who appear or act different to what we consider normal.’ This statement can be proven when we look at previous conflicts in race, religion, culture and disability.

In the last 50 years society’s views and attitudes towards disabled people and disability in general have changed drastically. Not too long ago, children born with disabilities ranging from physical to mental were labelled by society as ‘trouble’ and in worse cases even ‘possessed by demons.’ Due to the stigma attached to disability, many disabled new born babies were given away by their parents who could not cope with the ‘shame’ of bringing up a disabled child. Other families placed their children into institutions where the responsibility to look after their children was placed in the hands of carers, who even then, failed to acknowledge the specific needs of the children and treat them humanely.

However, more positively, in recent years, society’s view of the disabled has thankfully become much more accepting. Those who are born or develop disabilities now have more support available to them from both charities and organisations, whose sole purpose is to encourage them to meet their full potential and enjoy life to the full.

A missing limb is no longer a barrier stopping those with disabilities getting a well paid job, achieving a position of leadership or being a competitive athlete, whereas this wasn't the case in the later years of the 20th century.

The results of a survey carried out by channel 4 for the Paralympic games show that: 82% of people asked, agreed that the coverage has helped improve society’s perception of disabled people. 82% of people also believed that disabled athletes were as talented, if not more talented, than able bodied athletes.

A prime example of how society’s views towards the disabled have changed can be found in Oscar Pistorius. The South African made history when he became the first double‐amputee to compete at the Olympics, and despite failing to take a medal, he is to this day is the only Paralympian to compete alongside able‐bodied athletes.

Also in recent years, as we should have all noticed, steps have been put in place to cater to the needs of disabled students in and around Heston community school (shown below), Whether it is the ramp outside the school reception, the lift access available in the Hogarth building or the Hearing Impaired Unit which aims to assist students with hearing difficulties in their learning. These steps taken to help those with disabilities are a reflection of contemporary society and its attitudes towards disabled people which now, have changed for the better. Adam Murphy 13E. 01POPoliticspP Of Disabled Bodies

Many situations experienced by disabled people involve human rights. However, there is little information available about human rights and how they relate to disabled people. Too often a person may not realise that they are able to do something about their situation or even that there is something wrong with the way they are being treated. It is therefore vital that disabled people are able to access information about their human rights and challenge bad treatment.

The Paralympics allowed disabled people to showcase their determination, courage and bravery without being discriminated. They are individuals with disabilities who wish to succeed despite their unfortunate circumstances. We are characters of our own thoughts and realisations but has society adapted our social attitudes for the better? Or are we still portraying people with disabilities in a negative light?

So what laws have the government enforced to provide important rights against being discriminated? Human rights belong to everyone, and they provide a very important means of protection for disabled people. Human rights place authorities in the UK – including the Government, hospitals and social services under an obligation to treat them with fairness, equality, dignity and respect. The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against or harass a disabled person. Also an employer must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. These rights do not just apply to employment. The Act covers other forms of work like partnerships, contract work, or holding an office like a director of a business. Access to health services and social services shouldn’t be restricted. This includes services provided at doctors’ surgeries and hospitals. Adjustments have to be made when accessing services where it is reasonable for the service provider to make these changes. This might include the provision of information about healthcare and social services in a format that is accessible. There is protection from direct disability discrimination and harassment for people who are associated with a disabled person or who are wrongly perceived as disabled.

Laws placed by the government ensure equality is put in place for everyone. This also covers access to travel infrastructure such as railway stations and bus stations. The Equality Act places a duty on licensed taxi drivers in and Wales to carry guides, other assistance and dogs in their taxis. They should not charge extra for carrying assistance dogs. Similar duties for minicabs came into force in March 2004. Since December 1998, all new and refurbished rail vehicles have had to meet Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations. This means that trains have to be accessible to disabled people (including those in wheelchairs) to help them get on and off trains. This should also allow people to travel comfortably if they are disabled.

The Paralympics transformed my view on people with disabilities. They train as much as the Olympians if not more. Their sheer determination and will power to succeed gives everyone reasons to admire them. Their individuality makes them who they are and allows room for changes of attitudes towards disabilities. The Paralympics embraced this and reminded people how equal opportunities is so important for our society today.

By Sobia Rahman ‐13D Psychology Of Disabled Bodies By Neha 13D and Roshni 12A

Society has given us a way of thinking which has become hard to alter; people who do not fit into the social norms are seen as outsiders. However is this really the case? People who are different are worthy of just as much respect as the rest. The Paralympics embrace the fact that there are people out there who are different, and encourage them to stand out and achieve just as much as ordinary people.

People are deemed abnormal based on three definitions‐ Deviation from social norms; Failure to function adequately and Deviation from ideal mental health. There have been many approaches to explore what is behind the reason of falling into one of the definitions, such as; the biological approach, cognitive approach, behavioural approach and the psychodynamic approach.

Anorexia is a prime example of abnormal behaviour, it is an eating disorder characterized by refusal to stay at even the minimum weight considered normal for the person’s age and height. The disorder is caused mainly by faulty thinking (cognitive approach); a person’s view on their weight is altered based on other’s views on what is considered normal this additionally takes into account a behavioural approach as people are conditioned to what is believed a normal weight. However it has also been proposed that biological factors may also be important in this disorder. The root of faulty thinking is mainly media, they portray woman as thin models which manipulates the views of western adolescents that a perfect body image should be this way; it causes them to drive for thinness in the most extreme ways. People with anorexia develop unusual eating habits, such as avoiding meals and portioning food. They thrive to control their weight by constantly checking their body weight and controlling it through compulsive exercise. Anorexia distorts a person’s image of their own body they are unable to notice their thinness and deny that their serious weight loss could be highly dangerous. They continue to see themselves as fat despite their bones being clearly visible. Peer acceptance is also important during adolescent years so peer influence may have a large impact on patterns of disordered eating. Research has found that overweight girls and underweight boys were most likely to be teased by their peers, suggesting that through teasing, peers serve to enforce gender‐based ideals (Jones and Crawford). Psychologically, certain personality traits increase the risk of anorexia. People with anorexia often have low self‐esteem, and experience feelings of insufficiency. They have a compulsive need to control their lives however externally they may appear as normal people going all‐out in all areas or their lives weight loss being one of them.

However there have been industries that acknowledge the dangers of this obsession with losing weight. The fashion industry in France has recognized the input of media on the damaging influence on body image by signing a charter on good will. The charter is a beginning step into stopping eating disorders, such as anorexia and promotes a healthy image among young women. It involves a pledge by fashion houses, advertising agencies and magazine editors to use a diversity of body types and not stereotype the ‘thin ideal’.

Disorders such as anorexia should be the reason that action should be taken on how people are portrayed in general through media etc. What makes a person special is individuality however with such an opinionated society, people views are made to transform. The importance of the Paralympics is that is strives for equal treatment regardless of the ability of the Olympians, it encourages athletes to participate the way they are. This attitude should be applied to our problems surrounding the society and maybe the damaging influences would subside. Landmines disabling people all around the world

“A land mine is usually a victim‐triggered explosive device which is intended to damage its target via blast and/or fragments.”

Landmines are designed to disable, kill or immobile people travelling by foot or in cars. However, when some landmines explode, they do not kill the intended victim – they kill innocent civilians, including unsuspecting children. Even if these children make the fatal mistake of playing with these unfamiliar objects‐ should they have to die for it?

Landmines are placed in over 70 countries, and can affect millions of people. These countries seem so far away that it’s so easy to forget about the problem.

As time passes, the location of landmines is often forgotten, even by those who planted them. These mines continue to be functional for many decades, causing further damage, injury and death.

When landmines explode, they steal communities of their livelihoods. In many countries, mines block people’s access to health care, water supplies, schools and jobs.

An estimated 85% of CHILD victims DIE before they can get medical attention.

When a mine explodes, the effects on nearby humans can be disastrous. Some often lose fingers, toes, and limbs. Some are even left deaf or blind. Most victims are left there to die, because many people are too scared to attempt and help, worried that they might set off a land mine too. Human bodies are left in a horrible state and the victim has to wait and die slowly, as the land mine might not kill them.

Disability is one of the intended results of landmines, because disabling people puts more stress on a nation than killing people. Landmines cause countless death, disability, disease and displacements.

What would you do if you had to worry about landmines every time you went to the store, took a drive in the countryside, or went to see your doctor?

By Gursymrun Kalra‐Phull, Gunita Cheema and Ekta Sharma.

Miss Hayward Interview

Name: Miss. Hayward Taylor Swift? Yes.

Subjects taught: Music taste: Everything! History and RE KS3 and KS4 Favourite concert: V Festival – Rihanna and Anthropology AS Eminem

Political party: N/A

Football team: Favourite subjects to teach: History to Year 8 Favourite year group: Year 10 Favourite film: Pride and Prejudice.

Favourite song: Anything by Oasis. Favourite colour: Purple University: Reading, studied History. PGCE – Vegetarian or Meat: Meat Roehampton

Hobbies: Going to the gym, running and going to the theatre

Dream job: Actress

GCSE and A Level Grades: GCSE – A* ‐ B. A Levels – A (English Lit) [she got full marks!] B (History) C (Math)

Opinion on the school: The school is supportive of everyone.

Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi

Favourite food: Pizza

Do you support gay rights: Yes

Favourite historian: David Starkey – he makes History interesting for everyone. Miss Jones Interview

Name: Ms. Jones Bourgeoisie or proletariat? Proletariat What subjects do you teach? Opinion on the school: Loves it here Sociology and Psychology A levels Pepsi or Coke: Coke Geography and RE KS3 Favourite food: Doesn’t have one Favourite subjects to teach? Do you support gay rights: Yes Sociology Favourite sociologist? Durkheim Favourite year group: Year 12 Herbert Gintis or Samuel Bowles? Samuel Favourite colour: Red. Bowles.

Vegetarian or Meat: Veggie for life ‐ since she Taylor Swift? No was 7 years old. Music taste: Don’t like RnB Hobbies: Running and debating. Favourite concert: ‘Five’ Concert Dream job: Vet. Political party: Labour and left wing. GCSE and A Level Grades: 11 GCSE’s – A* ‐ C’s; Favourite Song: Anything by Lana Del Rey. A Level – ABB Favourite Film: Dear John