VOICE

west side story success ISSUE07 APRIL2013 these people...

Principal Mr P Morris Vice Principal Dr S Clark Staff Editor Ms D Gilraine Designer Marshall & Kemp Press Officer Ms S Pearsall Photo Editor Mrs S Thompson Student Editor Michael Cartledge Music Harrison Marlow Catherine Groucott Film Michael Cartledge News and Politics Robert James Dylan Waldron Literature Shannon Randolph Science Namrata Mishra Culture Robert James Gaming John Brittan Sport and Health Lauren Berry Fashion Emily Driscoll Cookery Rebecca Cutmore Gossip Natasha Crook principal’s comments

Being a Welsh Rugby fan has not been easy Having taught in a large range of establishments made this possible... over the past few months. After winning a andg havin had the opportunity to work with “Grand Slam” and reaching the semi-final of the Armed Forces for several years in Officer the World Cup, no-one would have predicted Selection, I have seen how self-confidence 02 Principal’s Comments the run of defeats that we endured. Confidence plays a huge part in how they are perceived 03 Meet the Presidents melted away and we seemed to have forgotten and, therefore, how they progress. Taking how to play. Similarly no-one saw Italy beating pride in yourself, your appearance, and your News France on the first day of the Six Nations, so, on background are all vital to ensure that your real 04 Enrichment Saturday 8th February, two teams faced each potential is seen. 06 Academy News other in Paris, who were desperate not to lose, These aspects of the student’s development 09 News in Brief and that is how they played. Both sides were are an integral part of what we are doing here. scared of making mistakes and so the game Students look smart and are encouraged to Factual plodded on until one side, Wales fortunately, be positive about themselves. We promote 10 Science & Culture produced a piece of skill and scored the only try activities to allow the students to show what to win the match. The key element of this is to they are capable of in all sorts of different Entertainment realise how much self-confidence plays a part areas, and we encourage the students to in how well we achieve in life. These players aim high academically to go for their best. In 11 Games hadn’t become bad players but they were not this way I firmly believe that our students will 12 Fashion & Beauty confident. They didn’t play to win, they played leave us with the confidence they require to do 14 Music not to lose. themselves justice in their futures. 15 Film 16 Literature 18 Cookery 19 Sport & Gossip

2 meet the presidents

I had the chance to talk to our gracious leaders, when something is good we say we want it to spaces that we want to develop. We also President Leanne Marsh and Vice President stay. looked into whether Year 12s could have home Ravin Thakrar, about what it is they do and study too, and whether we could upgrade the have done for us. After a brief introduction we Which aspects of college life do you hope to computers in the corridors. got right down to brass tacks… change during your term? How do you think the college has developed So, what made you take on the roles in the Ravin: Well there are some things that we have while you have been here? first place? already changed, for instance, a student came to us complaining that there wasn’t always Leanne: The main change has been the amount Leanne: I think the thing we wanted most was enough room in the restaurant, so we came of communication between the college and change, and to make more changes than the up with the idea to allow people to eat in the its students, there have been more meetings, Presidents who came before us. Presentation Suite. yet there can be more still, we have about a meeting every term. I personally feel that the Ravin: eW actually wanted to leave our mark Leanne: We are also organising the Year 13 students have had more to say and the college on Landau Forte and make a change that we prom. There are on-going issues that we are has been willing to listen. can be proud of. waiting for a response on; uniform for example, seeing how we can alter it to make everyone What plans do you two personally have for What do your prestigious roles entail? comfortable, and parking, which is an issue that the future? everyone has mentioned, so we are hoping for Leanne: Well, our main job is to put forward a good response. Ravin: Well I want to go to University and study students’ opinions about what they think should Economics, in the hope of a career in Banking change. But of course it isn’t all about the bad, Ravin: Also, the outdoor areas are excellent or Finance.

Leanne: I want to go to University and study Criminology.

Have you enjoyed your time so far as President?

Leanne: sWell it’ been stressful, we are people pleasers, but sometimes it’s hard to please everyone!

Ravin: sIt’ certainly never boring; it keeps us occupied and fills us with a lot of pride.

Leanne: When we went to the gathering promoting the Sixth Form at Amington, a student came up to me and said that we had made them want to go to the Sixth Form, the feeling of inspiring young minds is great.

How much do you love The Voice, out of 10?

Leanne: 10! Ravin: 10. I love the fresh new look!

Michael Cartledge www.lfatsf.org.uk 3 enrichment

Once upon a time, during enrichment, a boy visited groups beyond his own. He ventured across terrifying corridors, relentlessly, on the search for knowledge. That boy was me, and the importance of this is what he discovered… volunteering work experience Volunteering is a group of kind hearted souls, working to help men and women alike, these ‘Work Experience’ is something that is wholly the skills you gain are great when you actually valiant warriors of good have brought food to encouraged at Landau Forte Academy go out to the workplace. He commented that the, poor visited Standon House to help and Tamworth Sixth Form. It is seen as taking work experience helps improve communication entertain the pensioners, helped to arrange another step into the fiercely competitive and it helps you improve your skills outside of the party for the over 60s, and made Operation working world. At the moment, students here the Academy. Christmas Child a roaring success. Bravo! represent the Academy when they go out to I spoke to a guest at our ‘over 60’s’ dinner and work during enrichment. We took time to ask We asked him if he had any advice or top she told me about the wonderful time she had people their opinion about the importance of tips for people looking to gain some work and said that she will definitely attend next work experience. experience. His definite advice was to, year! So nice one, guys! “Choose the right thing for you, if you don’t Mrs Wright (IAG Coordinator) agrees that like an office environment, don’t pick an office work experience is vital nowadays. Due to the job”. Finally, we asked Mr Morris to recall any economic crisis, potential employees with little work experience he did. He recounted: “I did digital fiction or no work experience tend not to get the job teaching work experience, in both primary and they are looking for, even if their grades and secondary, and worked in a pub; it’s good to qualifications suit the remit of the job. Mrs take a break and do different things.” From our The digital fiction writers meet in the LRC and Wright also argues that work experience is research, we established that work experience compose tales and fan fiction, the question important because: not only gives you a glimpse into a particular being; where will they take you? Into the sorcery • It provides students with the career, but allows you to develop your own filled lands of Harry Potter? Or perhaps Narnia? opportunity to experience a range of skills. tasks that are mentally stimulating • It helps with all types of applications The Academy has received positive feedback • It gives students the chance to find out from both students and employers for what’s going on in the world of work by their attitude to work experience. Students interacting with colleagues commented that it was good as it gave them spanish • It helps with career choices experience of the working world. Some also commented that it was like a test drive for future These ‘estudiantes’ learn the exotic Spanish But… work and this was a good advantage to have. language. After speaking to some of them (in • Keep work experience related to your Employers have said of students from LFATSF, English) I was told that it can be challenging, career interests “They are always punctual, well dressed and but will be totally worth the GCSE at the end. • Maintain high standards of dress, have excellent manners. They listen carefully; Jade Rowley told this reporter that the class punctuality, attendance and behaviour they learn quickly and work with accuracy and was “Bueno,”… whatever that means. • Start with what you’re good at precision.”

We also interviewed the Principal, Mr Morris, “I would employ them if I could. They are an and asked him for his opinion on how vital excellent ambassador for the Academy. They On my next adventures, I may be visiting you, work experience is for people looking to get out have made a real contribution to extended so don’t cry if your enrichment wasn’t in this there into employment. Mr Morris said that he activities here and have built some strong issue! thought work experience was very important; relationships”.

4 Michael Cartledge, Lauren Berry, Natasha Crook VOICE

EMPLOYERS!Tamworth Enterprise College SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School the young Oak Tree Day Nursery Landau Forte Academy Amington Moorgate Primary School Sunningdale Nursing Home Standon House people of Willam MacGregor Primary Steve’s Athletics Academy Bird’s Bush Primary University Hospitals Birmingham tamworth Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Kingsbury School Landau Forte Academy Tamworth Sixth Form Little Learners Nursery Kingsbury School need you Springpharm Ltd. Primary Care Pharmacy Can you offer Work Experience The Castle Hotel Eason Pharmacy placements to our 16-19 year Burton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust old A-level students ? Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Solihull Hospital We have keen, talented, committed young employers who The Snowdome Ltd people looking for the opportunity to develop N+R Manufactoring skills by experiencing real work environments. Students are available for work experience every Wednesday afternoon in term time. have already think you supported us Sue Ryder Clarks Cycle Systems WMH Transmissions Ltd thank Flax Hill Junior School can help? The Rawlett School (An AET Academy) Landau Forte Academy QEMS If you think you might be able to help please REW contact Mrs Shani Thompson. Leyfields Sure Start Childrens Centre St Elizabeths Catholic Primary School 01827 301820 ext. 3006 St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary [email protected] Ibstock Brick Ltd you

Mrs S Thompson www.lfatsf.org.uk 5 academy news politics in landau: question time

On Friday 8th February, Christopher Pincher we should not have a pay rise. My views are on English matters. We have an unfinished job MP, came to visit Landau Forte Academy in that our pay should not rise. Only a ‘few’ MPs on that. Anyone who voted for Labour voted order to help us with our Politics Week – he were asked. Today, we spend £1200 everyday. for tuition fees as Labour wanted tuition fees. showed us how politics really works. ‘Question We have to tighten our belts, reduce spending Those people who benefit from undergraduate time’, took place where tutors, Mr Harrison, Mr and create a better society” studies pay something that benefit education”. Hollinshead, Mr Davison-Fenn and students including Rhianna Campsell, and Carmel Elliot Another question was raised by Robyn Ward Many more issues were debated by the panel, participated in discussing real political issues. which was more relevant to us as students who and the audience, including the proposal of are heading to University: HS2 and Gay Marriage. All in all, the session James Bailey raised a question as follows: was extremely productive, informative and Is it fair that students in England and enjoyable, giving Landau students a real insight Do MPs deserve a 33% pay rise? Scotland pay different University fees? into the world of politics. Christopher Pincher answered, ‘’I would say no, Mr Christopher Pincher said “Scottish MPs vote

Company’s production of “The Winter’s Tale”. much welcome humour. I particularly liked the It is a play which we are studying as a core return of Hermione as a statue at the end of the text for our coursework, and so watching the play, as the audience had presumed she was production was a great experience that helped dead after she collapsed in the court scene. year 13 us really grasp the text and develop our It was quite a surreal finish to a very tense understanding of it. The workshops consisted play, and capped off a great day in William of many different activities, all of which had us Shakespeare’s hometown. literature trip really engaging with the play. From learning about the context of the play, to acting out some of the scenes, it was a really helpful afternoon. The Winter’s Tale A creative director from the RSC told us that there had been 7 versions of the play, because each time the play is interpreted differently by RSC Review different Directors. Captivating, exciting and enriching. These In the evening, after we left the theatre, we all three words do not to justice to a fantastic day agreed that the production was a great success. in Stratford –Upon –Avon on Wednesday 14th It was interesting to see how the company February , when Year 13 students from the characterised players such as Leontes, who Sixth Form had the opportunity to take part in is the architect of destruction in the play, and workshops and watch the Royal Shakespeare characters like Autolycus who injects some

6 Namrata Mishra, Alex Barton VOICE west side story

Knowing most of the cast of West Side Story, I knew it was going to be good. However, I was blown away by the amount of talent everybody who took part has. It’s hard to believe that this was the first production the Sixth Form have presented.

The actors and dancers involved had to endure months of tough rehearsals to make West Side Story come together. However, their commitment truly paid off as they collectively performed a highly entertaining and emotional performance; it will be extremely hard to forget. The talent didn’t end there. The main cast also overwhelmed me with their outstanding vocals. Particularly Tony and Maria (Luke Bryan and Julie Winch) whose duets gave me goose bumps. I didn’t realise how much skill was required to put on such a wonderful show!

It would be an insult not to mention the terrific costume, set and lighting. The visual effects really brought the production together and I felt like I was really watching a professional performance, and not a Sixth Form amateur show. The backstage crew must have put in just as many hours as those on stage and their efforts contributed hugely to the success of the production.

For me, the dance scene of the play summed it up perfectly. This scene consisted of faultless choreography, beautiful costumes, phenomenal effects and as always, impeccable acting. However, it was the events of this scene that reflected the musical so exquisitely, being Tony ands Maria’ first meeting. The love-story really did start then.

Overall, West Side Story was a massive success. It will be difficult to beat and is something everyone will remember for a long time. Everybody involved should be extremely proud of themselves, I know everybody else is.

Stacey Wylie www.lfatsf.org.uk 7 worst snow fall in a year

In January, the UK experienced the worst snowfall in almost a year. Despite traffic disruptions, and some students not being able to attend due to the appalling weather conditions, Landau Forte Academy Tamworth Sixth Form managed to remain open, which I’m sure was most appreciated by the tutors and students alike.

The site staff all pulled together, doing a sterling job in ensuring that staff were able to park their cars in the snow covered car park.

Well done everyone! love cakes Hannah Tranter along with other students, sold delicious cakes for Valentine’s Day to raise money for St Giles Hospice!

She made a total of £62! Nice one, Hannah.

8 Robert James news in brief VOICE 3rd round of job cuts hit the armed forces people thinking that all wars are pointless and Army. A whole £38 billion, according to recent our loss is greater than our gain, our soldiers figures, needs to be saved, but how much will are out there now, 102,000 of them, from 50 cutting jobs back achieve this? contributing countries, including the UK, the USA and other nations around Europe. The Army aren’t the only ones under fire; the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are also The Ministry of Defence are well known for their The recent plan to cut more jobs from the Army experiencing major cut backs, both of which are part in several wars, but wars come at a price, is the 3rd instalment from operators at the MoD, going to cut around 5,000 jobs each this year a heavy price. So heavy in fact that a further who plan to cut Army jobs down from 102,000 alone. 5,300 jobs will be lost within the Army itself in a to 82,000 by 2017, which is a massive reduction desperate attempt to lower funds spent by the of 20,000 jobs, whilst the war on terror is still How many more jobs can we cut down? How Army. going strong. Is this a wise move? long until we just withdraw our troops from Iraq? And how long until the Ministry of Defence From the Territorial Army to the armies in The main reason for such radical action is an realise that the key to minimal spending does Afghanistan, they protect us. Despite many attempt to reduce the budget spent by the not lie in cutting the workforce?

Dyland Waldron, Photo Credit: www.bit.ly/w99L3g www.lfatsf.org.uk 9 science & culture dubai Dubai is a city in one of the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East, also called Dubai. secrets Since 1991 it has become one of the richest cities in the world, primarily thanks to its oil, although tourism and real estate also have behind chocolate a big part to play in Dubai’s economy. The President, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, As you all know, Easter is coming up, which components which contribute to its melting is worth over £2 billion. The city is home to the means chocolate galore! But why does properties. Cocoa bean polyphenols make up tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa, chocolate taste so delicious? What makes it so 12-18% of the bean weight. They also consist and the tallest solely residential building in the smooth? mainly of phenolic acids which are chemicals world, the Princess Tower. Dubai is divided into that give the brown colour to cocoa. different districts, including Dubai Marina, Deira It is because it contains: and Downtown Dubai. The main component which provides chocolate • Cocoa butter: a type of fat solid, with its bitter flavour is the alkaloid theobromine. Dubai Marina is an artificial waterway that which creates the sensational taste of This also shows how terrible chocolate would stretches for two miles, starting and finishing chocolate taste if the bitterness was not counterbalanced at the sea. It is surrounded by tall buildings • Cocoa solids: a dry powder made from with enough sugar! that are mostly residential, although there cocoa beans which is bitter in taste are also some small supermarkets and some • Sugar: added to sweeten the chocolate The actual fact that butter and solids, which are restaurants. and reduce the bitter taste from the the major components of chocolate, cannot be cocoa beans mixed creates a big problem. If the two were to Located near Dubai Marina is Jumeirah Beach • Milk powder: added for making milk mix they will quickly separate and this will cause Residence, which is a row of residential chocolate an uneven texture in the mouth. This can be buildings on the seafront. The single lane overcome with the help of emulsifiers. They are cobble road that runs in front of them is known Cocoa butter, although expensive, plays molecules that coat the cocoa solid particles. as The Walk, on which are many restaurants an important role in the taste of chocolate. This gives it a hydrophobic layer which interacts and shops. At night, The Walk becomes busy It consists of a mixture of saturated and with the cocoa butter, thus allowing the two with tourists and wealthy people showing off unsaturated glycerides and it has volatile flavour components to mix. their expensive cars.

Deira is one of the least built up areas of try it yourself Dubai and one of the less wealthy. It is home to an old market, selling spices and clothes. Its When an ordinary chocolate bar is melted centrepiece, however, is the Dubai Creek. The and then hardened again, its crystal structure Dubai Creek is one of the main trading ports changes completely. This affects its melting in Dubai, with hundreds of boats coming in point, texture and taste. from all over the Middle East, importing spices,

clothes and gold amongst other things. Break a chocolate bar in half and melt one of the parts, keeping the other part as the control. Downtown Dubai is considered the main part Then re-harden it. When it is set, break this of Dubai. The tallest building in the world, the part as well as the control in half. You will soon Burj Khalifa, is located there amongst other find that they break differently. Similarly, both of recognisable tall buildings and well known their tastes are different. hotels and restaurants. There are also a lot of

10 Namrata Mishra, Robert James games VOICE expensive car dealerships such as McLaren and Aston Martin. games in history Underneath the Burj Khalifa lies the Dubai Mall which includes a cinema and an ice skating days of each other: the Nintendo GameCube rink. and the XBOX were released. Sony had Dubai is an absolutely incredible place and I already released the PlayStation 2 in 2000. The would recommend going there at least once; it Nintendo GameCube is, personally, my 1st has to be seen to be believed and words just games console. don’t do it justice! As we headed into 2004 and beyond, we got to see more familiar consoles introduced, the Ever since video games were first introduced Nintendo DS, the Sony PSP and then the to the world by Physicist William Higinbotham rivalry continued with the XBOX360, Nintendo in 1958, there have been big improvements in Wii and Sony PlayStation 3. The Nintendo Wii the video game industry. Initially games started won the battle, gaining the most sales, but the on an oscilloscope but are now played on the most successful games console of all time is TV, creating graphical improvements, extended play time and increased fun factor.

In 1971 the first arcade game was released, Computer Space. 1500 games were distributed. Originally people found the game difficult to play, but that’s to be expected.

By 1978 Midway had produced the much loved ‘Space invaders’, the first arcade game to record high scores!

1980 was a huge year for video games: Activision was created by Atari programmers who wanted more credit for their work, and the 1st 3D game was created - Battlezone! Everyone’s favourite Pac-man even had 300,000 units of the game released world-wide by Namco. the Sony PlayStation 2, and second to that is the Sony PlayStation. By 1986 Tetris had been released on the PC, and companies Nintendo and Sega released In 2012 the Nintendo Wii U was released, their own games consoles, the NES (Nintendo stating the new generations of consoles and Entertainment System) and the SMS (Sega with the new Xbox and PlayStation set to be Master System) and in 1989 the hand held released the future is looking bright! console Nintendo Gameboy reached the shelves. In 1994 Sony released the PlayStation and by 1997 it was considered to be the most popular games console.

Fun Fact, in 1999 Billy Mitchell achieved the highest possible Pac-man score of 3,333,360! In 2001 the console wars began as Microsoft and Nintendo both released consoles within

John Brittan www.lfatsf.org.uk 11 fashion & beauty how to... bohemian Two Tone Nails rhapsody Bohemian fashion has all the elements to creating a unique edge to your wardrobe. Create a casual 70s hippie and vintage look in a rugged and effortless way with light denim, soft chiffons, fringing, neutral tones and pretty floral patterns.

Swap your skinny jeans for a loose baggy pair for spring 2013, with the temperature slowly (but surely) rising you’ll need some loose fitting jeans to keep you cool but still looking on trend. Denim is central to the Bohemian style, wear these must have jeans with a fitting top to create a more You will need: feminine look or stick to the boyfriend style with a pastel or floral boyfriend blazer. Be • Base Coat creative and roll up the bottom to enhance • Top Coat your casual look but keep your feminine • Two Colour Nail Varnishes side with pretty floral accessories. • Two Make-up sponges • Nail Varnish Remover Dungarees have made a huge comeback • Cotton Buds this year; they are perfect for adding some cute boyish charm to your day time look. Step One: Apply a clear base coat as normal Step Four: Lightly press the sponge over They’re a great addition to your spring and leave to dry the nail and repeat until the colours start to wardrobe. blend (the sponge will start to disintegrate Step Two: When dry, paint nails with the so swap sponges when this happens and Why not try some brown western boots? colour you want on the bottom of your nail work quickly) They are easy to wear, extremely versatile (the lightest colour is usually best for this) and are an essential item in achieving that Step Five: Apply a clear top coat bohemian style look. These boots will look Step Three: When nails are completely dry, great and take you right through the season paint two strips of your chosen colours on Step Six: Carefully clean the space around making them a fantastic investment for your the make-up sponge so the edges of them your nails with the nail varnish remover and collection and giving you plenty of options just meet cotton buds to mix and match.

Add pretty lace tops to add a softer and more feminine feel to the trend. Lace is a must have for this spring and works perfectly with all of your looks.

12 Emly Driscoll VOICE

get the bohemian

Ditsy Print Blouse rhapsody River Island - £30.00 look

Feather Earrings Dorothy Perkins - £10.00

Lace Top River Island - £32.00

Dungarees Janes Brown Western Studded Boots New Look - £22.99 River Island - £10.00 Boohoo.com - £18.00 www.lfatsf.org.uk 13 music & film pick a festival

isle of download It’s here again, in just a couple of months t in Download is back! As I’m sure you’re aware, there are a lot of big acts hitting the stage again this, year bands like: Slipknot, Iron Maiden, the park white Rammstein, Bullet for my Valentine, Queens The Isle of Wight Festival is a music festival of the Stone Age and many, many more! The T in the Park is a Scottish festival and has been held in Seaclose Park, Isle of Wight. This year huge event starts on Wednesday 12th of June running since 1993; it is held at Kinross-shire is the festival’s 15th anniversary since it started 2013 and lasts until Monday 17th June. We are between 12th and 14th of July 2013.This will be at the park. The festival is being held on 13th sure that so many of you are ridiculously eager the festival’s 20th Anniversary. The line-up for - 16th of June 2013. The Script, Jake Bugg, to go for the camping experience of a lifetime. the 2013 festival includes Mumford and Sons, Paloma Faith, The Stone Roses, Bon Jovi and Tickets are on sale now so, if you’re planning Rihanna, The Killers, The Script and many Happy Mondays are just some of the artists on going, then you better get your tickets as more to be announced. who will be playing. soon as possible!

14 Harrison Marlow, Catherine Groucott VOICE

movie was great; my hopes were raised, my low expectations were thrown so far out the window that I was unable to see them anymore, choose I was happy. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the movie became yet another predictable, badly written mess. My heart was ripped from my chest, my soul withered and died, I wept for film review 3 hours straight… ok, perhaps not literally, but emotions to that effect were certainly felt.

An aspiring journalist attempts to track down The protagonist is a young journalist (Katheryn a killer who forces victims to pick one of two Winnick) who uses the mystical powers of grisly fates, the plot thickens as it appears the Google to track down the killer. By the end of killings are related with the mysterious death of the movie he may as well have had a Facebook her mother… page, setting his status to “Just killed a guy. Lol.” Her father just so happens to be the Police Let me start by saying I did not like this movie. Chief, which is just a little too coincidental for Not because of the acting, that was better my. liking Similarly to most horror movies I than I was expecting from a low budget horror can think of, the characters have a completely movie. Not even because of the premise: unrealistic reaction to everything; just heard a killer who makes people choose which of a noise in the other room? Shouting “Hello!” their parents they want to die? That’s pretty repeatedly is obviously the only option… no, awesome! It’s simply because the start of the in reality we flick into ninja-mode and grab the nearest blunt instrument! But I digress… in time, unless science progresses, but the Watch this movie with your friends… as a joke. film delves into something beyond us and At least the protagonist is hot. our comprehension. Maybe everything that happens, happens for a reason and we are meant to be somewhere at a certain time in order for our fates to happen? 4 The film follows a group of students who were /10 meant to be on a plane but end up being taken off after the main character, Alex Browning (Devon Sawa), causes a panic when he foresees that the plane is going to explode on take-off. After he and a few of his classmates leave, they are forced to deal with the fact the plane does, in fact, go up in flames mid-air, with their friends still on board. In a series of final unfortunate deaths, all witnessed by Alex, the group must figure out a way to survive their undoing whilst slowly being picked off, one by destination one, by death itself. I know what you’re thinking, is this really a With the film franchise being continued, up to horror film? the fifth linking back into the first, the story has been brought full circle, so go on and watch the Well according to every film reference database pentalogy (apparently that’s what they’re calling it is! The film is based on the overwhelming it now). The film won’t scar you for life but, it’s fact that we all are going to die at some point pretty funny… I guess.

Michael Cartledge www.lfatsf.org.uk 15 literature the best... “it’s alright in the end” books

These books may make you want to find the favourite football team (The Eagles) keep author and beat them around the head with a losing. Pat believes his mission in life is hardback copy of their own novel but at least it’s to get himself emotionally stable which alright in the end…sort of… will result in the positive outcome of the return of his estranged wife, Nikki, from 1. The Perks of being a Wallflower whom he is having ‘apart time’. A silver Stephen Chbosk. lining appears in the form of the widowed and depressed Tiffany who agrees to act ‘The Perks of being a Wallflower’ is the as the go between for Pat and his wife - if story of Charlie, an introverted freshman Pat agrees to be her partner in a dance who spends his life on the side lines, competition. A hilarious story filled with he sees everything with his unique ups, downs and where those inevitable perspective but now he’s met some new silver linings unfold. people who are going to bring him centre stage. It’s time for Charlie to start living. He learns how to negotiate the teenage world of first dates, family dramas and let’s review... friends, and you’re with him every step The Fault in Our Stars of the way. A truly heart-warming tale that will have you in stiches, and in John Green tears, leaving you with a completely new outlook on life. After hearing a lot about this book on sites such as Twitter and Tumblr I decided that I had to see what all the fuss was about. Written by the YouTuber John Green (one half of the Vlog brothers), I was expecting a fairly standard 2. Silver Linings Playbook young adult novel with an average plot line Matthew Quick and the usual two dimensional characters often expected from such novels, but instead, Pat Peoples depends on the firm belief I discovered my new favourite book. that every cloud has a silver lining and his theory that his life is a movie directed ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ centres around Hazel, a by God. After spending some time in a cancer sufferer who is sent to a cancer support mental health facility Pat’s home life group by her doctor after showing symptoms completely changes; no one will speak of depression. Even though there has been a to him as they used to, friends and family scientific breakthrough in the form of a drug that have adapted to different lives and his shrinks tumours and has significantly extended

16 shannon Randolph VOICE

for them, something happens that reminds you Woman? Don’t ask me, I’m a bloke, borrow the of the realities of cancer and its treatment, and book and let Caitlin explain it all. stops you from thinking such things, but you still hope. I was constantly in awe of the characters Next up is the decidedly more traditional role of Green has crafted so perfectly and couldn’t The Tudor Housewife by Alison Sim. Not sure quite believe how realistic he had made them, the Tudor’s ever had to grapple with burning they are genuinely the sort of people you can bras and getting Brazilians (that’s Caitlin again) imagine walking past in the street saying the buts there’ plenty of advice here should you sort of things that you say and doing the things ever need to make off wine palatable (fruit that you do, and the wonderful thing is, unlike syrup is apparently your friend here) and it’s other characters in almost every book, these a fascinating insight into the lives of ordinary characters are nowhere near perfect which women at a time dominated by larger than life makes them even better. men.

This book had me laughing out loud one minute And for a fascinating insight into the life of an and then crying actual tears with the turn of a (extra-)ordinary cat you could try A Street Cat page, which is a true testament to how skilled Named Bob by Bob the Cat - not really it’s by of a writer John Green is. If you’re looking for a James Bowen but it reads like an autobiography. truly fantastic read, look no further. Bob is the friend James needs when he’s living rough, but can their relationship survive when James moves into a house? Just how much of a street cat is Bob?

And speaking of surviving there is no more challenging place to survive than North Korea. the idea of Barbara Demick’s book Nothing to Envy is a heart-breaking look into a failed, rogue and her lifespan, Hazel has never been anything but now apparently nuclear state. On escaping to terminal. However, her outlook on life changes China one North Korean was literally unable when the gorgeous cancer survivor, Augustus to comprehend why an apparent banquet was Waters, joins the group, in support of his friend abandoned on the floor: it was a bowl of rice left Isaac, and, inevitably, she and Augustus fall in the lrc out for a dog. love. The big idea of a library (or LRC come to that) There are many things I love about this book. By is that the whole of human knowledge is not page 16 with the quote, “I’m on a rollercoaster only contained, but classified. Subjects that are that only goes up, my friend”, I realised that this similar are next to each other; so here you’ll find was probably the best written novel I had ever Physics cosying up to Chemistry, and Sociology read. There are so many great things about this to Politics. book and I could go on for pages and pages about why I love it but I’ll try and keep it short. But there are some classifications that are a little eclectic and so some shelves that are a One thing that really impressed me was the way little odd. 305 is one of those. John Green chose not to romanticise the cancer itself as a lot of lesser writers would have done 305 is the Dewey classification for ‘Social for want of a better story line, instead he decides Groups’ ,and this is it’s story: to write a heartbreakingly real and beautiful First on our journey through 305 is Caitlin story which you are pulled into and spellbound Moran’s How to be a Woman. Here the bard by, even though you are hyperaware the whole from the Black Country takes in everything from way through that there is no hope of a perfect feminism, fashion, Lady Gaga and pole dancing ending. Every time you think that a miracle will although not all in the same sentence. That happen and somehow everything will be fine would be a great sentence though. How to be a

shannon Randolph, Mr Cross www.lfatsf.org.uk 17 cooking spaghetti bolognese

Cutmore - Home recipe for Spaghetti Bolognese (feeds 4). Ingredients Method

• Spaghetti (as much or as little as you 1. Heat a large, deep frying pan with a like) small amount of olive oil. Crumble • 400g of Minced Meat the beef mince into the pan and stir- • One diced onion fry over a high heat for 2-4 minutes • A tomato and herb pasta sauce (smooth to break up the meat and brown it. or chunky, whichever you prefer) • One beef stock cube 2. Add the onion and diced chilli. Stir over • Olive Oil a medium heat for 1 minute, and then • Tomato puree add the pasta sauce. Mix a stock cube • Finely diced chilli (optional) with 100 millilitres of water. If the sauce • Garlic puree becomes too thin, add a stock cube in once more to help thicken up the sauce. Stir well, then add tomato and garlic puree. Cook over a medium heat so that the sauce boils gently, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until thick.

3. While the sauce is cooking, cook the spaghetti in a pan of salted boiling water for 10 minutes, or according to the pack instructions, until properly cooked through. Drain thoroughly and turn into a warmed serving bowl. Pre-heat the oven to 200’c / Gas mark 6, then put a garlic bread baguette in to cook for around 12- 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into cooking small pieces and serve on a warmed plate.

4. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to suit your personal taste, then pour over the hot pasta. Toss gently then serve with a garlic bread baguette and parmesan with (optional) Cutmore 18 Rebecca Cutmore sport & gossip VOICE premier who’s fallen& who’s risen Two major celebs have found themselves the is rumoured to be engaged but there have been centre of gossip recently. Britney claims different no public displays of her engagement ring as league opinions on family size and their futures lead to of yet . Journalists all over America have been the end of her engagement with her Manager. watching her ring finger. I wonder if the ‘Fashion However, they have both said there are no hard Police’ star will be featured on her own show so feelings… “aww isn’t that nice’’ we can comment on her wedding dress.

The break up led to Britney’s loss of a $90,000 Taylor Swift and Harry Styles have been fixtures ring and a decision not to return to her role on confusing the press as they had announced U.S X-factor. Over all, the start of 2013 was their break up weeks ago but have been spotted not a great one for Britney; on the bright side meeting up multiple times …will they?...won’t she’s still making money from the American they?…maybe if they didn’t they would make to look out number 1 song ‘Scream and Shout’. many girls, and boys, hopeful!

Kelly Osbourne is our second celeb who has for this Easter got the press buzzing about her love life; she

Easter is a time for eating lots of chocolate, in front of the sofa. So similarly to my Christmas article, I’m looking into what’s good on the TV when you’re munching away. Sunderland vs Man U is the standout tie of the ‘Run up to Easter’ weekend. The Black Cats have a pretty miserable record against United in recent years, so this could end up being a crucial game in the title race.

On the same match day, Man City take on Newcastle, at the Etihad Stadium that appears to be a fortress as City very rarely lose there. Also, on the 30th March, Liverpool will be looking for revenge against Aston Villa, after the Villa famously beat Liverpool at Anfield earlier in the season. The victory for Villa at Liverpool was a highlight in an otherwise miserable season. They recently crashed out of the Capital One Cup, at the hands of League 2 minnows Bradford City after a two-legged semi final. They then got dumped out the FA Cup 4th Round after losing 2-1 away to Millwall after a late John Marquis goal in added time for the Lions. In the league, the table also makes for grim reading as Aston Villa found themselves slipping into the relegation zone after a midweek defeat to Newcastle at Villa Park.

Lauren Berry, Natasha Crook www.lfatsf.org.uk 19 contact us

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