VOICE issue 08 Summer 2013 www.lfatsf.org.uk Contributions
Principal Mr P Morris Vice Principal Dr S Clark Staff Editor Miss D Gilraine Graphic Designer Miss K Price Student Editor Michael Cartledge Music Sub-Editor Shannon Randolph Film Sub-Editors Michael Cartledge, Abigail Evans News/Politics Sub-Editor Robyn Ward Literature Sub-Editor Shannon Randolph Science Sub-Editor Namrata Mishra Gaming Sub-Editor John Brittan Culture Sub-Editors Natasha Bennett, Stacey Wylie Sport and Health Shannon Randolph Fashion and Beauty Emily Driscoll, Stacey Wylie Cookery Rebecca Cutmore Puzzles Robert James Landau Forte News Jamie Macfarlane
Contents principal’s comments Page 2 Year 13 Leavers’ Ball Pages 3-4 Leaver’s Ball Photos On 25th April 2013 we had our U6 leavers photograph. It was Page 5 Bali Rai a realisation of how quickly the first two years had flown by. Year 13 Memories I remember walking around a building site in January 2011 Page 6 Volunteering Enrichment thinking about the task ahead. Page 7 Biology Trip to Wales Page 8 CERN Laboratories, Lanzarote Two years on and we have students on the verge of university, Trip, University Trips apprenticeships and employment who have benefited from Pages 9 - 10 Dance, Stafford Castle the education that we provide. They are confident young Miss Hill Interview Page 11 people ready to embark upon their careers. Page 12 Enrichment, News in Brief Page 13 Press Regulation Page 14 Console Rundown Does this make all the hard work over the last two years Page 15 My Views on Science worthwhile? Page 16 Film Releases Pages 17 - 20 Reviews Simply, yes. Pages 21-22 Summer Adventures Page 23 Poetry Corner This is why we are here and why we will continue to develop Page 24 Speak Out! LFATSF to give the young people of Tamworth the chance Cooking Pages 25 - 26 they deserve. Pages 27 - 28 Makeup & Fashion Page 29 Netball Page 30 Puzzle Page
1 Mr P Morris EVENTS 2 VOICE Friday 21st June 2013 was a special June 2013 was a special Friday 21st who 13 students Year evening for the Academy. The recently left Royale), Prom, (themed Casino for all who was a memorable night live music from attended. A DJ and band) were the band Inertia (a local 7pm onwards, the entertainment from atmosphere more helping to create an a football match electric than that of or concert. up for grabs for Several awards were things, a whole host of wonderful believe including the celebrated ‘Can’t get thrown out in 2 years’ you didn’t award. But, in all seriousness, there were some excellent awards given out on the night such as: The ‘Prom King’ and ‘Prom Queen’, ‘Best Student’ and ‘Best Dressed Student’ awards, which were all up for the taking, with multiple contenders in each department. It was a fun, yet tense night for some. Congratulations to those who won and commiserations to the ones who left without any of the prestigious awards. Overall, it was a great night for all who attended, and for those who missed out on going to the ball, you can always admire the photo montage overleaf, or visit the Landau Sixth Form Forte Academy Tamworth website: www.lfatsf.org.uk John Brittan LEAVERS’ BALL LEAVERS’ year 13 year www.lfatsf.org.uk
3 VOICE
4 www.lfatsf.org.uk An Author’s CULTURE Landau Forte Experience: Bali Rai
Leicester-born Bali Rai has written many thought- provoking books where culture is explored in great depth. Recently, he graced the corridors of Landau Forte Academy Tamworth Sixth Form to talk about the importance of reading great literature, enlivening Landau Forte Academy Tamworth Sixth Form staff in Above: Bali Rai and his novel ‘Killing Honour’, out now the process.
He also read some of the first chapter of his novel ‘Killing Honour’ which centres on Asian culture. This highly acclaimed book, which has won the North East Teen Book Award, left many of the staff with a new understanding of Britain’s Punjabi population and some of the dangers that can lurk within a family or marriage.
His visit also encouraged discussion. He delved into why there is a decline in reading literature; he talked about the struggle many working class students face when it comes to reading and how parents can guide their children in selecting relevant reading material. Bali also focused on the importance of creating a reading culture at home and encouraging reading for life.
Robyn Ward Year 13 memories
Year 13 also had a fun final day at Landau Forte Academy Tamworth Sixth Form. One of the highlights for the students in Dench was planting trees which, like them, will grow and grow! Above: Dench students planting trees
5 VOICE “Would you like a free book?” CULTURE
How the Volunteering We did have some refusals and a lot of people were looking for a catch. We were asked how much it costs, Enrichment Made the People of if we were gathering names and addresses and even if they had to return it to somewhere. But that’s the great Tamworth Smile thing about World Book Night, it really is as simple as connecting people with books they might enjoy with no World Book Night is a genius idea. All over the world, agenda. generous book lovers take to the streets like literary Santas to give books away, for free. The idea is that we We did have a few copies to bring back to school, but reach people who don’t normally read in their spare they soon went to all the staff and students who had time and this year the volunteering group had the noticed them behind my desk while I was registering opportunity to join in the fun. them. In the end we could have easily given away twice as many copies and, hopefully, next year we will. So, on the Wednesday afternoon following World Book Night itself, we armed ourselves with a couple of bags- Mr Cross for-life of free books and set off for the Castle Grounds to see if we could distribute them to the people of Tamworth.
Before we went, we had registered them with the Book Crossing website so that anyone we gave them to could tell us what they thought. After they’ve read them they could give them away or leave them for someone to find.
The first people we approached were pleased with their copy of Philippa Gregory’s ‘The White Queen’ and had even heard of World Book Night. Score one to us. Then it all got a bit hectic as the volunteers grabbed several copies of the books and disappeared into the park. We gave away several copies of Sophie Hannah’s thriller ‘Little Face’ to mothers and grandmothers with toddlers in pushchairs; ‘The White Queen’ was very Above: The volunteering group just before rushing off popular with the workmen renovating the Castle and into the park to push books into the hands of unsuspecting Ankerside shoppers and shop workers alike took both passerbys. books with a smile.
6 7 CULTURE www.lfatsf.org.uk they willcompleteinYear 13.Thetripoffers an “outofAcademyexperience”wherethey will allowtheadventurerstocollectdata minute populationof534people.Thearea go towardstheirUnit6coursework,which sampling techniquesandalsocompleting will beabletoexperiencetheirbiological small townofBetws-y-Coed,whichhasa successions onsanddunes.Theactivities will beabletoweartheirownclothes, is surroundedbyvastareasofforestand mountain ranges,meaningthestudents countryside tobenefittheircoursework. countryside The tripwillincludelearningecological 21 Year 12studentshaveacceptedthe challenge totakeontheNorthWelsh The studentswillbetravellingtothe subject firsthand. The area is known to be very dark,cold,and The areaisknowntobevery called CwmIdwal,ahangingvalleywithin Be suretocheckoutthenexteditionof a naturalpathwayforpeopletowalkupon. mountain range.Theareafeaturesalarge to Wales crack withinthemountain,nowknownas well-fed andviewsomeamazing,natural knowledge oftheWelsh area.Hesaidhe Voice, whereIwillinterviewthestudents In chargeofthetripisMrDavison-Fenn, Biology a Biologytutor,whohasanastonishing and tutorstoseehowtheygoton, was lookingforwardtovisitinganarea what theymadeoftheexperience. features oftheUnitedKingdom. trip atmospheric. Robyn Ward VOICE CULTURE CERN Laboratories There were many trips to universities this term; trips such as the one to Aston University and also Birmingham University, both helping to open the eyes of Landau Forte students and others A group of AS Physics students will be visiting alike. Aston University offered a Higher Education Convention the CERN laboratories in Geneva, Switzerland this day on 27th June, where over 160 universities showcased their July to consolidate their AS Level learning. Unit subjects. 2 of A Level Physics consists of something called Quantum Physics, which concerns the fundamental, The trip to Aston University was well planned and I would microscopic particles which make up everything in highly recommend it. Many universities were there offering a the universe. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which great deal of information that you couldn’t find on a webpage, is stationed beneath the CERN laboratories, enables such as experience of student life and the atmosphere at a scientists to experiment with these quanta and make university campus. It was really enlightening just walking round predictions about matter and anti-matter. The LHC campus and going to the different halls to gather information. is the world’s largest and highest-energy particle Birmingham University also opened its doors to the whole new accelerator. In the LHC, collisions of different quanta experience of university life and culture on 1st July. with different properties are made to help resolve issues such as the nature of dark matter and whether So, are you brimming with excitement, fervour and new found there are different dimensions. purpose? Hopefully the visits made you realise that university is a serious option for you and helped you make a decision as to Stacey Wylie whether you want to go or not next year. Decisions, decisions! lanzarote TRIP Robyn Ward
One of the many opportunities that come with taking a subject is the opportunity to partake in enrichment activities. A number of the AS Physical Education group are about to go to Lanzarote for a week in July (4th-11th) to see, and take advantage of the training facilities that Lanzarote has to offer. While they are there, they will have the opportunity to complete coursework for their A2 exams while enjoying the beautiful environment and having fun in the sun. We’re sure they will have a great time; don’t forget your sun cream!
Abby Evans and Shannon Randolph university trips
Post-18 options are at the forefront of everyone’s mind in Year 12. This is why many great trips are being offered for everyone to take advantage of.
8 www.lfatsf.org.uk dance The Year 12 Dance students took part in a workshop from the ‘Shobhana Jeyasingh Dance Company’
CULTURE towards the end of last term. They spent an afternoon working with a company dancer to explore aspects of the Bharata Natyam technique; a classical form of Indian Dance and combined this with more contemporary aesthetics. They learned some professional repertoires and then worked creatively in groups to produce their own pieces based on the company’s well known work ‘Faultline’.
Miss Coutts, Year 12 Dance tutor, said “I was extremely proud of the Year 12 students; they worked very professionally and were a credit to the Academy. The professional dancer from the company commented on the talent of the year, their professionalism and creativity. So well done Year 12, look out for more great experiences in the next year. Keep up the good work”.
Stacey Wylie stafford castle festival
On Sunday 30th June, Landau Forte dance students also took part in a festival at Stafford Castle with 400 other performers to celebrate dance in the area. They took part in an open air performance where they represented the Academy with professionalism and positivity. It was a fantastic day and students worked hard from 8am until 5pm. Miss Coutts and the dance students took two pieces to the festival. ‘Sherlock’ featured 16 of our enrichment dancers and explored Sherlock Holmes’ hunt for criminals, focusing on his calculative mind and eccentric personality. ‘Battle with Myself’, choreographed by Alex Shinnick for her A Level choreography, explored the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress syndrome on soldiers and their families past and present. Both pieces were received extremely well by the audience and Miss Coutts was very proud to have these students represent the Academy.
Miss Coutts 9 VOICE CULTURE
10 www.lfatsf.org.uk miss hill interview
INTERVIEW What is your best memory What role will you take What are you looking of Landau Forte? there? forward to most about World Challenge? I am hoping my best memory is to come I am to be second in department for as I am really looking forward to World English while also taking on the role of Well, basically, the challenge! I have Challenge. Aside from that I think the Literacy Co-ordinator. never been to Morocco before so it will strong friendships I have made with be great to meet new people, see new my colleagues here is one of the best What are you looking sites and wildlife while helping out the memories I have had. forward to about your locals there. It sounds like it will be a lot of fun and I am excited. (Although not What will you miss about new role? so much about sleeping in a tent for two Landau Forte? weeks). I am looking forward mainly to the new challenge that this school may present I will, of course, miss my wonderful What were your greatest me with as it is a big department which students! Again I will also miss all of the comes with lots of new opinions which achievements during your people I have worked with for around may clash with my own. I am also two years now. time at Landau Forte? looking forward to teaching a wide range of students although I am a little Well, I organised the school year book Tell us about your pets... apprehensive as it will be a big change during Year 13, raised money for and I will miss everyone here. charity and my biggest achievement is I have two darling little cats that go by managing to balance my academic work the name of Frankie and Dobby (Yes, Have you bonded and social life to make sure I achieved Harry Potter influenced). Frankie is a the best I can. Maine Coon breed that has long fur and particularly well with is scared of most things, but strangely any colleagues at Landau Jamie Mcfarlane not water. I treat them like my own children and refer to myself as their Forte? Mum; they are the cutest cats in the world. They eat a lot too! Yes, the whole of the Dench faculty have made an impression on me and Where are you moving to? I am sorry to be leaving them. I have also formed a special bond with Miss Walsh and the recently departed I am moving to a comprehensive school Mrs Anderson who I will make sure I to teach 11-18 year olds. The school stay in contact with. is called ‘Guilsborough’ and it is in Northamptonshire. It has received an ‘Outstanding’ grade from OFSTED and there is a real passion for literature amongst the students. 11 VOICE enrichment at landau forte NEWS My journey continues through the school, after fighting through many groups of adoring fans, I happened upon a village full of adventurers, more news in brief volunteers and bat wielding samurais. When Kate Middleton revealed her baby bump in London, the whole world went crazy. After the royal couple married in May 2011, the world Table Tennis waited with baited breath for the announcement of the new heir to the 1 table, 1 net, 2-4 people and what seems like 1000 throne. On 3rd December, the palace announced what we had all been balls; that is all that is required to play the game of waiting for: Kate was expecting! table tennis. The wise sense (Mr Beardmore) tutors these samurais in the art of the bat, and how to use Naturally, you would expect this to be the birth of the year but not on that bat to hit a little white ball across a table. From Kim Kardashian’s watch. On 31st December, Kanye West announced what I saw, the rigorous training programme that during his Atlantic City concert that he and Kim were expecting. Kim then these people were going through was more than confirmed the news herself via the social networking site, Twitter. But most could take. which child will the public and media crown the winner?
William and Kate are national treasures, but who can deny that the Kardashians are American royalty? The question is which birth is most awaited and is it really for the right reasons? It seems to us that Kim Kardashian is competing for the same status as our future King and Queen.
Kate Middleton, a British fashion icon, has so far dressed appropriately for a woman who is carrying the heir to the throne. On the other hand, Kim has always been “quirky” with her style, whilst maintaining a look that suits her body; however, her sometimes outrageous outfits portray her as the woman who is Queen of publicity-seeking. The Duke of Edinburgh Award These archaic adventurers use strange maps and Stacey Wylie and Natasha Bennett devices which tell them where North is with certain goals in mind; certain goals which will grant them an award of the highest prestige...The Duke of Left: Edinburgh award. They must complete a series Kim Kardashian & of challenges such as raising money for charity, Kate Middleton a physical challenge and a head to head battle against Mother Nature herself.
Volunteering The volunteering group were making our very own gardens look beautiful. They planted seeds so that flowers may flourish, just like love flourishes between two people and the Academy plants our young minds so that we may flourish… what a beautiful metaphor for life!
Michael Cartledge 12 www.lfatsf.org.uk OPINION
press regulation
You are currently reading a magazine. Do you know who the families of those affected. However, the Leveson Inquiry runs it? Who writes these pages, or is that the last thing was quickly rejected by the Conservatives after Leveson’s you think of when you flick through these pages? So suggestion of an independent regulating body. This resulted many of us are avid news readers, but the recent decision in renewed conflict with the pro-press regulation pressure regarding the regulation of the press has really shaken group ‘Hacked Off’, led by Hugh Grant, actor in films such as Britain up! Notting Hill. This was due to his personal grievance against the press. Many people have been very affected by media intrusion such as: Millie Dowler’s parents, Hugh Grant, J.K.Rowling, Each of the main political parties came out to share their the McCanns and many other victims of the unwavering, viewpoints on how the industry should be regulated to stop unapologetic press. The man behind most of this is the media taking advantage of the public, but also keep the Rupert Murdoch, the newspaper mogul behind the now freedom of the press. However, there have been cross party defunct ‘News of The World’. His reporters were often talks and there were rumours of a Royal Charter to take the seen prying into the lives of many vulnerable people, place of the Press Complaints Commission. but also many celebrities have had their private lives plastered over the tabloids and newspapers. A Royal Charter is a document issued by the Queen giving a body power of authority. This Charter for press regulation However, the mistreatment of all these people was not would mean that journalists will be fined millions of pounds going to go unnoticed for long, especially the phone- if they print articles unlawfully. ‘Hacked Off’ has received the hacking scandal around ‘News of The World’, and other news gladly and has taken it as a well-earned success. newspapers, were caught out after bribing police, They have also mentioned it will cost 1% of the turnover of members of the public and celebrities in order to obtain the newspaper if they receive a fine and also that there will information. Prime Minister David Cameron asked Lord be a quicker complaints system. But will the reforms help Justice Leveson to start an inquiry into the press to help overall?
Robyn Ward
Left: Hugh Grant & Rupert Murdoch 13 VOICE
An Opinionated E3 Console Rundown OPINION
For those of you who are unaware, E3 landscapes and details) but if you don’t like (the Electronic Entertainment Expo) is a quick time events, then you’re going to want to show put on every year that gives game stab yourself, and repeatedly tap X (Urgh). developers a chance to show off the games that are coming out in the next year. The They also revealed ‘Quantum Break’, (a game show consists of press conferences and a with some interesting ideas about time convention floor where people attending can manipulation), ‘Project Spark’ which looked have a go on some of the announced games. like a wonderful little creation game where This year, E3 ran from 11th-13th June in Los you were able to form landscapes to your own Angeles. With this being a run down, I’m design, build a little city, then defend that Nintendo went last, although not having a not going to give you my thoughts on every city from an army of Goblins or Orcs. Then of press conference this year (preferring to have game; just the ones that caught my eye for course, there was ‘Forza Motorsport 5’, (which a meeting behind the scenes), they released a the right or wrong reasons. is so ‘next generation’ that the AI does all the video with all the news they wanted to share, work for you) and the big reveal of Halo showing off Pokémon X and Y, which totally The Console War 5, where Master Chief wears a poncho. didn’t make me want to buy a Nintendo 3DS. Microsoft revealed the price of the Xbox They also demonstrated Ahem, Super Smash One would be £429. If that’s too steep Bros, with new characters like the Wii Fit In November 2012 Nintendo fired the for you, it’s good to remember that all Trainer, the Villager from Animal Crossing and first bullet with the Wii U consoles, Xbox exclusives (except Halo 5) will also Mega Man and Mario Kart 8. although sales suggested that nobody be coming to PC. really wanted to be shot by them. Then in February 2013, Sony released the specs game of the show After EA and Ubisoft, Sony took the stage. for the Playstation 4; revealing the console Now, as I’m not one of those idiot fanboys/ to be a highly powerful machine. Microsoft My game of the show was revealed in Ubisoft’s girls, I did not begin watching E3 supporting followed, by revealing the aesthetics of the press conference. Tom Clancy’s The Division is Microsoft or Sony, but Sony’s conference hardware as well as the specs for it in a rather an open world RPG that allows you to team up certainly won me over to their side. As soon as disappointing show, in which they told us with your friends and try to survive in a world the president of Sony Computer Entertainment how we can now watch TV on our Xbox or where a pandemic has killed off or forced most America, Jack Tretton, (with the smuggest of TV, revealing hardly any of the things that of the population into quarantine; society has looks on his face) told the audience how Sony we gamers actually care about; games. But gone to pot and looters are everywhere. Like a would be keeping the status quo and allowing at least we can now have a pretty lengthy few games revealed at the show, your friends users to lend, sell and buy all the pre-owned conversation with our TV! will be able to join in on a tablet device to help games that they wanted and they can actually out. In this game, a tablet user can drop in as play games without an internet connection, the That brings me to E3 2013, where Microsoft a drone to help mark targets and use special audience cheered and began chanting “Sony!” took the stage. Having already confirmed abilities to help the team. After only seeing a 5 Sony showed that they cared for what the that their new console, the ‘Xbox One’, minute gameplay demo, I am looking forward users wanted and that it’s not just all about the would need a constant internet connection to getting my hands on this game, as well as a money. as well as an inability to trade in games lot of games at the show. or use pre-owned ones, Microsoft wasn’t Games revealed for Playstation 4 include: exactly the favourite from the start. In my For a list of all the big games revealed at Killzone, Shadow Fall, Second Son and The opinion, they did not change that; they the show go to: www.ign.com/wikis/e3/Big_ Elder Scrolls. Online, the MMORPG showed off games such as Ryse: Son of Games_at_E3_2013 based in the Elder Scrolls universe. The Rome. I’m not saying that the game Playstation 4 will be released at a price of looked bad, (the new consoles Michael Cartledge £349, a whole £80 cheaper than the Xbox are able to render beautiful One… Yes, I’m biased now, get over it.
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OPINION my views on science
numbers, letters and words. All interpreted by us “Reality is merely humans. In a way, we shape the universe the way we want it to be, but it can never be defined. I an illusion, albeit a don’t know whether what I’ve written is true itself (or I guess, it is yet another perception), but I do know one thing; we invented things because we very persistent one.” needed something to believe in, to understand – Albert Einstein the universe better. However, things constantly change because when one discovery is made, Bearing in mind that this is actually a diary account we believe that this is true and then when that I had written in April 2011, I would like to share scientist is proven wrong and something else is my personal views on science. I read about certain proven right then we believe that that is true. things like Einstein’s Theory of Relativity (of time) So to be honest, I now realise that science is just and some of his work. I could not help but wonder our perception of reality and it can never, ever after that; is this really true? Is science able to define go beyond the creator as it cannot define the the universe? After thinking about this, I came to universe. the conclusion that science is just what we believe in; it is not really the truth, it is just our way of Namrata Mishra defining matter and objects around us. Science cannot really define the universe, as the universe is infinite.
While new things are being discovered (say another planet, galaxy, or even an alien species), simultaneously, in another part of the universe, other new things are being created. I think that science is just our perception of things around us and how we define things. However in actual fact, our surroundings can be defined in many different ways. For example, a different species may see the universe from an entirely different perspective to us. Then I realised that this is what Einstein meant; that the real world is an illusion and it is just a string of
15 VOICE major 2013 film releases CULTURE 12TH JULY - MONSTERS UNIVERSITY 29TH AUGUST - THIS IS US (1D 20TH DECEMBER - LAST VEGAS The road to Mike and Sulley’s friendship, DOCUMENTARY) Three pensioners throw a bachelor party in though they weren’t really friends to begin The boys take us along with them and allow Vegas. with… us to see the world through their eyes whilst 20TH DECEMBER - ANCHORMAN: 19TH JULY - THE WORLD’S END they tour. THE LEGEND CONTINUES The most epic pub crawl ever to be filmed. 16TH SEPTEMBER - RUSH San Diego’s top rated newsman returns. 26TH JULY - WOLVERINE A biography of Formula 1 champion driver Wolverine journeys to Japan, where he Niki Lauda and the 1976 crash that almost Abigail Evans encounters a former enemy. killed him. 26TH JULY - ROMEO AND JULIET 19TH OCTOBER - TURBO A romance story with catastrophic A garden snail tries to win the Indy 500, the consequences. latest film from Dreamworks. 31ST JULY - SMURFS 2 19TH OCTOBER - GRAVITY The Smurfs are rescuing Smurfette, who Astronauts attempt to return to earth after has been kidnapped by Gargamel. a crash. 7TH AUGUST - PERCY JACKSON: 25TH OCTOBER - CLOUDY WITH A SEA OF MONSTERS CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 Percy, the son of Poseidon and his friends, Upon their return, they discover that the embark on a quest to retrieve the golden machine is now producing food-animal hybrids. fleece. 9TH AUGUST - LONE RANGER 30TH OCTOBER - THOR: THE Native American warrior, Tonto, recounts DARK WORLD the untold tales that transformed John When Jane Foster is targeted, Thor Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of returns to save her at all costs. justice. 22ND NOVEMBER - THE HUNGER 9TH AUGUSt - GROWN UPS 2 GAMES: CATCHING FIRE Moving back to their hometown the group The 74th Hunger Games sparks a reunites for more adventures. rebellion in the Districts of Panem. 16TH AUGUST - KICK ASS 2 29TH NOVEMBER - CARRIE The homemade superhero returns to fight A high school student releases her crime again with Hit Girl. powers after being humiliated by her 23RD AUGUST - JURASSIC PARK 3D peers. During a preview tour, a theme park 13TH DECEMBER - THE HOBBIT: suffers a major power breakdown that THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG allows its cloned dinosaurs to escape. The second instalment of The Hobbit 23RD AUGUST - MORTAL shows the journey continued as they INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES hope to get their gold back from the Clary Fray finds out the truth about her dragon, Smaug. past and the secrets behind her mother being taken. 16 www.lfatsf.org.uk
CULTURE reviews dvd review: hansel & gretel: witch hunters The film was released in January 2013. Being the latest instalment in the fairy tale- turned-action-horror franchise following the release of films such as Snow White and the Huntsman, as well as Red Riding Hood, there were high hopes for the film which starred Jeremy Renner as Hansel and Gemma Arterton as Gretel. The film, however, may Above: ‘Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters’ not appeal to everyone with it being a Tarantinoesque production, with blood and guns everywhere. bodies into meat-suits for the delicate creature that hides in the back of the neck The film follows Hansel and Gretel after of the host body. their escape from Candy House. Now that they are adults and bounty-hunters, we But not all humans are willing to let the alien follow them as they head to a town where 11 parasites take control of the universe. The children have gone missing from the village. protagonist Melanie Stryder (Saoirse Ronan) They also have to face an impending witch is one of the few humans who battles to attack. There are two types of witches; good retain her identity. However, before she has and bad, which is to be expected really in this the chance to embark on her journey to find genre of film. her uncle, who’s another part of the human resistance, Melanie ends up being captured. Although the film takes a comedic approach Above: Stephanie Meyer’s ‘The Host’ All too soon, Melanie’s body becomes towards the classic fairy tale (including giving inhabited by an old soul who goes by the Hansel diabetes), it has had very mixed name Wanderer (later nicknamed ‘Wanda’). reviews. The style is questionable and it’s not The parasites’ version of the police, ‘Seekers’ really a memorable film in terms of making film review: try and find out all the details of Melanie a huge impact on the film industry, but it the host and the rest of the human resistance has a few laughs and is an OK film overall. through Wanda. However, Melanie won’t let So, if you’re looking for a film to kill an hour Based on the worldwide bestselling novel, her mind go so easily and leads Wanderer to or two, then this is it… if you can ignore the ‘The Host’ throws us into a world that’s been the rest of the human resistance in the hope swearing every time the actors talk, but hey, inhabited by a species of parasites who slip that they can save her. when you have a film like this, what more do underneath the skin of the human race and you expect? take over their minds, turning the human
17 VOICE
This fast action-packed film based on fair few years, and AFTER hearing amazing coupled with lights from thousands of CULTURE the novel by Stephenie Meyer, is most things about their live performances, I was phones, lighters and cameras from the certainly a complete antithesis to the well- understandably excited to finally have the crowd, made a truly breathtaking scene. known ‘Twilight Saga’ by the same author. opportunity to see them live. Before Muse Then, to signal the beginning of the first Although Meyer is typically known for her came the two support acts, Bastille (who encore (yep they did two), onto the stage own personal take on the world of vampires, impressed me) and Dizzie Rascal (who did not). walks a giant 16ft robot which sang and this adaption conveys a new style to the Both acts, however, irrespective of my opinion danced to ‘Unsustainable’. There were also author’s writing as she enters the world of them, got the crowd going and ready for the the fire chimneys which belched clouds of of sci-fi. You don’t need to be a fan of her night to come. fire into the darkening sky, a lot of strobe previous series to truly appreciate her new lighting and a classic rock star guitar work. Then it was time for Muse. You could practically smash which topped off the major effects feel the anticipation around you as the crowd perfectly. With romance thrown into the mix, ‘The waited. With a stage time of 8.30pm, every Host’ seems to cover everything from minute dragged, time was going so slowly, it The atmosphere in the crowd was action-packed fast scenes that leave you was like being a little kid again on Christmas something that also needs describing; on the edge of your seat, to the beautiful morning waiting for an acceptable time to wake everyone sang, danced and jumped around and astonishing scenery of Utah and the your parents up. Then 10 minutes later the LCD to every single song and, if there’s one way futuristic world. As a fan of the book, and screens dubbed “The power station” by lead to reassure yourself that you’re not the only having read it first, one thing that really singer Matt Bellamy lit up and the beginning one who sings along to the guitar solos, it’s pleased me about the film was how much verse of ‘The Second Law: Unsustainable’ having 60,000 people singing along to them it kept to the book. Unlike many films that blasted around the stadium. Then, all of a with you. Everyone went absolutely mental have been adapted from books, ‘The Host’ sudden, Muse burst onto the stage with a for every single song, some of the crowd manages to successfully keep to its origins fireball which radiated heat all the way down to shots actually looked like a riot! But you by not deviating from the main storyline of the pitch. I couldn’t believe the roar that went could tell everyone was enjoying it. The best the book and pleasing the fans by including around the capacity crowd of 60,000 as they response was received for songs such as popular scenes. opened the show with ‘Supremacy’. the rocky ‘Plug In Baby’, two of their more well known songs (‘Supermassive Black Overall, I would highly recommend this film Their performance was hands-down the best Hole’, ‘Knights of Cydonia’ )and one of their to anyone and everyone, ‘Twilight’ fan or concert I have ever been to and it’s going to newest ones ‘Follow Me’. Nothing compared not, and would definitely (as by the time this take quite a lot of beating; it’s easy to see why to the response received for ‘Starlight’ comes out, it probably won’t still be in the they have won so many awards, including a which was the finale to their epic 2 hour cinema) consider it as something to add to Brit Award, for their live shows. It wasn’t just long show - the crowd screamed along. your own DVD collection. With a wonderful the band and their incredible skill, it was the cast, who portray the written characters whole package of the show and its attention I walked away, ears ringing and feeling beautifully with their remarkable acting, I to detail. What you experience isn’t your bog like a giant walking bruise, kicking my way definitely think that ‘The Host’ deserves a standard concert with a bit of fancy lighting through discarded plastic bottles on the five-star rating. and a few dull special effects: it is a dazzling pitch floor like they were autumn leaves, yet unabashedly melodramatic stage show. having experienced one of the best nights Jack McKnight The theme of the show was loosely based on of my life. The only way I could describe it the current economic crisis and it featured two for about a week after was basically “It was dramatic on-stage deaths of business people amazing! There was fire and lasers and...” music review: during their cover of ‘Feeling Good’ and their which is where I tended to trail off and song ‘Animals’ which also involved confetti just squeal apparently like an over excited muse live: cannons that shot specially made Muse money 5 year old, nothing I said did it justice. So into the crowd. It also contained special effect the verdict is, if you’re even just thinking On 1st June 2013, Muse brought the fourth masterpieces, such as the giant light bulb of booking tickets to see them then do it, I and final UK date of their “Unsustainable” floating over the crowd with an acrobatic implore you, you won’t regret it! tour to the Etihad stadium in Manchester. hanging underneath during ‘Blackout’ which, Having been a huge fan of Muse for a Shannon Rudolph 18 www.lfatsf.org.uk
deepen and deepen and not seem to have an end. Which for some readers can mean
CULTURE reviews a loss of interest; however, I persevered and was yet again astounded by how clever the book review: characters were. The plot was full of suspense and engaged me to the last page. the girl with the The final book in the trilogy was ‘The Girl dragon tattoo who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest’, involving the secret police and the government which only ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ trilogy added to the trilogy’s appeal. It seemed as if is a Swedish based crime thriller ready to Lisbeth Salander would be locked away once intellectually blow your mind. again and have to try to prove her innocence. The thrill of a new novel is gone - replaced The three novels combined create an with a greater knowledge of the protagonists. experience like no other. ‘The Girl with the The author really hones in on human nature Dragon Tattoo’ begins with a murder mystery, and what abuse can do to a person. This where lead characters Mikael Blomkvist trilogy isn’t just the endearing tale, but and Lisbeth Salander, try to find out what also an action-packed crime thriller with an happened within the Vanger family 40 years intelligent heart beating the message to all its ago which led to 16 year old Harriet Vanger’s readers. disappearance. Through the inclusion of the ‘Hacker’, Lisbeth and a journalist (Mikael) Robyn Ward we are shown Swedish society through the subplots of grand corporation corruption and the mistreatment of an innocent child. The only downfall is that the first book takes it’s time setting the scene and then begins to tickle the taste buds with its many subplots of social injustice.
The second novel within the trilogy ‘The Girl who Played with Fire’ begins after a journalist and his girlfriend are killed when writing an important report on human trafficking for the magazine ‘Millennium’. The finger of suspicion is immediately pointed at enigmatic Lisbeth Salander. She is the corporation hacker from the first book, who is on the warpath yet again to try and stop more deaths and to find the justice she deserves.
This book doesn’t exactly have the ferocious punch of the first, as at times, the plot can
19 VOICE CULTURE around for a while. So, with her in tow and with the brain of book review: Julie’s now deceased boyfriend in his pocket, R returns back warm bodies to the airport. Kill a girl’s boyfriend, eat his brain, cover her in zombie blood and drag her back to your creepy zombie You open ‘Warm Bodies’ and are immediately hideout…this guy sure knows how to impress a girl. introduced to R; he might be a zombie but, overall, he’s a fairly nice guy - you can’t really Gradually R learns more about Julie through his interactions hold the whole killing people and eating their with her and the memories he gains from Perry, her ex- flesh thing against him. The first thing he boyfriend’s brain. Slowly, R begins to change in ways he does for you is give you some good zombie never expected he could. But their friendship would never be spotting advice so, ladies, if your boyfriend accepted in a world that has been torn apart by the zombies spends the majority of his time drooling and R would never be allowed into the human safe house that and communicating to you with a series of Julie lives in. grunts, then maybe keep an eye on him; he could potentially be a zombie. Of course, this This is where the book takes a slight turn and the writer’s true doesn’t apply if he’s halfway through a FIFA motives become clear; it’s a bit of a warning for us human marathon though because, apparently, that’s folks that if we keep going the way we are, then the world will just what they do. If he develops a taste for probably end up the way he has portrayed it…maybe sans brains however, maybe it’s a good time to zombies, but I digress. While it is a bit heavy on the opinions think about calling things off. for a while, what makes this book special is that it really makes you think about the state of the world and the human R isn’t your average run of the mill zombie race and the future we are inevitably headed for. Before though. Yeah, he can’t say more than four you go thinking this is just another of those badly written syllables in a row and, sometimes, when he supernatural love stories that are all the rage nowadays, has a drink it all seeps back through the it’s not another Twilight. This book is a wonderfully written holes in his rotting stomach, but his brain is and delightfully wordy story, which is thought provoking full of wit and intelligence that he just can’t and entertaining and will make you view the world slightly convey. This makes R a bit of an outcast in differently for a long time after you’ve turned the last page. the airport inhabiting zombie society he’s a part of but just as life does, death goes on. I’d recommend this book to anyone and it’s definitely one I will R volunteers to go out on a food scouting come back to again and again. If you’ve read it, and enjoyed mission which involves finding a cosy hidey it, then you could try his prequel e-book ‘New Hunger’ and hole full of juicy people to kill, eat and bring also get excited at the prospect of a sequel! back the leftovers for the rest of the zombies to feast on. He does this to ensure he gets his Shannon Randolph favourite part; the brain. He can, however, justify this hunger for brains, as it gives him the memories and flashbacks of the person’s life and makes him feel a little bit human for a while. On one of these food quests, R develops a bit of an attachment to a girl called Julie and decides (for some reason he can’t understand), that he’d like to keep her
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CULTURE summer adventures days out Why not go on a city day out, perhaps to The British summer is the perfect time to Camping is the perfect holiday for Manchester? Manchester is home to the find music festivals and events across the you and your friends. It doesn’t Manchester Arndale which holds a range country. Many popular events such as cost hundreds of pounds like going of stores under one roof. Or you could V Festival and Glastonbury have already abroad does and if you look around visit the Manchester Museum free of sold out, but don’t panic! Birmingham you can find campsites right next charge, which accommodates a range of is hosting the new Fusion Festival with to the beach. Sand Farm in Weston treasures, including a T-Rex and fossils. an a-list line up. Acts such as Jessie J, Super Mare is just 300 yards from the A coach journey from Birmingham will Mcfly, Ne-yo and The Saturdays will be beach and they allow young adults to cost a maximum of £20 which includes performing over the weekend. A standard camp at an affordable price. Ring for return. NUS card holders also receive an weekend ticket costs £60, which is a lot more details: 01934 620995 extra 25% off! cheaper than the major festivals!
Shopping is a must over the summer, especially after all our hard work! Vintage is the way forward. There are Bicester Village in Oxford is a designer many vintage fairs across the country, outlet selling items at discounted prices, selling cheap, chic accessories and basically a giant sale! There are a range clothing. On 28th July, the West Midlands of shops and restaurants, so you can is hosting the Solihull Vintage Fair & definitely spend the day there. However Vintage Tea Party. The entrance cost is a if designer clothes aren’t your thing, minute £1; however entrance for students why not check out Vintage Warehouse is completely free, so remember to in Nottingham? It’s basically a giant present your student card! warehouse, selling vintage clothes, at ridiculously cheap prices! Or if you can’t travel that far, just check out ‘Cow’ vintage retailer in Birmingham.
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Why not relive your childhood and take Over the summer, The Lion King will be Theme parks are enjoyable for a trip to the traditional British seaside? coming to the Birmingham Hippodrome everyone, even if you don’t enjoy thrill On a sunny day, the seaside is the perfect for three weeks! The award winning rides! Alton Towers in Staffordshire has summer’s day out. The beach, the sea, musical is performing matinee and recently opened their new ride, ‘The the pier and the ice cream, what more evening shows, so there is no excuse for Smiler’, which is the world’s first 14 could you want? Even if the weather missing this opportunity! The tickets start looping rollercoaster! But there are also is rubbish, there is still tons to do! For from £25 and can be brought from the a variety of other rides for those who example, you could spend forever Hippodrome website. don’t enjoy being thrown around on playing on penny games in an arcade rides! (If you have a NUS card you can or even eat at a traditional fish and chip get up to 40% off tickets). shop. The list is endless! Or you could enjoy at day at Drayton Manor, just down the road! The tickets are reasonable compared to other theme parks, and there are frequent 2 for 1 offers!
If you are interested in history, why not For those students who are more Natasha Bennett visit a historical site such as the Black adventurous, Go Ape located in Cannock Country Museum? It takes you back Chase in Staffordshire, offers a Tarzan- in time, as if you were in the Victorian like experience as you tackle an assault era. There are loads of things to do, course in the tree tops! The course takes such as boat trips and a journey to the around two to three hours to complete, underground mines! which is money well spent at only £24 for under 18s. Don’t be put off if you’re Or how about Warwick Castle? The castle afraid of heights, you may surprise holds a large amount of history, mainly yourself! from the medieval era. There are tons of things to do, such as the dungeon experience, if you’re brave enough!
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CULTURE poetry corner speak ‘the wanderer’ out! A sudden realisation The search, the idea, the notion Which embeds the mind of a wanderer Trying to find something new against social The thirst of knowing more, Of reading books with strange networking Inscriptions splayed across the pages. Inscriptions of a new kind. The mind wanders, It peers at the universe Trying to unlock all of its secrets. The sense of amazement of How the child discovers What an apple is Echoes that same sense Of a mad man who discovered Why it fell. Knowledge is infinite , It is not a burden, But an asset that embellishes Who you are.
Namrata Mishra
23 VOICE OPINION Who, in their right mind, would spend faces, were edited, framed and uploaded people that spoil this fun, by becoming hours of their lives pouring over onto these networking sites. Sadly, these internet trolls. It sounds like they should what someone had for dinner? Good new trends have meant some snide be sitting under a bridge or a cave question, Why would anyone post comments are being made so people somewhere, but these are people the something like that? have stopped posting their pictures; this same as you and me; they probably have shows that sometimes social networking ordinary jobs or lives, yet squander their You’d be surprised. It seems a sites can do more harm than good. time making snide remarks and threats phenomenon has erupted over Twitter through the internet. This is another against social and Facebook, with the worst culprit However, there are some positives to downfall of social networking, because being Instagram. I can tell you from these websites. Many people rely on sites these sites facilitate people who do not networking experience, that I have posted such such as Facebook to stay in touch with respect the rules of the internet or the monstrosities on to the big wide web, their friends. Long distance relationships people they attack. despite the boring nature of what I can be difficult so the function of being was posting, I somewhat enjoyed it. able to chat and interact can make the In conclusion, many people see social However, a problem arose when it came whole experience a lot more real. Also, networking as a lifeline to keep in touch to seeing hundreds upon thousands the sites are forever updating so that with friends and family, yet some people of asparagus pictures! Then people many people can play games together see it as an opportunity to intimidate got bored with the food industry and online, talk to celebrities and also like- others. entered the ‘Selfies’ realm. This meant minded people that share the same that preened faces, and not so preened interests can interact. There are some Robyn Ward
Infographic courtesy of www.webanalyticsworld.net 24 www.lfatsf.org.uk
Icing: line the bottoms. COOKING 85g (3-oz) tub Spoon half of the mixture into each tin. 225g (8-oz) icing sugar, sieved Bake in middle of preheated oven for 25–
COOKING 1 tablespoon milk 30 minutes. Turn out and cool on wire tray. COFFEE & 1 tablespoon coffee essence Turn the cakes out onto a wire rack and leave to cool. WALNUT CAKE Decoration: Icing: Mix all ingredients until well blended. Cake should serve between 10 and 85g (3oz) walnuts Add the milk and coffee essence and beat 12 people How to make the cake: together. Sandwich the 2 cakes together with a little You will need; of the icing. 175g (6oz) margarine Preheat the oven to 180 C, 160 C fan, or Gas Spread most of the remainder on the sides 175g (6 oz) sugar Mark 4 and top of the cake. 3 eggs, medium, beaten Place all cake ingredients in a mixing bowl and Chop all but eight of the walnuts and 175g (6oz) self-raising flour, sieved beat together until smooth. press around the sides of the cake. 55g (2oz) walnuts, chopped Place in 2 x 18cm (7 inch) greased and bottom- Pipe remaining icing around the edge 1 tablespoon coffee essence lined sandwich tins. Fold in the flour. using a star nozzle and decorate with Stir in the walnuts and the coffee. reserved walnuts. Grease two 18cm (7 inch) sandwich tins and
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WHITE CHOCOLATE Baking tin: Allow to cool. COOKING A 12-cup muffin tin lined with a paper cases Whip the cream with 1-2 tablespoons & STRAWBERRY of icing sugar until thick. Spoon or How to make the cakes: pipe a mound of whipped cream CUPCAKES on each cupcake and top with a Preheat the oven to 180C, 160C fan oven, Gas strawberry. Recipe makes 12 individual cupcakes Mark 4. Chop the chocolate into very small pieces. Rebecca Cutmore You will need; Take 100g of strawberries and cut them into 100g white chocolate small pieces. 100g strawberries Sieve the flour into a large bowl. Stir in the 150g self-raising flour margarine, sugar, eggs and the strawberry jam 150g margarine with a wooden spoon or mixer. Beat until the 150g caster sugar mixture is smooth. 3 medium eggs Stir the chocolate and the strawberry into the 2-3 tablespoons (50g) strawberry jam mixture. Topping ingredients: Divide the batter (2 tablespoons) evenly 150ml double cream between the paper cases in the tin. Bake the icing sugar cupcakes in the preheated oven for 20-25 12 small strawberries minutes until cooked and golden brown.
26 www.lfatsf.org.uk make up reviews MAKE up MAKE l’oreal true try this foundation out, the wide and it didn’t clog my pores. I would range of shades means that there’s definitely purchase this product match foundation a colour match for everyone. Avoid again. It’s cheap and I actually find this foundation if you have oily skin, it better than some of the high end Never have I had such luck in finding especially in the summer heat. concealers. a foundation that actually matches my skin tone perfectly and I have Maybelline pure Struggling to find the perfect tried a fair few! It really lived up to match for your skin tone in other its name. However, the coverage is mineral concealer foundations? Try this website: fairly light; although it can be built up www.findation.com. You select the foundation shades that you have to a medium coverage to cover any I personally really liked this concealer; used before that were a good uneven skin tone. it offers a medium coverage and it’s match for your skin and it great for brightening up the under then matches this colour The foundation looks great when it’s eye area and covers any dark circles to similar shades in first applied; your skin looks flawless, and blemishes very well. You don’t other foundations. but don’t expect to come home after need to apply much because a little a night out looking as good as you goes a long way which makes it great left. The foundation seemed to come value for money and it’s a good price off my face after around 4-6 hours. I too, usually around £6-£7. If you have oily skin and it left me looking apply too much it may actually begin quite shiny. I found myself having to to look quite cakey, so you might touch up with powder every want to apply it more sparingly few hours. and add more if needed.
However, the bottle states The product is small, compact and Try out these foundations! that it is oil free which easy to apply making it great for means that it shouldn’t quick touch ups here and there; 1. B. Flawless Complete Coverage cause any breakouts. I also any redness is gone immediately. Foundation - £9.99 from Superdrug like that the foundation The liquid consistency makes it 2. Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup - comes in a pump bottle easy to blend into the skin, it’s not £8.99 from Boots which will help you to avoid too runny and not too thick. The 3. Max Factor All Day Flawless wasting too much which is product unfortunately only comes 3-in-1 Foundation - £11.99 from often the case with squeeze in three shades, making it difficult Superdrug bottles. to find your exact skin colour; 4. MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation however it blends into the skin - £20.50 from MAC cosmetics If you struggle to find a making this less of an issue. shade that matches your 5. Vichy Dermablend - £15.50 from Boots skin tone and only need What I noticed about this concealer a light coverage, then you should is that it stays on for the entire day, Emily Driscoll
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Summer Dresses
With summer finally here, it’s time to find the perfect summer dress. There Maxi Dress Midi dress are so many dresses on the high street this season from bold print Maxi dresses are a wardrobe essential in The midi dress has proven to be a huge shift dresses to the essential maxi the summer months. They can be worn trend this season. These dresses come dress that will suit all occasions. We’ve day or night because they are extremely just below the knees and are elegant and picked a few out to help you choose versatile. Wear them simply with a pair of easy to wear; there’s no need to worry the perfect one for you this summer. sandals or complement them with some about windy weather either! statement jewellery for an evening look. Shift dress Skater dress Emily Driscoll With its loose style, the shift dress is ideal for the warmer weather, but is There are a wide range of styles and still very versatile and multi-seasonal. interpretations of the skater dress, which Make a statement by investing in a means you’re sure to find one that’s shift dress with bold prints and bright perfect for you and they can also be worn colours to really stand out in the in any season. You can take on an edgy crowd; shift dresses with collars are interpretation or go for the more ‘girly’ also on trend for this season. look with pastel colours and flowery prints.
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CULTURE NETBALL
One Wednesday afternoon in May, Through the season, the girls have during Enrichment time, Landau had their ups and downs but, as Forte’s netball team was faced goal keeper Megan McDonnell with their final opponent of the said, “It’s the best match we’ve season; Walsall. When we arrived played all season and I’m so proud at the match, just in time for the of our team!” After a team vote end of the third quarter, we were Elisha Freeman was named the informed by Miss Walsh that while player of the match and Jessica things weren’t exactly going to Faux was named the player of the plan, with a score of 18-11 to the season. opposition, the team were still working hard. After asking for some time to “think of something inspirational” After a quick chat and a few Miss Walsh and Miss Hill both substitutions, the final quarter told us “We are very proud of began. Team Landau Forte the girls. They have worked well quickly scored, which gave them together through all the hype and a fresh burst of energy that was anticipation. They worked their maintained through the rest of the socks off this match as they have match. The team communicated all season.” very well and there were very few errors on their part; however, the The team would like to thank other team made it very hard Miss Walsh and Miss Hill for their for the girls to find space which hard work as coaches through the hampered their ability to pass and season. Well done to everyone score effectively. After a tense 15 involved! minutes, the Walsall girls came out on top winning 23-16 after a Shannon Rudolph hotly contested fourth quarter, but team Landau Forte were not downhearted.
29 VOICE puzzles puzzle page
ACROSS DOWN
3 You’ll be wanting 1 A leisurely trip to cubes of this in somewhere. your drink when it 2 Wear these to gets hot. protect your eyes 5 The name of from the sun this educational 4 The name of the facility. puzzle you’re 7 There are millions currently looking at. of grains of this on 6 The name of this the beach. brilliant magazine! 8 The sunniest season. 9 The prettiest type of plant that you’ll see in summer.
BEACH/EDUCATION/FORTE/GARDEN/HOT/ LANDAU/LEARNING/PARTY/SAND/SEA/SIXTHFORM/ SUBJECTS/SUMMER/SUN/SUNGLASSES/TAMWORTH/ TEACHING/VOICE Robert James
30 facebook.com/lfatsf contact us twitter.com/landauforte Landau Forte Academy Tamworth Sixth Form Ashby Road Tamworth B79 8AA
Tel: 01827 301820 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lfatsf.org.uk