Issue 6 Email: [email protected] May 2010 1 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com CHEESE OF THE MONTH REVEALED See Pg.23

FChairman, Co-editor and layout: Hasan Ali Chief Editor: James Jordan Deputy Editor: Sanjeevan Ghag onse ent praestie con eriustio odo-

In this issue: Political Bonanza Banana

Hok’s BNP Blast Hok Chiu, [email protected] The British National Party stands as one of the most far right parties in Britain, their policies seem well intentioned, PARTIES PREPARE FOR POLLING DAY quite like the Liberal Democrats (my dad votes for them) and too good to be true, however this may be a bit unfair to the Getting Personal: Mrs Mpofu Lib Dems, but to describe the BNP, it is not just too good to This month, Pupils’ Voice gets to know Mrs Mpofu, a well-known Camp Hill Biology teacher be true but it is what I would Hasan Ali, Chris Jones and Sanjeevan Ghag, describe as “the Sons of Devil”. Could you tell us a bit about sitting next to one if my best because they all lived locally. I your teaching and career his- friends. She always noticed gave my notice, ‘I will see you The BNP claims that by leav- tory? that my friend didn’t under- for a revision class on Sunday ing the EU, it would use the stand stuff when the teacher afternoon,’ but because my £43 million given to the EU I went to university at Leeds explained it, and I would sit intonation or pronunciation for development projects for and then did a year’s volun- and explain it to her, and my wasn’t quite right I was told I Britain’s own interests, (please tary work down in Brighton teacher said “You should be a actually said, ‘I will see you for note: by leaving the EU would where I worked on a respite teacher, you’ve obviously got a revision class on the end of isolate Britain from Europe, care scheme. Then went up a knack of explaining things.” your penis.’ affecting Britain’s economy, to York University to do my I always loved Biology and it foreign relationships and its PGCE, came back down to the was just there in the back of Most valuable thing brought » continued, PG. 2 Midlands where I worked in Bir- my mind that teaching is what back from Zimbabwe? mingham at Archbishop Ilsley I wanted to do. RC School and I completed my My attitudes to life outside NQT year there. But because I If you could pick another sci- of work. When you’ve been Mock Election hadn’t done a gap year or any- ence and start again, would there you realise that it’s such thing too exciting, I went to you still pick Biology? a fantastic lifestyle - we had James Jordan, [email protected] Zimbabwe and worked in the no electricity, we had no run- voluntary services for two and I was actually better at Chem- ning water, we didn’t have all With the whole population of a half years. I had a fantastic istry at A-Level, but I just found the textbooks, we didn’t have over seventeens being involved experience, it shaped lots of Biology more interesting. I love all the computers, no phones - in the election, it is only right my views on life and teaching. disease, I love the gory bits so but we had a fantastic lifestyle. that those of us without the yes it would still be Biology. I thinks it’s kept me realistic and chance to vote should enjoy Then I came back here, had two I’m not at all materialistic. I don’t the same freedoms. It comes horrible terms doing supply Interesting stories from Zim- think appearances are impor- in the form of a school ‘mock’ work in really rough schools babwe? tant and I think it’s helped me election, a nationwide event to and didn’t enjoy it at all. Fortu- not get sucked back into what get youth involved in politics. nately the fi rst full-time teach- I made a bit of an eff ort to try I think is a really materialistic ing job I applied for was here, and learn the language and I negative outlook that I think, This also took place in 2004, which I got and I’ve been here wanted to give a notice out at unfortunately, the rest of the and on that occasion, the Kings ten years now. the whole school assembly, so world has. If ever I think, ‘Oh Heath Independence Party everybody, including the head- the bathroom needs decorat- won (although I’m yet to see Why did you decide to go master and all the teachers, was ing’ or whatever, I think “Well the bus driver negotiate any into teaching, was it some- present and because I wanted hang on, no it doesn’t, I’ve got border patrols on the way to thing you always wanted to the kids to know what I was a bathroom. I’ve survived two school) and given the eff ect do? talking about I made an eff ort and a half years without a bath- they have had on the constitu- of speaking in Shona, which is room.” It’s a good reality check. ency, it comes as little surprise It wasn’t necessarily something the language they speak over that they won’t be standing this that I wanted to do, but it was there. I wanted to get across Was there a story about when time round. Instead, represen- actually one of my maths teach- that I was giving a revision class your husband visited Zimba- tatives of Labour, the Conser- ers who suggested it when I that I wanted my GCSE group bwe and he was thought to vatives, the Liberal Democrats, was in year 9 or 10, and I was to attend in the afternoon, » continued, PG. 7 » continued, PG. 2

ALSO INSIDE:

Mr Holland interview Election Snapshot: Who is the 6th Where in the school is ‘Camp Hell’ cartoons Pg. 24 Manifesto in Numbers former of the House Rugby this? Pg. 22 month Pg. 6 Pg. 12 Pg. 18 Pg. 8 2 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com

If you feel there is something missing in this paper that you think would make it better, feel free to suggest features, along with nominations for the next teacher interviews, by e-mailing [email protected] We also value all of our readers’ feedback, not just pupils at the school. If you have a point to be made, do not hesitate to give constructive advice or criticism to anyone involved in the paper, either in person or by e-mailing the article writers (e-mail is NEWS printed with article) or [email protected]. This month’s goings on, in and out of school Editorial Hok’s BNP Blast Hasan Ali, [email protected] Hok Chiu, [email protected]

CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 Despite repeated and colonising this country [Brit- believe that “foreigners [that’s once again false allegations infl uence!). The BNP says that ain]”. The BNP website claims how racist people think]” are of corruption and miscon- it would provide jobs to Brit- that “India would not tolerate taking all your jobs and stupid- duct, this time regarding ish workers fi rst (please note, it millions of non-Indians taking ly go and support the BNP, then Lewis Blackwood winning is discrimination just by doing over that society. Pakistan you are WRONG. You cannot ‘Where in the School is that, and another point is the would not tolerate millions of simply get a job, where you Lewis?’. The Pupils’ Voice is definition of British people Hindus or Christians entering do nothing and earn a lot of here again for its 6th issue, is diff erent for the BNP). The that country and changing money. If a good job demands the penultimate issue for BNP promises a free and fully it from a Muslim society into a minimum of, *such and such* this academic year. funded NHS for British citi- something else. Japan would education, and *such and zens. The BNP claim that the not do it; China would not do such* experience, whether Since last month an Ice- environment is in decline as a it – so why should Britain? Can there are people applying for landic Volcano has caused high proportion of pollution anyone imagine Saudi Arabia the job that are non-white or worldwide air-travel chaos is caused by immigration. The allowing the mass immigra- not, you need the criteria to be and many entertaining BNP wishes Britain to leave tion of Christians, so that in satisfi ed, for a chance for the moments on the news NATO and would stop follow- a few decades it would no job, so even if there were no where brave reporters have ing the US, however, Britain did longer be an Islamic coun- non-white people in Britain, attempted to pronounce, not go to war because it fol- try?”. Although I am not sure you still wouldn’t get the job, ‘Eyjafj allajoekull ‘. lowed the US, it went to war to on the subject, I doubt Paki- if you didn’t satisfy the criteria. fi ght terrorism. Also, the BNP stan would be happy if many Closer to home, a general has decided if it comes into non-Muslims emigrated there. Anyway, though Nick Griffi n election is taking place and power then it will bring forth However, if that is what the may claim that being sued for Camp Hill is running its own a Bill of Rights guaranteeing BNP claim, then for the sake hate crimes is “a step back- mock elections where major fundamental freedoms to the of this article fi ne then. Only wards for democracy”, and parties have been repre- British people. that I ask this question, what that there should be “freedom sented by keen students. is the problem of “non indig- of speech” and that the BNP PV has been transformed So if we ignore the please enous British peoples” living are saving the “white British into a political extravagan- note parts than it all seems so in Britian then? For me and all people from being turned za bonanza banana by the nice, and the naïve would of other sane people, I don’t see into second class citizens”, number of widely politi- course fall prey to the racist any problem, wouldn’t a more I think that action must be cally orientated articles hate group. However, as I have multicultural Britain richen our taken to remove the BNP from and serious mock election said the BNP is an extremist culture, so that we may under- our society, and that unless contributions(with the far-right party, it considers only stand and respect people of further action is done to stop exception of the Monster the “indigenous British people” diff erent backgrounds? the BNP from spreading such Raving Loony Party). as the British people, only that vicious hate beliefs, then our phrase is complete bollocks! However, as much as it can multicultural society of Britain Deepest apologies go to Even so, a recent poster of be said or could be said, I must would be threatened. This may Lakshay Thakur who sub- Nick Griffin shows Winston be heading towards my con- go against the idea of freedom mitted a technology article Churchill in the background, cluding statements, so if you of speech in democracy, but for last month’s issue which only Churchill was half-Amer- do support the BNP, you are a by letting the BNP exist, they was totally forgotten about ican, which goes against the racist and a very dumb person pose a threat to the more fun- during the intense process BNP’s racist policies! who thinks you would benefi t damental human right every of putting PV together. from the BNP, a party which one of us should have from Lakshay’s article has been The BNP website declares understand the ideas of poli- birth. included in this issue and is that it will try to ask “the tics as much as the Monster still by the looks of it accu- Muslim World whereby they Raving Loony Party. And let me Thank You for reading. rate though this month will agree to take back its remind you, if you think that has seen the arrival if the excess population currently you don’t have a job now, and HTC Legend and the HTC Desire, both of which are better ‘iPhone killers’ than Crunch Time in Mock Elections the Nexus One discussed in Lakshay’s article. CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 fessionalism and eff ectiveness the main event takes place on (a personal award goes to the Thursday – the election itself. Another apology goes to the Green Party, the Monster Conservative road sign eff ort) There are a number of rules, Jack Wishart, who as our Raving Loony Party and the with a very minimal showing but the main one regards iden- assembly announcement Socialist Party have been put from Labour, the Greens and tifi cation (without a costly ID revealed, was involved forward. the Monster Raving Loony card scheme), whereby a voter in cracking the ‘Where in Party. must have his homework the school is Lewis?’ clue Though it would have been diary/notebook/’period plan- ‘La Hottie’, but was not easy to treat it as a token ges- On Friday, a well organised ner’ with them in order to cast involved in the fruitless ture to give kids a chance to debate from the KECH debat- their vote. search around the bell next vote, it has turned out to be ing society took place in the to room 8, as the announce- a popular event, with lots of hall, with two representa- Many thanks must go to Mr ment suggested, although students getting involved, not tives from each of the main Hill for organising the event, Jack Bristow was. just seniors. An initial meeting three parties. The event saw Mr Roden for allowing assem- to gauge interest attracted a respectable attendance blies to be given up to elec- This issue issue also fea- approximately 80 attendees, from both the Boys and Girls tion material, and of course tures a Biology teacher inter- and despite there only being schools, and after 45 minutes those involved at all levels but view theme with Mrs Mpofu six leader slots, there were of debate, the Liberal Demo- most notably: ALED WALKER and Mr Holland being inter- 20 candidates who wished to crats were voted the winners for the Liberal Democrats, viewed. Mr Roden features stand for election. This quickly (it makes you wonder why the NATHAN BROWN Socialists, heavily in the cartoon sec- got whittled down and each Lib Dems want to lower the AAMIL GHANI Conservatives, tion after his recent assem- candidate gave a short presen- voting age) with Labour not BEN DOVEY Labour, KIERAN bly on Punk Music. tation in Wednesday’s assem- far behind. MORROW Monster Raving bly to outline their party’s Loony and A YOUNGER BUT Don’t forget, let us know vision. Wednesday sees (or saw by NEVERTHELESS VERY ABLE what you think and how we the time you read this) party SPEAKER WHOSE NAME I DONT can improve. With strict rules in place, election broadcasts, which KNOW, Greens. Let’s hope you posters have also littered the I’m sure will have been of all cast your votes and make school walls, of varying pro- good quality, but of course this a memorable event. 3 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com Why Does Everyone Agree With Nick? Aled Walker and the Lib Dem team, [email protected] Some people can’t take the would invest up to £400 mil- going to scrap some huge non- gal immigrants. This is not Liberal Democrats seriously. lion in refurbishing shipyards sensical government spend- what the Liberal Democrats Some say that we aren’t ready to manufacture off shore wind ing commitments. The ID card propose. We would have illegal for government. Others say farms. We are the world leader scheme, a huge infringement immigrants- of which there are our policies are unrealistic. in this area, and need to see it on civil liberties, would be ter- approximately half a million in as a key player in transforming minated saving £550 million this country- come out of the But if that’s the case, why does our energy solutions. Labour over 5 years. Both old parties shadows, out of the hands everyone agree with Nick? and the Tories support nuclear want us already locked into a of criminals and the criminal power, but this is not a cost £100 billion spending com- economy, and undergo a two We have a vision of how to eff ective way of dealing with mitment on the ‘like for like’ year ‘earned course to citizen- make this country better. I the problem. Each new nucle- replacement of Trident, our ship’. With this in place, we know a lot of you think that all ar power station would cost in nuclear deterrent. With the tackle crime and help thou- parties are the same, but I want the region of £20 billion and state of the public fi nances and sands of people who suff er as to convince you that simply is not come online for at least 15 the changing world threats, a result of misguided immigra- not the case. years, long after it is forecast this is a terrible decision (not tion policy- after all, how can that our energy consumption just according to us, according Labour and the Conservatives Our key pledge is to work for will outstrip current supply. to four former Generals). Tri- deport people they can’t fi nd? you in creating a fairer Also, instead society, improving the of capping education system, creating the number a stronger economy, tack- of immi- ling climate change, and grants as the reforming politics for the Conserva- better. We are dedicated tives would, to providing real, positive we intend change for you. to introduce a regional Right now, every single system which one of you is in educa- means that tion- a time in which you our welfare are expected to develop system is skills that you will use for not aff ected the rest of your life, in real- unduly by world scenarios. Yet under immigration. Labour a typical child from a poorer background will Many of you fall behind a richer class- are also angry mate by the age of seven about the and never catch up. This MPs expens- must change. A Liberal es scandal. Democrat government Only this will provide focussed government investment of £2.5 billion could hold a to reduce class sizes and review cost- increase the amount of ing the tax one-to-one tuition. It is not payer £1.3 good enough that many million that primary school teachers recouped currently feel unable to cater They will not solve our energy dent has many years left to run, only £1.2 million! This is for the individual needs of crisis. New coal fi red power and whatever form its replace- because it didn’t tackle the their pupils, a failing on the stations must be equipped ment takes should make an key outrage, that of MPs fl ip- part of previous Labour and with the latest carbon capture integral part of the defence ping between houses, profi t- Conservative governments. technology – this technology spending review after the ing hugely on capital gains. In fact, only this year, head- is an absolute prerequisite, not election. We are not advocat- These people have not been masters across the country a vague ambition. The Greens ing the removal of our nuclear brought to account, but will be received 4000 pages worth of claim to be the only party with deterrent but rather a more under the Liberal Democrats. ‘guidelines’ for managing their an environmental plan, but sensible and cost effective A cornerstone in our savings own schools. Whilst the Tories when presented with policies policy as regards its replace- scheme is streamlining parlia- completely abandon schools, which might do something ment. Finally, what the govern- ment and taking the big money allowing harsher disciplinary to address the issue they are ment has brushed under the out of politics (non domicile measures to compensate, we adamant to only fi nd points of carpet in recent years has been donor Lord Ashcroft, inciden- would give all schools more protest. They do not provide a the fi asco of the NHS computer tally hiding under a tax status freedom to make decisions real solution. system, a waste of billions of that we would abolish, springs without government interfer- pounds. By investing in top to mind). You should be able ence, especially when it comes How are we going to pay for class IT procurement, the Lib- to get value for money out of down to the curriculum. Far too this? Well, we think that it is eral Democrats would save all your political system. Full cost- many classes are taught ‘to the unfair that the wealthiest in the money that Labour would ing details can be found on exam’ nowadays. The Liberal our society benefi t more from throw at the problem in the pages 100-103 of the Liberal Democrats would see the rigid our current tax system than hope that it would magically Democrat Manifesto. National Curriculum slimmed some of the poorest, by play- disappear. down to a ‘Minimum Curricu- ing the system. We propose I hope that you’ve stayed with lum Entitlement’. We still need to raise £4 billion by actively We also think that it is unfair me and learned some more to maintain national standards, tacking tax avoidance and tax that bonuses and capital gains detail about the Liberal Demo- but the National Curriculum evasion, a problem that costs are not taxed at the same rate crats’ plans for the future. We has become a behemoth and us over £40 billion pounds as income. Many of you are all know that there will be dif- exerts a stranglehold on many annually. Furthermore, tax rightly angry about the profi - fi cult times and diffi cult deci- creative teachers. relief on pensions will only teering of the banking sector sions ahead, but by proper for- be on the basic rate pension, out of government bail outs, ward planning and economic The Liberal Democrats will not on the full amount. This and a 50% tax on big bonuses expertise from the infallible also take the lead on climate will have negligible eff ect on would go some way to coun- Vince Cable, I think that the change. There is no bigger the majority of people but tering this. We would also Liberal Democrats off er great issue affecting the world nonetheless save £5.5 billion break up the banks to separate hope. Don’t buy into the stale today, and if we don’t act now (consider pensions akin to that the risky stock market specula- views of Labour and the Con- there will be disastrous conse- of Fred Goodwin). We would tion from the personal fi nance servatives, or the mad radical quences within our lifetime. At pass a new law to ensure that divisions. We cannot have a undeliverable ramblings of the the heart of our environmen- properties can’t avoid stamp business that is too big to fail Socialists, Greens or Loonies. tal policy is the formation of a duty if they are put into an off - – that is not how an economy Be progressive but pragmatic green economy. Yes there are shore trust, and a ‘mansion tax’ works. – vote Liberal Democrat. challenges ahead, but we need on properties worth over £2 to see the change to a low- million. We were recently criticised carbon nation as an oppor- on immigration, supposedly tunity for creating jobs. We The Liberal Democrats are also off ering free amnesty to ille- 4 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com Interview With Nathan Brown - Socialist Party Representative

What does your party stand secondary schools. We would Once the defi cit is paid off , we on the digital economy bill? for? therefore like to implement will be able to us this money Does it support party values? The Socialist Party stands for a much of what has made the to greatly improve public ser- The digital economy bill aims, move away from the unadul- grammar schools great into vices. I think that a big focus amongst other things, to stop terated capitalism that has comprehensive schools – should be our public transport the illegal downloading of undermined our country in namely smaller classes and systems. Air travel and cars music and the infringement the past two years. Whilst overall school size, more will always be favoured over of copyright. The government the three main parties talk extracurricular activities avail- trains for longer distances if can block your internet access of reform, they still haven’t able and high teaching quality. the trains do not run on time, if you repeatedly infringe these addressed the key issue of lim- Initiatives to encourage more are slow or unreliable. High copyright laws... without trial! iting these attitude of greed teachers into teaching will speed rail provides a fantas- I think the power to do this that lies behind businesses help this particularly. I think tic way to do this, but there is without trial is too much. Mis- in the city, particularly banks. it’s also important to improve more to be done than just the takes have been made in the We want to prevent this greed primary schools in being prep- slow trudging pace with which past with allowing the gov- from destroying our country in aration for secondary educa- the other parties are treating ernment to do things without the same way again. tion, making primary educa- this venture. We also want formal justifi cation – I’m think- tion a more learning friendly to bring the buses and trains ing Iraq, Afghanistan, Hitler’s Why did you decide to place, and not focussed purely under one company in order to Germany, Stalin’s Russia – and become involved in politics? on exams. We will get rid of get the two services working if we have learnt anything I have often thought how SATs, following the moves of well together and to have this from these mistakes it is that much better, how much purer Scotland, Wales and Northern under government control so we need to have regulation to the world could be and I would Ireland, and allow our teachers that the oversee these processes. If we love to help be part of trying to to develop a better attitude to were in power, we would look change it for the better. education in children, through What plans do you have for to reform the bill slightly before a reduction in the compulsory our constituency? it comes into law on 12th June, What makes you diff erent curriculum in primary schools. In an area that has an fantas- but I agree with it in principle. from other parties? tically diverse mix of cultures, For once the government is up I don’t think that any of the What are you party’s plans I see that integration is a key to speed with modern society other parties are really put- for public spending and issue for the area. Respect for moving forwards! ting the best interests of the funding? all races, religions and back- public at heart. They are too The newspapers and other grounds is vital and a lot can focussed on power and not on news corporations have criti- be done to encourage commu- What does your party plan on making a diff erence in politics, cised the main parties for not nities to work together, as well doing for improving national not prepared to make the dif- fully declaring the cuts they as setting examples of people broadband coverage and qual- fi cult decisions that will move plan, but the Socialist party are from all backgrounds work- ity? this country out of debt and very upfront about our plans. ing together, to give a voice to This policy fits very much into a new era of politics. As We want a higher tax rate on all communities in Hall Green with the idea of equality of a mathematician, I don’t see top end earners, in order to constituency. opportunity. Universal access their numbers adding up. plug the hole in our economy. to high speed broadband is a The top 100 richest people However, I do have a little fantastic way of giving every- What’s your party’s policy on in this country have personal soft spot for the old Kings one the chance of maximising education? wealth of over £250 billion. Heath Independence Party, the opportunities for people A lot of politicians are frowning We need to fi nd £90 billion to and would call a review of the from otherwise less privileged upon grammar schools, partic- bridge the gap at the moment. constituency boundaries so backgrounds. ularly the Conservatives, con- It makes clear sense that those that communities are better trary to what you may hear in who are particularly respon- grouped into constituencies And fi nally, why should we school or on posters. Selective sible for the mess that the rest that share common issues. vote for you? education has been extremely of us are in should help clean it This would allow for schools, A vote for the Socialists is a useful in terms of social mobil- up. There are also places where such as ours to work more vote for equality. We are not ity, helping poorer clever stu- money can be saved with gov- eff ectively with the commu- trying to take advantage of dents. Without it, I fear that we ernment in terms of over paid nity of Kings Heath, in order to people through communism, would see much less equality people, particularly MPs and set an example of how gram- but looking for a progressive of opportunity. other less than useful schemes mar schools can benefi t other society based on equality and such as ID cards or the exces- schools around them as well values of supporting every- Unfortunately, creating more sive burden of bureaucracy on as the community as a whole. one’s needs. We support the selective schools can have services like the NHS. millions not the millionaires. a negative eff ect on nearby What is your party’s stance 5 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com The Dangers of a Hung Parliament The Conservative Party, [email protected]

A Hung Parliament has not as this is normally the case, no occurred in Britain since 1974, party will ever obtain a major- when the most disastrous of ity, leading to indecisive Hung consequences was a Labour Parliament after indecisive victory. Hung Parliaments Hung Parliament. invariably lead to deals and arguments amongst politi- This is exactly what happened cians whilst the people are in Germany in the 1920’s, ignored by politicians grap- when weak Hung Parliaments pling for power. all failed to sort out Germany’s problems, leading to the rise There have been six govern- of political extremism on the ments without an overall far left, and sadly the Nazi majority in the past century, party on the far right. and only one has worked. This however was not a Hung Par- SO if you do not want Britain liament, but the emergency to be paralysed by hidden coalition led by Winston bickering amongst politicians, Churchill, a Conservative, or for the extremist parties to during the Second World War. become prominent, then the only option is to vote for The This is what a vote for the Lib- Conservative Party on May eral Democrats would earn 6th. you. Months, if not years, of bickering over everything as Nicholas Clegg attempts to gain as much power as pos- sible by forcing through Pro- portional Representation. Proportional Representation would not work in this coun- try. At the moment the three main parties a sitting around the 30% mark of the vote, and 6 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com Election Snapshot: Manifesto in Numbers Nishant Prasad, [email protected] This year’s election is proving When New Labour planned 1% increase in to be one of the most exciting campaigned in 1997, National Insurance con- in a generation. But with all of education was a centre tributions, or as they put the major three parties having piece to their manifesto, it; ‘Labour’s Jobs Tax.’ released their manifesto’s and remains one today; recently, this month the PV their manifesto con- Working with each breaks it down into numbers. tains 42 references to other... education. Just behind With the possibility Size Matters... them are the Liberal of a hung Parliament David Cameron has been Democrats, with 34 an increasingly likely dogged by criticism that he such references, and the outcome, party’s will is style over substance; that Conservatives bringing have to tie up with one he lacks any real policies. up the rear, with only 19 another if they wish to The Conservative manifesto references. Very inter- have a majority. The Lib- defi nitely seems an attempt estingly, there was very LIBERAL DEMOCRAT’S wordle cloud eral Democrats could to tackle that, being the larg- little talk of parent led be the king makers this est at over 220 pages. This is schools in their manifes- election, yet neither considerably more then the to, despite it being a key the Conservatives nor both the Labour and Liberal pledge of Cameron’s. Labour have mentioned Democrat manifesto’s which them in their manifestos. are 78 and 54 double pages Banking upon hate... In a sign of the positiv- respectively. Another crucial vote ity (or perhaps vanity) in winner this election, their manifesto, the Lib It’s the economy stupid. seems to be setting the Dem’s mention them- The economy will prove to lynch mob upon bank- selves over 79 times, be a key battleground this ers. Hoping to capital- while very rarely men- election, and as a result, all 3 ise this still raw hate tioning the Labour or major parties have focused for bankers are the Lib Conservative parties, at a large proportion of their Dem’s with 57 uses of 11 and 8 times respec- manifesto to it. Indeed, the the phrase ‘bank’s’ or tively, more often refer- Conservatives believe it will ‘banking.’ That’s more LABOUR’S wordle cloud ring to them collectively as be a real vote winner for them, then twice that of the ‘the other two parties.’ Simi- with over 56 references to Conservative’s who lairly, the Labour the economy in general, and use it 28 times, 4 manifesto only a further 74 on tax. Labour times as much as mentions the too, seems determined to Labour, who use it Conservative’s defend it’s economic record, 14 times. twice. Converse- with 41 such references to the ly however, the economy, and 60 on taxation. British Jobs for Tory manifesto Interestingly however, it is the British Workers... represents a full Liberal Democrats, possibly When Gordon on attack of the due to the advent of there Brown uttered these Labour Gov- plans to completely alter the words a few years ernment, with taxation system to a far more ago, he can’t imag- almost as many progressive one, who use ‘tax’ ine the way in which references (72) to 102 times. Moreover, on the they would come the Labour Party economy, an area with Vince back to haunt him, as to the Con- Cable at the helm that they as they have done so recently; erence it. Indeed, CONSERVATIVE’S wordle cloud servative’s them- have been strong with over the Tories even go so far as to the Labour Party talk about it selves (75). the past few years, they only reprint the quote in their man- most, (30), with the Conserva- make 30 such references... ifesto. But with Jobs still very tives on 26, and Lib Dem’s only much a real concern among on 23. Perhaps more specifi - Education. Education. Edu- many, it’s rather surprising cally, the Tory’s mainly use it in cation... then that few manifesto’s ref- the context of referring to the Travellers’ Plans Disrupted Alex Wood, [email protected]

Rural villagers, despite their Coronation Street-loving, care take months or even years to free souls, can quickly turn into remove the damage done by angry, stubborn protestors if the travellers if their planning provoked. This was learnt the permission application was hard way by a collection of rejected. The same problem travellers that tried to set up was averted when residents a new ‘base’ just off the Bir- prevented three trucks of con- mingham Road in Meriden on crete from entering the vicin- Saturday. What was dubbed ity, and told the drivers that an ‘invasion’ by the Daily Tele- the plans weren’t accepted. graph quickly escalated into When told, the trucks them- verbal clashing between vil- selves turned back and left lagers and travellers as their the area. Early on Saturday, plans to convert a Green-Belt Solihull Council demanded fi eld into a concrete-laden car- that the travellers stop work- avan park were dashed by a ing, although this was met by cordon that prevented trucks deaf ears. Eventually, police bearing concrete from getting presence had to be brought close to the area. in, and the situation was left 20 caravans and 40 travel- Belt land in the Forest of Dean as a stand off . The matter is The main problem was that lers moved onto the site and was scarred by the travellers’ due to be resolved within the travellers’ plans were com- began ploughing the fi elds, plans to build another camp, the next few days when the pletely illegal. Despite posses- laying down pipes and set- leaving the village of Newent’s Council reviews the situation sion of the land (apparently ting up sheds. Of course, this reputation as one of the pret- and the planning applica- bought last March for £50,000), wasn’t a new idea, and for a tiest parts of Britain in tatters. tion. the plans hadn’t been submit- number of successive years ted to the Local Council until locations over Britain have The flaw in the planning late on Friday night, at the fallen prey to the same ‘Bank application is that, if left to exact same moment as the Holiday Build’. Last year, Green their own devices, it would 7 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com be a British spy? spread any gossip here, we and it looks a bit of a mess. So all bring something else to it, yes it’s still there and there’s the Yes, when he went back over Do you watch a lot of sport? but I suppose the schoolboy possibility of it reappearing. there, I think it was in 2005. On humour of Mr Tucker and Dr the fi rst day there he was held I don’t do a lot of sport, but I Taylor. I think that’s really funny. When you go home, do you at gunpoint for six hours and used to when I was at school feel you’ve made a diff er- was accused of being a British and university. My husband is Is your future here in teach- ence? spy. Thankfully, he kept to his an avid Arsenal supporter and ing? story and everything worked my son, I think just to annoy Yes, not in an overly daft way, out OK, I think he had to pay him, is a Chelsea supporter, but I love teaching, my future is def- but we work in a school where them a bit of money as well as I really like the Grand Prix at the initely with Camp Hill – I can’t there are a lot of lads with high there’s a bit of corruption. moment. really see myself going out of aspirations and ambitions, and teaching unless things change hopefully in some way you are Favourite book? Are you interested in the cur- dramatically over the next 20 helping somebody achieve rent election debates? to 30 years. At the moment, I’m them, even if it’s just by getting I love a series of four books not one of those people who their GCSE and they never want called ‘Conversations with God’, I absolutely love it. I like the fact are overly ambitious and have to do Biology again. Then yes it it’s not as religious as it sounds that they pulled the Lib Dems a career plan – ‘in fi ve years I’m is very rewarding. but it’s a really good book that into the spotlight. The thought going to do this…’. I would like makes you think about the of Cameron and Osbourne in a job that is enjoyable and chal- What advice would you give world and think about your power terrifi es me, the thought lenging and at the moment to someone in their school values. of what would happen to edu- Camp Hill gives me all of this. career? cation and the NHS if the Tories Despite how we sometimes Favourite TV Programmes? got in – they might be able to moan about the lads here, it’s Work hard. More generally, sort out the fi nances better actually a really lovely work- you’ll get anywhere in life if I’m more of a radio fan, but on than Labour, but for what ing environment and the vast you’re true to yourself and you TV I like crime series such as would happen to schools and majority of the lads make it a are nice to people. Life is not Prime Suspect and Wire in the hospitals, I don’t think it would real pleasure. I think the diff er- just about what you achieve Blood. I have a four year old so be a good thing at all. ence between Camp Hill and fi nancially, it’s about achieving there’s also Spongebob Square other schools is that you can happiness as well and that does Pants, Phineas and Ferb and Ben Most prized possession? be yourself, you can still have not always come through with 10. a laugh with the lads and you your academic achievements. I do love photos, I’ve always can let the lads see the real you Be true to yourself, be nice and Favourite Bacteria? got a camera with me so I’d say whereas in some schools with try to be happy. camera and photos. the class management issues ‘Bacillus cereus’ because when you have, you have to go in Sum yourself in a few words. you abbreviate the name, Favourite thing about Camp and put on a tough face and you shorten the genus to a Hill? be somebody that’s not really Happy. Control freak. OCD suf- single letter so ‘Bacillus cereus’ you, and when you’re doing ferer with autistic tendencies. becomes ‘B. Cereus’. I love everything about the that the whole working day it’s prep room, we have such a fan- really demanding. Favourite meal? tastic mix, we are all little kids at heart and we have a really A few years back, you had This is a Zimbabween one, good laugh. We get to know that amazing haircut, is there Sadzanyama which in Shona each other really well. any chance of that coming is: Sadza which is staple por- back? ridge food and Nyama which In the prep room, who would is the meat you have with it and you say you get on well with? I call that the guinea pig, it’s we still have that nearly every still at home. I usually wear that Saturday. I’m obviously not going to when my hair needs washing Where Would You Rather Be? Serge Wicker, [email protected] “Where would you rather short trips across the chan- be? 32 Brook Lane, Billesley, nel to France and Germany Birmingham or here?” That have been exciting and question is embedded in my a welcome change, but brain after it was repeated the same was true for the seemingly endlessly during German exchange students my holiday in South England who came to Birmingham over the Easter holidays. and wanted to come back straight away. And while my mother’s pointless ramblings and des- My advice is to go any- perate search for a cosy bun- where you can for a change galow on the South coast of scenery or language. If did become increasingly you have the opportunity, annoying, I realised that, to taking a gap year to explore an extent, she was right; I did WHERE WOULD YOU RATHER BE? France, or Brook Ln., Billesley, Birmingham another country or having a not want to spend the rest adventure. Is it a common who live in those places placement abroad during of my life in a semi-detached dream that we all share? Is it already? Do they long to jour- University is an experience to house in South Birmingham. human nature that we want ney to the other side of the try out. If not, you’ll have to to get out there and explore world to see the delights of take the slow road and hang But right then, despite the the world? Or is this a special Birmingham? Well, maybe not around for a bit longer. sun shining and the sea spar- eff ect, only created by living in Birmingham, but London or kling, the sense of adventure certain places? Paris? But don’t leave it too late. wasn’t quite there. I was glad Don’t leave it until when your to be out of Birmingham, but I Indeed the majority of In the same way as we may vision is blurry and your teeth still couldn’t answer that ques- people I talk to, and myself see Birmingham as boring and are falling out. The world is tion convincingly; the lack of included, have travelling the dull after living here for such a out there to be explored and internet and four channels on world as a hopeful ambition. long time, do people in those enjoyed and it’s best to do the television probably being Seeing photos and television utopian paradises of the world that when you’re young and major factors swaying my programmes of lush rainfor- also wish for something a little full of life. opinion. Or maybe the pres- ests and calm, stunning tropi- bit diff erent? ence of the same old ‘fi sh and cal islands with golden beach- So I leave you with a ques- chips’ and chavvy British cul- es and surrounded by a crystal I came to the conclusion tion to ponder on and to ture still evident all around me clear sea would surely trigger that it doesn’t matter where daydream about during made me not feel so far away off a daydreaming refl ex for you go, but the sense of your undoubtedly exhilarat- from home. most people. adventure of simply being in ing next lesson: Where would another country is enough you rather be? I started thinking about But what about the people to give you a little boost. My 8 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com 6th Former of the Month - Awais Sheikh Will NASA budget cuts be for good or bad? Nishant Prasad, [email protected] these children! deterrent and crime Which secondary school did as provides the motivation you attend? and impetus for people to work hard and succeed in If you could change one Sum yourself up in three Ninestiles. order to keep up with each thing about the school, what words other. In terms of the people would it be? themselves here, whilst I feel Passionate, temperamental, Why did you choose to come it would be unfair to name I suppose I wouldn’t have the determined. to Camp Hill? particular students/teachers, seggregation between the I do think I have been treated boys and girls, it’s a bit point- Well I feel that the idiosyn- kindly and there seems to be a less really, and perhaps have cratic ethos of this school is lot of respect amongst people, a bigger sixth form block but the main reason that drew me well generally anyway! otherwise I don’t think there’s to come to Camp hill. I feel it too much wrong to be honest. places a huge importance not only on one achieving one’s What are you plans for the potential but providing a wide future? What would you change education in order to make My plans for the future involve about the world? well rounded and confi dent going on to university to study students, through the range medicine and then hopefully Ideally, I would like every of opportunities provided, train further in order to spe- human being on this planet who are a cut above the rest cialise as a paediatrician and should have the opportu- and not just high achieving travel around the world. nity to achieve, prosper and academic ‘loners’ so to speak. attain what they strive for in Why choose that particular this world should one desire career? and work hard for it, without What do you think of Camp any economic, racial, political Hill, its students and its Well im sure we all think about or any other discriminatory teachers? how we can make a diff erence barrier. Easier said than done to people, to the world and I I suppose Well I must admit that I did fi nd feel this is the best possible the initial transition to Camp way to do it. By training as a hill pretty tough, especially paediatrician, I feel I would Party you would vote for the fi rst term, simply because have the skills to help (argu- and why in general election of the pressure created by the ably) the most vulnerable calibre of the students here as members of society, children, I would probably vote for the well as the speed and amount in places around the world Liberal Democrats, not just for of work carried out which I’ve such as South America, africa change for the sake of change never really had to do at my or the subcontinent where but I feel that voting for this previous school. However, healthcare isn’t readily avail- particular party would be a with time, I can see that this able and especially since I do step in the right direction, competitive environment is not feel that society’s idea of especially with policies with what makes this place great ‘charity’ is of much help to regards to the Trident nuclear Iceland Erupts Joe Yate, [email protected]

It is just me, or is Iceland rupted, caus- be a formidable backlog of trying to ruin everybody’s ing £1.1 billion fl ights, much to the horror of fun? First the banks, and (of in costs, largely aviation companies. course) the more recent volca- due to airlines nic eruption that halted most such as Virgin Of course, let us not forget European fl ights – it seems looking after the mighty force of nature that Iceland’s latest contribu- stranded pas- at the heart of this deba- tions to the world have been sengers. cle. Though a few hundred far from well received. The people have fl ed Iceland’s huge, infamous ash cloud pro- Many people fi ery wrath, more than 30 000 duced by the volcano Eyjafj al- think that the have fl ocked to see Eyjafj al- lajökull stretched from New- government lajökull in all its glory, and foundland, Canada, to Siberia, was ill prepared presumably, to inhale molten Russia, causing international for Eyjafjal- rock. Unfortunately, those air transport to grind to a halt, lajökull’s fury swarming to Iceland on a vol- as I’m sure many of you are – and that they were over- incident in Britain, nothing like canic holiday do not include already aware. Indeed, many cautious when it came to the this had ever been dealt with Mr Freysteinn Sigmundsson, of you may have felt the brunt ‘unnecessary’ blanket ban of before. Despite the Banshee- an Icelandic volcanologist of Eyjafj allajökull, and been all fl ights. After all, private jets like wailing of the stranded who has been studying Eyjaf- stranded overseas in some were able to fl y, so why not holidaymakers, perhaps there jallajökull for the last 20 years. exotic country, along with commercial jets? Well, private was little alternative. This vol- He is stranded in Paris, on more than 100 000 others. jets fl y lower than commer- cano has also highlighted the holiday, so will undoubtedly cial jets, and unfortunately, need for global disaster plans, be seething, having missed But why were so many the ash cloud was lurking after having exposed the vul- all the excitement. people stranded? After all, directly in the paths taken by nerability of air travel. what can a bit of ash do to commercial jets. Nor could the So whether you have an aeroplane? Well, quite a pilots avoid the ash either – Whichever way you look at enjoyed clear blue skies, or lot apparently – virtually all ubiquitous over British skies, it, the British government’s have been stranded abroad, commercial planes have jet there were no safe zones. As way of handling the volcano it is clear that this interna- engines, and if ash gets sucked the planes don’t have equip- situation was far from eff ec- tional inconvenience will be into the intake, then it’s not ment sophisticated enough tive. Britons all over the world remembered for a while – as pretty. The engines could stall, to detect the fi ne ash par- resorted to whatever means Iceland endeavours to come so, with such a risk to passen- ticles, the soonest the pilot they could to return home, up with new, more compli- gers, the government decided would realise they were fl ying whether it was by the Eurostar, cated ways to antagonise that all fl ights in Britain were through the ash cloud would trains, coaches, taxis, ferries us. to be grounded for a week – be when one of the engines or even Royal Navy warships, and many western European exploded. So perhaps the stretching Europe’s infrastruc- countries followed suit. As a government was justifi ed in a ture to the limit in the process. result, almost a third of the complete ban of fl ights – after With thousands of people still airline business has been dis- all, this is an unprecedented desperately trying to return home, it is likely that there will 9 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com TECHNOLOGY The Real iPhone Killer Lakshay Thakur, [email protected]

it is the Android phone (made by Google) has the Android store which holds only 20,000 apps. However don’t be disheart- ened - recent figures have shown that the Android store will overtake the Apple App Store by 2013. This does seem like a long time but in technology this is merely a month. Another positive is that the App store giving stiff competition. Also has the basics too, alarms, and Android other companies like Nokia, a music player, and some store have Samsung, Palm and even luxuries too – e.g. widgets nearly exactly Motorola are getting into the and a FM radio (neither of the same apps. frame trying to manufacture these are on the iPhone) and The Google Phone, Nexus But there is another problem the “King of all Smartphones.” a web browser. With a budget One is regarded as one of the as the Android stores prices, phone there will always be elite phones known as the on average are £1.19 while This Issue’s Best Phone for some problems for example “iPhone killer.” The good news the Apple App store has an Under £50 no Wi-Fi, no 3G, no GPS, is that most of these features average price of only 59p. no screen rotation, inbuilt are better than the iPhone. Alcatel OT-708 One Touch memory that can only store This includes a 5MP camera, The hardware of the two Mini one song and lastly USB 1.1 a feat that has never been phones is phenomenal as the Best Price: £29.00 + £10 top transfer. I believe that USB 1.1 achieved by the iPhone and a build quality shows that they up (orange) transfer is a major let down are both made Colour: black with blue rim, as many £10 phones have with such preci- black with red rim, black with USB 2.0, therefore transfer- sion. Neverthe- green rim and black with ring data will take four times less the build silver rim. longer than it should. quality on the Nexus is far This phone is not in any of The final verdict on this superior. With a the top-end Smartphone’s phone shows that I would phone no more league but is still a very good recommend it as it is a than a centi- phone and for the price it is decent touch screen phone meter thick (or ultra-aff ordable. It is by far the for making calls and sending centimeter thin cheapest touch screen phone texts. However you may need as Goggle brag) on the market and comes with to compromise with this it is much thin- some features which aren’t phone if you would want to ner than the even on the iPhone yet. browse the internet or having iPhone. There is it as your main music player. only one objec- Some of the main features tion with the of the phone include a decent Nexus One’s 1.3MP camera, a 2.4 inch touch build, is that the screen and touch sensitive camera sticks buttons. The reason that these out of the back. haven’t been a massive seller This means is due to the company’s brand that after day- name. Hardly anyone has to-day use with heard of Alcatel but I would 1GHz processor again almost the phone the lens of that guarantee 40% faster than the iPhone gorgeous 5MP camera will get you that if 3GS model. Don’t fall into scratched. It is not surprising it was made Steve Jobs (Head of Apple) that the iPhone’s camera fi ts by Nokia or trap saying that the iPhone is fl ush in the back cover. The LG then this the “Fastest Smartphone Yet”. success of the iPhone has been would be It isn’t it is far from it in fact, hardware simplicity executed fl ying off the and rumours are stating that to perfection while Google shelves. Alca- the iPhone actually only has hasn’t really grasped this and tel just man- a 400 MHz processor and the has incorporated four touch aged to get iPhone 4G release in June will sensitive buttons. These are their phone probably only have a 800 MHz quite annoying as when you onto the processor. are playing a game for exam- Orange and ple, you fi nd yourself pressing Tesco net- There are some drawbacks the buttons and going to the works or else like there are in all phones as home menu. However they they would no phone is perfect. If you are have incorporated a great, have to settle an avid game player, then you easy to use track ball. with minor will know that the App Store networks like holds over 100,000 apps with In conclusion the iPhone is Talk Talk and over a third of them being still going to be regarded as Three. games and a further half the best Smartphone in the being free. The Nexus One as market but the Nexus One is The phone 10 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com CHESS KE Camp Hill Chess Monthly Aled Walker, [email protected]

Chess is extremely exciting! for the long trip east. We are had the Budapest Gambit I know that it can sometimes hugely indebted to Mr Rogers played against him! Fortunate- appear interminably dull and and Mr Nash, who shared the ly his research had provided hopelessly drawn-out, and driving on the mammoth him with a few lines for White indeed this is sometimes accu- journey. Andrew Briggs and I and an intense and intriguing rate, but on occasion a match occupied ourselves by looking position developed. It seemed can create such a hotbed of through diff erent variations like Black was mobilising his intrigue and interest that it of the Budapest Defense, an forces, but then Andrew spot- is able to truly captivate. Our utterly crazy but actually quite ted a clever idea that forced match against Woodbridge enterprising opening for Black a draw by perpetual check. School from Suff olk was just against 1. d4. More on that BUT our post match analysis such an event, and I have never story later. showed that had Andrew’s been prouder to call myself a opponent chosen a diff erent Camp Hill chess player. After a spectacular drive over line (that avoided the perpetu- the Orwell Bridge at Ipswich, al but left him material down), After a few move order inac- Firstly, I will set the scene. Are we arrived at the plush and White’s pieces were in such a curacies (all propagated by you sitting comfortably? Then luxurious surroundings of mess that Black could have me) we have the Yugoslav I’ll begin… Woodbridge School (they are, practically forced a crushing Attack variation of the Dragon of course, private). We were win in 5 moves! Another variation of the Sicilian The contest was a ‘last 16’ eventually met by their ginger stroke of good fortune, but Defense. A bit of a mouthful! match in the so called ‘Plate’ haired International Master, such analysis is very hard to White aims to go for a kingside competition. This is for schools but rather than off ering us sus- see in the heat of the moment. pawn-storm and Bh6. Black that have fi nished runners up tenance after our long journey has two ideas – either play Rc8 in their regional sections of the we were shown into a biology Let us take stock – we were and eventually an exchange Yateley Manor Competition. It lab to start the match! Fortu- 2-1 up, with 3 games left, sacrifi ce on c3, breaking open is age handicapped; the diff er- nately we had grabbed some needing 3.5 over all to win the queenside, or… ence in average age between snacks earlier, but nonetheless (they had a half point head Rb8 the teams is calculated and these tactics seemed distinctly start so 3-3 would mean that This is the modern line, the then for every whole year of underhand. we would lose). So we only Chinese Attack. Black aims to diff erence, the younger team needed to draw the remain- throw his a and b pawns at the gets a half point head start. So it began. ing ‘mini-match’ on Boards 1, White King, and it is very hard Boasting fi ve upper sixth play- 2 and 4. Unfortunately, Nathan to defend. I remember my dad ers, including the positively Board 6 was decided quickly, Brown on Board 4 had slightly telling me to get my King to ancient Nick West, Camp Hill after only about an hour of misplayed a King’s Indian a1, play a3 and stick a rook on was probably the oldest team play. Kyle Reed’s opponent, a Defense and got a horribly b1 – followed by a Black king- in the competition. Oh dear. mildly precocious 12 year old cramped position. He battled side massacre. I had no idea Our local region has expanded named Hugo, gave him pawns valiantly, but eventually lost whether this would work, so I dramatically in recent years, at the rate of 1 every 10 moves a significant pawn and his gave it a go… and although we dispatched or so. This proved ample for game crumbled. This meant 11. h4 Ne5 KES in fi ne style, we came a Kyle to force home an advan- that Clive Ke and I had to get 12. Bb3 h5 cropper to Magdalen College tage, and he made it look easy, 1.5/2 on our two boards. A good blocking move School from Oxford – a very but winning the won game is 13. Kb1 b5 strong outfi t, two of whom a crucial skill that he demon- So how had we been get- 14. Ka1 a5 had recently retained their strated excellently. ting on? Well, Clive was play- 15. a3 b4 World Exchange Chess Cham- ing Black against the fabled 16. Ne2 bxa3 pionship title. Our drawing Meanwhile… Russian, who had played the 17. bxa3 a4 of the match 3-3 serves as a Scotch Opening (1. e4 e5 2. 18. Ba2 Kh7! testament to the strength of On Board 5, Nick West was Nf3 Nc6 3. d4). This is not I was pleased with how our lower boards, but unfor- getting battered. He had got really in vogue at junior level, things were turning out on the tunately they had a half point into all sorts of trouble after but has found a lot of support queenside, as my bishop on a2 advantage from being young- choosing a highly original and from Grandmasters. After and the blocked a pawns off er er, and so prevailed. highly dubious response to clever improvisation from good defense. But I needed the Scandinavian Defense (1. Clive, the crux of the middle to get in Bh6 and swap of Entering the ‘Plate’, we were e4 d5 2. e5??!). His opponent game became apparent; his potentially lethal Black drawn against Woodbridge developed a passed c pawn could White maneuver and squared bishop. Kh7 prevents School from Suff olk, and had which Nick had to give up a win Black’s isolated queen’s this, and I’m in trouble if he to play them Away. The town rook to prevent from queen- pawn, or could Black ade- can move his knights off the of Woodbridge itself is famous ing. It was at this point that Mr. quately defend it and use it as long black diagonal. for its chess, winning the Rogers looked at the game, a strength in the endgame? 19. Rb1 Qc8 (?) 4NCL on many occasions. Kyle walked away a few paces, and 20. Nf4 Reed, our secret weapon on then shook his head whimsi- Meanwhile… The start of a knight sortie board 6, had actually played cally. Then something most Qa6 a Woodbridge junior team in bizarre happened – Nick’s I was playing their cap- 21. Nh3 Rfc8? the Junior 4NCL last year, and opponent started moving his tain on Board 1. Despite his 22. Ng5+ was able to inform us that they queen back and forth, giving a double barreled surname, and Aha! I am on the attack! His had a very competitive Rus- series of checks. This checking posh accent that puts mine moving his pieces to attack sian girl on Board 2. Russians idea was actually quite sensi- to shame, he was an incred- has left his king badly defend- are always phenomenal chess ble (as it would have allowed ibly amiable chap. I therefore ed – f7 is weak players. We had taken the pre- infi ltration and subsequent feel slightly guilty about the Kg8 caution of looking up their annihilation) but he kept manner of my victory. 23. f4 Rxb1+ ECF graded players online. doing it! Nick, paying atten- 24. Rxb1 Nc4 We were not hopelessly out- tion to this strange course of Aled Walker v. Ed Ven- 25. Qd3 graded, but their recent match events, noticed that his oppo- more-Rowland Pinning the knight history showed that they had nent had caused the same 1. e4 c5 Ng4 played pupils who weren’t on position to appear 3 times. 2. Nf3 d6 26. Bg1 e6 this list (unknown forces) and He incredulously claimed the 3. d4 cd 27. Rb4 d5 also that they had an Interna- draw by 3 fold repetition; Mr. 4. Nxd4 Nf6 28. e5 Bf8(!) tional Master as their coach. Rogers looked highly con- 5. Nc3 g6 Having fi nally blocked out RUN AWAY!!!! fused and their IM looked a bit 6. f3 Bg7 the a1-h8 diagonal, the Black miff ed. Meanwhile… 7. Be3 0-0 bishop relocates to another Tuesday 16th March was the 8. Bc4 Nc6 powerful square. day of the match and we all On board 3, Andrew Briggs 9. Qd2 Bd7 29. Rb1 Kg7 settled down in the minibus was playing white and had 10. 0-0-0 11 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com

30. Bxc4 Rxc4 but we still needed to draw the but because we were the better And we reach the time control position is slipping away from other game. I look across to see team. In rugby it is obvious that with about 1 minute left each! me. I have only about 5 minutes Clive with a king and queen, a team needs to be more than Now we get 15 more minutes to left, and notice that my knights and his opponent with just a a collection of individuals, but play the rest of the game. I suc- are trained on e6 and, due to king, but the game being pro- in chess it is often forgotten. In cessfully swapped off my blocked the unusual position of his King nounced a draw!? It turns out tight matches, playing for each off white squared bishop, but and Queen, if his Bishop was dis- that Clive had run out of time, other and a determination to he has now got a very powerful tracted from d7 I could execute a but because his Russian adver- win can prove decisive. Our rook deep in my position. fork. So, having run out of ideas, sary did not have mating mate- reward for our heroic endeav- 31. g3 Qc8 I analysed the continuation and rial remaining on the board the ours? A draw in the next round 32. Kb2 Bc5 decided to ‘protect’ a5… game was drawn. As it trans- against Eton!!! 33. Kc1 35. Rb5?? Bxb5??? pired, Clive had lost his isolated A comical desperate run for After Bxd4 I would have been queen’s pawn and should have I can’t wait! cover on the other side of the completely lost! But now… lost the game as well, but in the board! 36. Ncxe6+ fxe6 confusion towards the end he Below: Nick West holds the Nh6 37. Nxe6+ Kh7 had managed to maneuver Closed Quickplay tournament 34. Kd2 Qc7 38. Nxc7 Rd4 his King in such a way as to trophy aloft. He does win my queen back, ensure a passed pawn, which but he then queened. Still, a draw 39. Qxd4 Bxd4 was enough, and the rest of the 40. Bxd4 Bc6 team (who had just had the nail And with my extra two pawns biting experience of watching and blitz skills practiced in the two mad time scrambles) raced Sixth form study area, I was able towards us – a pitch invasion. to win. I apologised to my opponent for the unfortunate nature of I was aided by my opponent my win, who took it in amaz- making an illegal move with ingly good spirits, and with us each having about a minute adrenalin still pumping from left, with rules stipulating that my crazy fi nish I celebrated I be awarded 2 minutes extra with ‘the lads’. time - that made it slightly less panic inducing! In the end, we hadn’t won Qa5+ is a nasty threat, as there because we were the better is Rc3 to follow. Ne2 looks like So with seconds left I had players, or because we had my only real defense, but the checkmated my opponent, played better that afternoon, SPORT Who Really Benefi ts From The Play-off System James Jordan, [email protected] The bank holiday has been up. and gone, and with it, the end of the regular season of the The play-off system has just Championship. With 30 mil- become another needless lion pounds said to be at stake, gimmick as a result of people many people eagerly await wanting to make more money the play-off s, to see who will out of sport, and though there win the right to lose to… sorry, are plenty of people in favour play, footballing giants like of them, more people disagree Manchester United and Arse- and when an idea is to the det- nal. Is it right, however, that a riment of a sport, it should be team who fi nishes 6th by the rethought. narrowest of margins should be promoted at the expense Play-off winners’ fortunes of a team who have only just since 2003 fi nished behind second? 2003: Wolverhampton A principal argument that Wanderers - bottom, six people, mostly those who points from safety and a goal benefi t fi nancially, use to jus- diff erence of -39 tify the play-off system is that it results in fewer dead match- 2004: Crystal Palace - 18th, es at the end of the season. A 33 points quick look at the table prior to DERBY COUNTY’S triumph was short-lived Play-off s are not confi ned to the last round of fi xtures tells incredibly diffi cult, especially the sport of football, though. 2005: West Ham - 9th, and a a diff erent story though, with when there is so much made In rugby union, the newly and UEFA cup spot - but only sur- places 3rd-5th long settled and of the gulf between the divi- originally named “Champion- vived the next season from only two teams in contention sions. It also means that a ship” has introduced a radi- fi elding an ineligible player in for the fi nal play-off spot, with mid-table championship club cal play-off system with the Carlos Tevez. 8th-placed Middlesbrough who happen to have had a league reduced from 16 to languishing seven points off good run of form has a good 12 teams with the top eight 2006: Watford - bottom, 28 sixth place. This makes for only chance of being promoted. in promotion play-off s and poins, 10 points from safety one excting match on the fi nal The winner of the play-off s is bottom four relegation play day, or indeed for the last few also likely to be better at win- off s. This only results in more 2007: Derby County - 11 games, which could just as ning one-off games, rather dead games, with very little to points, a record low, 1 win, easily been achieved with a than the consistency needed play for for those teams not at goal diff erence -69 battle for a third promotion to survive in the top fl ight. the seventh/eighth boundary, place. And this is backed up by the and makes a mockery of the 2008: Hull City - Stayed up fact that only two of the last league if teams separated by only on goal diff erence, down A play-off system also results seven play-off winners have one or two points can be pro- this season with a very large in lower quality football the stayed up next season: one moted to the premiership or fi nancial burden next season. A team pro- being West Ham, successfully; relegated to national league moted through the play-off s the other Hull, who stayed up one, especially when eighth 2009: Burnley - currently 7 has about a month less than only on goal diff erence and placed Moseley were closer points adrift with one game the other promoted sides to spent too much money. An in points to the leaders than to go. approach players to buy for automatic promotion system the bottom club, who despite the next season. In a very com- would be fairer to the promot- losing 21 of their 22 league petitive market, this makes the ed side and be to the benefi t games, managed three wins task of staying up next season of the Premier League. in the play-off s that kept them 12YEAR THE PUPILS’ VOICE 8 Issue 6,HOUSE May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com RUGBY

James Jordan, [email protected] The weather wasn’t beauti- were rewarded with a try. ful. The rugby wasn’t beautiful. And with Mr Cookson getting Despite Beaufort’s good involved, the referees weren’t work and prolonged pressure, beautiful. Nevertheless, last on the few occasions that term’s Year Eight House Rugby Seymour regained posses- Competition was hard-fought sion, you always felt that a try and at times dramatic, which might result due to their well resulted in some good games worked passing and running, between the houses. though there was more of the latter. Sure enough, with the The fi rst round of fi xtures play in a very narrow area of saw Beaufort take on Sey- the pitch, Seymour won back mour, with Beaufort utilising the ball, and utilised the space their good pack, and Seymour out wide to score a try. preferring to use their back line – more specifi cally Jordan As the Beaufort Captain McDonagh. The fi rst half was struggled to gain the atten- close and as the teams set up tion of his teammates in a for the fi rst half, the game was Reds huddle afterwards, he in the balance. Seymour fl y- rightly said ‘We only lost this half David Yate launched the game because of some mis- ball high into the air, a Beau- takes.’ When there are so many fort forward – not for the fi rst missed tackles on the same time in the match – totally player on the same run, how- misjudged the kick, position- ever, those mistakes can be ing himself too far forward and very costly indeed. leaving his arms to fl ail in mid- about it. After Seymour con- again cost Beaufort, although air in a futile attempt to deal Next to take on Seymour ceded a penalty on the ten- they were very rarely out of with the kick. The ball then were Tudor, confi dent after metre line, touch was missed their own half. Even when bounced upwards for Jordan a victory over Howard. Their by Tudor, but Seymour’s ill- they won a penalty, the kick McDonagh, eagerly chasing confi dence, and pre-match discipline would once again couldn’t find touch, and the kick-off , to comfortably cry of “1. 2. 3. TUDOR!” (it haunt them, this time for there was constant pressure collect and run unopposed to wasn’t quite the Haka) was off side from the chase of the from Tudor throughout the the try-line. short lived, Jordan McDonagh resulting clearance upfi eld. game. The scoreline of 20-0 once more scoring, this time From this advanced position, refl ected this, and though the Much of the remainder of straight from the kick-off. the Greens managed to score Reds did threaten when they the game was played in Sey- The second try did at least a try and the comeback was dared to venture into the mour’s half with Beaufort in take a bit longer to arrive, but on. Tudor half, the game petered possession, not helped by this was only because a few out and with nothing much some ludricous feeding from minutes were spent trying to Despite a spirited perfor- to play for on either pitch, the Gold’s scrum half, for which retrieve the ball from the bank mance from Tudor, the same the excitement levels never he was rightly penalised, gift- after the fi rst try’s conversion. man popped up again to returned to their early peak. ing Beaufort possession on Fly-half David Yate impres- score on the break, and thanks one of the few occasions Sey- sively converted the second to the good kicking of David Only a Howard win could mour had the ball. Eventually, try as well, this time from the Yate, Tudor’s late tries would possibly have prevented Sey- the Beaufort pressure paid far more challenging position prove to be in vain. mour winning the Year 8 title, off , some powerful play by of the touchline. but another comfortable win Ross Kang winning the Reds In the second-place play- completed an emphatic per- a penalty fi ve metres from the Tudor could at least console off , Tudor took on Beaufort, formance for Seymour, espe- Seymour try-line. Some more themselves with the fact that though it would not turn cially from their back line good work from the tap, and they had plenty of time to out to be the expected close a few phases later, Beaufort overturn the early defecit, and game. Mistakes would once certainly went the right way 13 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com 14 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com CRICKET ICC World Twenty20 2010: exclusive preview The once synth-pop darlings talk about life after the hype. Sanjeevan Ghag, [email protected] Following the recent con- any real impact on Twenty20 that you just don’t know what clusion of the Indian Premier cricket. Kevin Pietersen, argu- to expect from. Sometimes, League, the world’s gaze has ably their best batsman, will the team performs well, as been shifted to the West Indies be missing from the squad for seen by last year’s success for the third World Twenty20 the initial stages of the tourna- in England, while on other tournament. With so many ment due to the birth of his occasions, there seems to be players in form having par- fi rst child. This absence will be no apparent unity and drive ticipated for their franchises clearly felt, especially without shared by the players. Paki- in India, many hope that the the spark provided by the ever stani cricket is still recovering World event will deliver an injured Andrew Flintoff . from the debacle which saw array of sixes and exhibition several top players such as batting. However, a number of Key man: Paul Collingwood Shoaib Malik given bans and the Caribbean pitches suit the Prediction: Super Eight stage surely this will have a negative slower bowlers and thus, the impact on the side. ability to manage spin bowl- ing may prove instrumental Key man: Shahid Afridi Having eff ectively fl opped in a batsman’s success, rather Prediction: Super Eight stage on home soil in 2007, the Pro- than the traditional Twenty20 teas will be eager to exert their approach. Previous winners authority on the game once India and Pakistan will be again. The squad is a mix- joined by their fellow ICC full ture of old heads and young member nations, who will emerging talent and it is this hope to etch their name on balance of experience and raw the trophy. Your correspon- ability that should serve the dent examines the top eight South African’s well. teams in greater detail below. India Arguably the tournament’s Key man: Jacques Kallis Australia favourites, India possess one Prediction: Semi-fi nalists of, if not the most talented line-up among the teams. West Indies The IPL has fl ourished in India and the fact that the entire The home nation will have a squad competed in it will give Sri Lanka point to prove in front of their the team a great advantage. own supporters. Dogged by Despite this, Bharat Army fans Similarly as seen with India, contractual disputes for a will be without key batsman Sri Lanka have a very strong number of years, West Indian Virender Sehwag, who has suc- squad. There is a good bal- cricket has gone through an cumbed to injury, and cricket ance of batting and bowling extremely patchy period with legend Sachin Tendulkar, who strength and with players such very little consistency shown. opts not to play in this form as Jayawardene and Mendis, In spite of this, there is a strong of the game on the interna- the team has the ability to go base within the team with tional stage. Given the way in far in the tournament. players such as Chanderpaul which India choked last time and Sarwan. they played in a major World Key man: Mahela Jayawardene tournament in the Caribbean, Prediction: Finalists Key man: Chris Gayle they will be keen to avoid a Prediction: Super Eight stage similar feat. Key man: MS Dhoni Prediction: Winner Ricky Ponting’s men haven’t adapted to the shorter form of the game as well as many had expected. Last year, they failed to make even the Super Eight stage of the tournament. The retirement of leading stars such as Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist has hit the Australian’s hard and they lack the multitude of big names to stake a claim for the trophy. South Africa Key man: Shane Watson Prediction: Super Eight stage England New Zealand The Kiwis have enjoyed a prosperous run of form of late and will have confi dence going into the tournament. With the experience of veter- ans Styris, Vettori and Oram, expect the Black Caps to make a signifi cant impact. Where to start with England? Key man: Jacob Oram The Poms have been extremely Prediction: Semi-fi nalists inconsistent over the past fi ve Pakistan years and have failed to make This is one of those teams 15 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com MUSIC credible sixth place in the fi es classic Elvis The Baseballs – Flanders region of Belgium. so much that I’m This success means that they surprised that plan to release the album here the King him- Strike! (2009) on the 18th of May. And yet, self hasn’t risen one question has to be asked: from the dead Alex Wood, [email protected] Is their music any good? to sing it him- self to provide I was at a loss as to what to Well, that’s certainly up for the vocals. Nev- write this month. I could either debate. True, their concept is ertheless, there slate Scouting for Girls for the original, but that doesn’t nec- are also some ‘music by numbers’ drivel that essarily mean it’s any good. horrible songs they’d committed two years Playing ‘Chopsticks’ on a Harp on the album. of their lives to creating, or I is original, but I doubt it would True, I never liked could stray off the beaten track sound any better than playing ‘Bleeding Love’ and talk about something that it on a piano. That said, the by Leona Lewis, but no amount Poppycock popcorn. The song was/is slightly less popular album itself does contain a of syncopation is going to is so much better when you in this country. It was while plethora of songs that equal make it anymore interest- can clearly hear the lyrics, and thinking this that the Sunday if not beat their originals. The ing. One redeeming factor is the acoustics once again show Times featured a brief mention fi rst of these is the opening the acappella intro which is that the song was actually about The Baseballs. It was track; a version of Rihanna’s quite enticing, although this quite well composed. What only a brief mention about ‘Umbrella’. Not being the big- is let down by the quite dreary the German band have done their Fifties style-pop covers, gest Rihanna fan, it is remark- remainder of the song. is strip back music to its basic but I felt inclined to investi- able how the German band components and reveal how gate further. have managed to turn the hit Their version of Robbie Wil- it all began, much like Batman into something that would liams’ ‘Angels’ is also a direct Begins compared to the rest of After spending a few minutes sound natural in a fi fties dance tribute to Presley, and it the earlier franchise. on Youtube, I realised I’d found hall. The use of acoustics sounds like they’ve gone to the solution to which album makes the sound completely great lengths to imitate his And that’s why I ask people I’d review this time round. diff erent to the song that put voice precisely. Considering to at least listen to The Base- With a relatively original idea, enough rain on our summer to they are German speakers, balls. They might not be every- the German Rock’n’Roll group make any holidaymaker ago- they have got the voice quite one’s cup of tea, but judging specialise in covering main- raphobic. perfect, and combined with by the hype that they’ve stream Pop and R&B songs the fresh approach to quite a already created in Northern and then playing them in a A personal favourite of mine clichéd song; this is another of Central Europe, it’s unlikely Fifties style, much like a rebel- is ‘Stop and Stare’, which The my favourites. they’ll stay quiet for long in lious Elvis Presley tribute act. Baseballs have successfully the UK. It might be said that The album Strike! was Number turned into a bluesy ballad To be honest, I was never a they’re riding on the success 1 in Sweden, Finland, Norway, that has been lingering on my fan of Katy Perry. That said, The of other artists, but if it worked and then second in Denmark iPod playlist for the past few Baseballs do make a version of for Mark Ronson then it might and managed to achieve a days. The song itself personi- ‘Hot’n’Cold’ that’s as sweet as just work for this German trio.

movies. The well over the me. The fi nal track, “The Black Coheed and haunting past years Rainbow” is a rather macabre piano melody – sparse number, with choruses of “it’s only adds to verses and a over, it’s all coming apart” Cambria – Year this, until it catchy, soar- repeated for the large major- segues into ing chorus ity of the song until the end, “The Broken”. – something at which point all instruments of the Black This was the that will sat- are completely independent first track isfy the large of each other, creating a melee released from majority of of sounds which aptly mimic Rainbow YOTBR onto Coheed fans the lyric. the band’s no doubt. website, and However, YOTBR, overall, is a very pol- Tim Shao, [email protected] it’s easy to see before you ished piece of work and is a why. The slow start think- vast improvement from the chord pro- ing that band’s previous outing, No Three years after their pre- gression and Coheed World For Tomorrow, with far vious release, New York prog soaring choruses are reminis- and Cambria are just another less ‘faffi ng around’ with voice rock outfi t Coheed and Cam- cent of From Fear the Eyes of one of those bands that have modulation and other bizarre bria release their fi fth album, Madness’ “Welcome Home”, about twenty guitar tracks laid effects. However, YOTBR is which is no less ambitious than (largely considered to be one on top of one another just for still very much accessible to their previous outings. It acts of their masterpieces, as well the sake of it, “Far” proves that all those with an open mind as a prequel to the band’s epic as a prog metal classic). Musi- the band also know when to (although Sanchez’ voice can Amory Wars saga, and will be cianship, as I have previously tone things down. Its unusu- take some getting used to). the fi nal addition to the story- said, is solid throughout the ally simplistic and electronic One criticism I would have of line. Now I won’t pretend that album and “The Broken” is no drum track forms the basis for the album is that there is no I know much about the story exception. However, nothing a dreamy industrial-pop ballad standout track, such as From itself (it’s hard enough to make can quite compare with the that overcomes its cheesiness Fear Through the Eyes of Mad- out what Claudio Sanchez is next song, “Guns of Summer”, through a truly captivating ness’ “Welcome Home” or “Ten singing, never mind actually which does enough to rival solo and fi tting ending. Speed”, songs that easily make understanding it), but such Dream Theater in terms of it into my “Top 50 Most Played” things are trivial in compari- sheer complexity. The intro- “Pearl of the Stars” and “Made playlist. This, if anything could son to the superb musician- duction consists of highly syn- Out of Nothing” are both softer be attributed to the album’s ship on show. Year of the Black copated drumming and guitar songs which provide much continuous approach, with Rainbow takes infl uence from work, and an uncountable needed respite from the con- most songs fading into one all of their previous recordings time signature which I am yet tinuous onslaught of guitars another. Songwriting tech- to create a multifarious album to work out. Just check out the and drums. The rest are all niques and musical struc- which at some point encom- Rock Band chart to see how more products of the tried and tures are also largely similar passes pretty much every technically diffi cult the piece tested Coheed and Cambria throughout, which is a tad dis- mainstream genre. is. formula, with more climactic appointing given the band’s choruses and tight instrumen- ability. But take nothing away, The album starts off with Next song and fi rst single, tation. Each still have their own this still ranks among some of “One”, an atmospheric, eerie “Here We Are Juggernaut” is unique twist, and are far from Coheed and Cambria’s best sounding instrumental which another solid song, with the sounding similar – “This Shat- work, and is defi nitely worth wouldn’t sound out of place band sticking to the formula tered Symphony” being one a listen. one of those Japanese horror which has served them so of the album’s highlights for 16 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com MUSIC understated ending. The four it’s potential. It’s still certainly MGMT - Congratulations minutes are worth listening to, a good album, and MGMT do it’s just a shame that the music weird music really well, but around it isn’t quite up to the without the hooks it can never Staszek Welsh, [email protected] album with a more mellow same standard. As a whole, it be great. synth solo. feels like there’s something I, like many people, found missing from the whole aff air. In truth, I get the feeling that MGMT through Kids. After all, However, not all of the tracks they just don’t want to make it was a damn catchy 5 min- are as straightforward as the And this sentiment really another Kids. While I only men- utes of music. But on listening ballads. Flash Delirium is all sums up the album as a whole. tioned it specifi cally with Flash to the rest of their 2007 album over the place, with a mix It’s good, but there’s just some- Delirium, you can defi nitely Oracular Spectacular, I found of pretty much everything thing missing from the whole hear that Andrew VanWyn- myself more and more drawn that made up the latter half thing. And of course, the garden and Ben Goldwasser to the songs on the album that of Oracular Spectacular con- thing missing is exactly the really enjoyed making this weren’t the synthpop hit sin- densed into 4 minutes of thing I started off this review album. But as much of a sad, gles that introduced me to the music. It’s my personal favou- by saying I was initially glad self-fulfi lling prophecy as it is, band in the fi rst place, such as rite on the album as a whole, wasn’t there: songs like Kids, if MGMT want to make another The Youth, 4th Dimensional largely because the wild varia- Electric Feel and Time To Pre- album which appeals to so Transition and, my favourite tions in tempo and style make tend with synthpop hooks that many people like they did in song on the album, Of Moons, it a fun song to listen to, and get into your head and stay 2007, they have to do exactly Birds & Monsters. It was there- you get the impression that it there for a long, long time. It what they sang at the start of fore a nice surprise to learn was a fun song for the duo to was the mix of these songs Oracular Spectacular; it’s Time that MGMT have penned an write as well. with the weirder, arguably To Pretend. album that forgoes what made more interesting ones that them popular for the music Whilst Flash Delirium revels made Oracular Spectacular, that comprised the latter half in its madness, its a shame well, spectacular. And it’s the of the album, and it is certainly that the 12 minute long epic absence of these songs from a decision that isn’t going to of Siberian Breaks doesn’t Congratulations which limits be popular. quite deliver in the same way. While Flash Delirium’s many Congratulations starts threads feel tightly woven strong with It’s Working which, together, the fi rst half of Sibe- in typical MGMT fashion, plays rian Breaks feels like a bunch around with tempo, with of ideas simply hacked and some stops and starts along chopped together. While the the way, slowing right down ideas themselves are fi ne, it’s to a crawl at one point for a the links between them that ghostly-sounding half-sigh feel awkward in comparison. of ‘it’s working’ from Andrew In reality, the ideas probably VanWyngarden. It doesn’t try should have been separate to do anything too off -the- songs, and indeed some of the wall aside from the tempo transitions feel more like tran- changes, and is better for it. sitions between consecutive album tracks rather than parts The best songs on the album of a single track. But even if follow the opener and go by they were separate tracks, the the mantra of ‘less is more’, ideas still feel like they need such as the ballads of I Found development, as if they’re A Whistle and Someone’s Miss- unfi nished, which ultimately ing. Both have slow, steady makes for a disappointing but satisfying build ups to a fi rst few minutes of music. grand finish, and both are However, from the halfway simply nice to listen to. Con- point, the whole thing seems gratulations, the fi nal track is to come together and there similar but without the big are good solid four minutes of fi nale, instead fi nishing the really good music before an

confi dent throughout. ing substance, the crowd defi - There for nitely enjoyed it, most of them We Sink Ships followed and probably picking up on this put on a pretty solid perfor- band from its support slot with Tomorrow and mance despite falling fl at at All Time Low last year. There some points, their take on are hundreds of bands doing pop-punk only occasionally what The Friday Night Boys The Friday scoring with the crowd. do and sadly The Friday Night boys don’t stand out from the It was There For Tomorrow’s crowd, with the exception of Night Boys turn to play fi rst on their joint the one song ‘That’s What She headline tour. Their poppy Said’. @ The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, take on post-hardcore a wel- 06/04/10, With We Sink Ships and Kyoto come break from the previous Needless to say however Drive two bands, if ignored by the there’s a certain demographic Jack Bristow, [email protected] majority of the crowd. Those that will simply lap up this that did get into the music sort of magic, and though thoroughly enjoyed them- There For Tomorrow were, in It was pretty obvious from selves regardless. Overall it my opinion, the better band, the start that most of the audi- was a very good eff ort for a it was undoubtedly The Friday ence were here to see The band on its fi rst trip across the Night Boys show from the Friday Night Boys. Despite this, pond. start. local boys Kyoto Drive put on a good show, with more fans Finally The Friday Night Boys by the end than they started came on with their inoff ensive, with, frontman Adam Binder autotuned, American pop- rock. Despite their music lack- 17 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com FILM Zhexi Films Gary Zhexi Zhang, [email protected]

These are some writings about fi lms. Not current fi lm perfect depiction of a mind reviews though, I’m too poor as intensely alienated and for that. Instead have a list of alone as Travis’. His exploits good fi lms, like those Channel are cut together with long Five ‘…To see before you die scenes of his night time taxi fi lms’, just a little less morbid. shifts, accompanied by jazz as These are generally fi lms that fi lthy and seedy as much of his you should see – you may not downtown New York clientele. like them all, I don’t mind, but The fi lm is narrated by Bickle, watch them because they obscure direction from Todd played by Robert Deniro as probably deserve it. Haynes has resulted in a a fl awless picture of a lonely, slightly fragmented fi lm – the unstable man, but in such a The Pianist biopic is constituted of a sort way that he is a grotesque of photo album of Dylan’s life, amplification of a state of with diff erent facets of his life mind that most can relate to. and personality being repre- Travis is not a villain, but bears sented by a diff erent actor, a distorted sense of morality sometimes a diff erent charac- that begins to make sense it ter. For example, Heath Ledger Jackson’s hitman was called, is explored, and in the end if plays actor Robbie Clark, and there is much here that anything we can sympathise. simultaneously an incarnation is Tarentino-esque. Perhaps The fi lm ends after an intense- of Dylan and an in-fi lm actor they work so well because the ly gory climax, with some who portrays him, a metaphor pair are in their natural habitat resolve but many questions for Dylan at the height of his of playing two men so blar- go unanswered, because the notoriety, existing concur- ingly Irish. But events unfold climax is not what it is about; rently with the persona he is as they are wont to do in the fi lm isn’t so much a story supposed to represent. Con- gloriously unexpected ways, with beginning as an end as it ceptually Haynes’ biopic is with the entrance of a good is the manifestation of a state admirable. In practice though, cast, including desperately of mind. Yeah, watch it. the fi lm seems disjointed, but short-fused gang boss Ralph it’s ambitious enough that it Fiennes (‘YOU’RE A ****ING This is an intensely pas- needs to be seen. The char- INANIMATE OBJECT!’) and Eric sionate holocaust fi lm (little acters created become frag- Godon’s hilariously eccentric wonder when director Roman ments of a character that just Yuri, as well as Fleur Delacour Polanski escaped the Krakow about fi t together to resemble from Harry Potter. In Bruges ghetto as a child) and I’d say a human being, though this is the feature fi lm debut of better than Schindler’s List, if is understandable when tack- Martin Macdonagh and it is anyone’s comparing. The fi lm ling a personality as diffi cult not diffi cult to see that the is based on the real life expe- to pinpoint as his subject. fi lm came from a playwright. Lola Rennt riences of Władysław Szpil- Certainly it seems diffi cult to There is punchy black comedy, man, a Polish pianist, played imagine a single actor suc- occasional absurdity tied Saw this fi lm lying around in by Adrien Brody with quiet ceeding. And clearly Haynes in with scattered scenes of room 7. Of my limited experi- stoicism (whose calibre as never intended his Dylan for a deep poignancy, and all three ence of German cinema, this an actor can surely be certi- single actor – names enlisted are driven by Macdonagh’s is probably second only to the fi ed just by the amount he include Heath Ledger, Chris- immaculate dialogue and dry exploits of Nicolai Antonescu, can convey through his eye- tian Bale, and most surprising- humanity, scattered with rel- but that seems understand- brows). Szpilman is wealthy, ly, both as a casting choice and ishable violence. Ultimately able. Lola Rennt (literally Lola talented and self-assured, an as such a good performance, it all comes together smartly Runs) is not a masterful fi lm, image epitomised in the ear- Cate Blanchett as the antago- in an unexpected yet simul- per se, but is defi nitely a good lier scenes in which he holds a nistic beatnik Dylan, frolick- taneously inevitable way that watch. The fi lm consists of suave one-man conversation ing with Allen Ginsberg and lends itself perfectly to Bruges’ the titular young punk Lola with a beautiful cellist – Bro- the Beatles. If you don’t get fairytale setting. Watch it. (Franka Potente, from the fi rst dy’s character works because a chance to see the fi lm, the Bourne fi lm) fi nding herself in he is not an underdog, he is soundtrack’s pretty good, too, Taxi Driver a predicament in which she a man who lived through the with a hit-and-miss collection has twenty minutes to provide holocaust, survived it all but of big name Dylan covers. Per- her boyfriend with a 100,000 lost almost everyone he loved sonally; Sonic Youth’s version deutschmark or bad things to the Nazi regime. Through- of the eponymous track and will happen. For this the fi lm out, Polanski is able to tell a Cat Power’s cover of ‘Stuck tells her story three times, story that is not overwrought inside a mobile…’ See open- starting from her apartment with sentimentality but works ing sentence. (compared by some critics to because it is simply an account a videogame) in which minor of a man who saw the holo- In Bruges diff erences lead to very dif- caust happen and survived, ferent conclusions. It works even then only through con- I don’t know what this fi lm because of its unrelenting nections and sheer luck. There is, genre-wise. Perhaps it is pace, in which we see Lola... is no sense of victory here, but a dark comedy but seems to Very few bad words have run. On each run she re- ultimately, he does survive, have both too much drama ever been said of Taxi Driver, encounters the same people, and that is what matters to us. and (hilarious) absurdity for though Jodie Foster’s twelve and her varying interactions that. But whatever it is, it’s year old prostitute character are followed by a barrage of The Pianist works because it as funny as it is black and it supposedly inspired an assas- stopmotion snapshots of the creates a haunting portrait of does not give a damn about sination attempt on Ronald person’s future which vary the holocaust without seem- political correctness. The fi lm Reagan. This is probably from born-again Christian to ing over-sentimental, and concerns itself with a pair of Martin Scorcese’s best fi lm, homelessness, bringing in an one that stays with you. The Irish hitmen, Ken and Ray and Scorcese is undoubtedly interesting point about deter- soundtrack’s pretty good, too. (Brendan Gleeson and Colin up there with the greatest minism and free will. Ultimate- Must see. Farrell) who have been sent directors ever. Taxi Driver is an ly it is unpretentious and ener- inexplicably to Bruges. The intense portrait of an intense- getic and helped somewhat I’m not There odd pair are immediately ly lonely man. Travis Bickle, an by its off beat, low(ish) rent likeable, the experienced Ken insomniac Vietnam veteran kitschy feel. Watch it if you Essential for any Dylan and hot-headed Ray sharing man who may well have been like. Defi nitely worth it for fan, still worth it for anyone a relationship a little reminis- the inspiration for Watchmen’s the 81 minutes running time. else. Sometimes brilliant but cent of Pulp Fiction’s Vincent Rorschach. The fi lm is so pow- Even better if it takes up two somewhat disorganised and Vega and whatever Samuel L erful, and so very good, for its German lessons. 18 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com ‘Edword’ ‘ShaoDoKu’ Edward’s ‘Ed-Word’ is a puzzle which requires you to think of Tim Shao’s latest, solutions to be posted 12, 6 letter words all ending with the letter in the middle of the next month at pupilsvoice.com. Fill the grid clock. Fill all the spaces and the outer ring will spell out well so that each column, each row, and each of known person in recent news the nine 3×3 boxes contains the digits from Edward Cheung, [email protected] Graphics supplied by Tim Shao. 1 to 9. Clues Tim Shao, [email protected] 1.Fruit 2.Motion 3.Rat 4.Asian 5.Confi ne 6.Silky protection 7.Sharpness 8.Contemporary 9.Cricket team 10.Decayed 11.Choice 12.Handkerchief

Where in this school is this? E-mail [email protected], if you can work out Rehan’s Quick Quiz where this was. Well done to Mr Willis for correctly stating that the Take the fi rst letter of each answer and the last letter of each name to form the door pictured in Issue 5, could be found under the stairs next to the surname of a general famous for his involvement in the Korean War. Answers on the bottom of the page APL Rehan Mirza, [email protected] Hasan Ali and James Jordan

1. Take the fi rst letter of each trivia answer to reveal the surname of a general famous for his involvement in the Korean War. For people, take the fi rst letter of the surname. 2. The ‘First Secretary of State’ in the UK (honorifi c title) 3. Artifi cial, non saccharide sweetener used as a sugar substitute in Diet Coke 4. Winners of the IPL 2010 5. Professional who calculates risk in the fi nance and insurance industries 6. All roads lead to… 7. Asian country whose currency is the Baht 8. Alma mater of Natalie Portman and Franklin Roosevelt 9. ‘The greatest good for the greatest number of people’ 10. French term for revenge, used to describe political will to reclaim lost territory after a war

Picross Fill in each row and column by fi lling in the number of squares indicated by the numbers above the column or to the left of the row (i.e. a row marked as ‘2 1’ will have a block of two fi lled in squares to the left of a single fi lled in square, but there will be a gap of at least one blank square between them). Hint: Four a year Staszek Welsh, [email protected] Lateral thinking Puzzles Alex Harden, [email protected] A man called to a waiter in a restaurant, “There’s a fl y in my tea!” The waiter replied, “I will bring you a fresh cup.” After a few moments, the man called out, “This is the same cup of tea!” How did he know? I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north or counter measures will be taken.” The British were unarmed and did not move. What made the Americans change their minds? A man drives down the motorway at 70 miles per hour. He passes three cars going 80 miles per hour, then gets pulled over

by a police offi cer and is given a ticket.

MACARTHUR

evanchism; 9. tilitarianism; 8. r u

arvard; arvard; 7. hailand; 6. ome; 5. ctuary; 2. Kings; Super hennai 3. spartame; 2. andelson; 1.Peter – Answers H T R a C a M 19 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com Dingbats Within each picture is a well known phrase or saying. Can you guess what they are? Tim Shao and Robert McDonald

Prize Cryptic Crossword by Ched Cryptic Crossword Ladder The prize cryptic crossword returns, with more edible prizes on off er. Last month’s winner was Tim Shao, who receives 6 MBMs courtesy of Mr. Jack and a Mars Bar Mountain from the team. Second went to Mr Russell, third Sohail Arfan. of Esteem Again, entries need not be fully correct for a chance of winning, but should be sent in person or by email to James ([email protected]) by 14th May for the As many will know, three of Mr Jack’s MBMs means chance to win. The competition is open to everyone except the senior team of the you move up a rung on his ladder of esteem, and this paper. is a visual representation of the MBMs and rungs gained so far.

spelt out (7) 7. Tenacious precipitate, Balls 27. Severe fi rst metal last seen out depleted (7) (7) 11. A short battle with India, a 28. Doctor studies science forces Movement artist (2,5) initially, or replacement is cut 12. Pontoon is found in water in trying to make a groomed afterwards (4) impression. (5,3,7) 15. Moving east, frenzied without degrees of visual quality (9) Down 16. To spear about Queen in Across Lichtenstein code to meet.(5) acceptance (9) 14. A speedy Doolan gave up 1. Unbiased wordsearch compiler 18. Simplicity in the sound of 1. Chocolate coated Tungsten and eating (6) is around a wheel without love (7) vowels (4) Calcium as one sports team.(9,6) 17. Tie nose to move and live on an 2. Speeds out in Scottish town quip 19. Chose after December to 8. Detach one French baton (7) island (7) (9) transform lost life (7) 9. Country is what one might say 19. Info about knockout is both 3. Calibration, a scratch intended 20. Plants or concealed in Lewis (7) to a female Call of Duty player (7) north and south? (6) to say (9) 22. Saint before mapmakers of 10. Having second thoughts, 21. Bargain times held in universal 4. Streaks knit oddly for technology audio systems (7) information fi rst seen in esteem (5) wizard (5) 24. Receiver radically loses end. dispatches was with an electronic 23. Each cent Thierry changed for 5. Eastern gale moved bird (5) One-love (5) rodent and molecule (15) novel (7,2,3,3) 6. In gites one moves and starts a 25. Spikes slaughtered, massacred 13. Letters were heard after 26. Hideout cut down and charged, fi re (7) (5) 20 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com Guess the Picture Each row of pictures represents a word, phrase or place, with a common theme that runs through all of them. For example, were there a picture of some tents and a mound, you would get ‘Camp Hill’ . Answers can be found at the bottom of the page.

James Jordan, [email protected]

eld, White Hart Lane, Turf Moor, Ricoh A-rena, Moli-n-eux, Sel-hurst Park Sel-hurst Moli-n-eux, A-rena, Ricoh Moor, Turf Lane, Hart White eld, An-fi Answers: 21 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com

Sujaan Kang 22 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com Leprosy Man Sam Burford, [email protected]

Today’s Society

Chris Ting Funding

‘Camp Hell’ Cartoons With contributions from Ian Firth 23 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com

YEAR 7 SECTION Cheese of the month [email protected]

With Greece being the highest consumer of cheese two unsung heroes of Italian Hors d’oeuvres. It is made per person per year (27.3kg) It looks deceitfully ordinary, cheese, and it is this method with thin pastry so that the it seems just that the next being pale-yellow in colour that produces its stringy tex- cheese is what you taste the cheese of the month should and is medium-hard and ture. It must be made using most, although Kasseri is also be Greek. Kasseri cheese, a stringy in texture, so it stays unpasteurised milk, mean- eaten in sandwiches. mere sideshow to its coun- longer in your mouth enabling ing the purity of the tryman Feta, has an EU Pro- you to to savour the fl avour for cheese is not com- tected Designation of Origin, for longer during chewing. It promised by French which means that it can only is predominantly made from chemists, two of the be made in a certain region. sheep’s milk, although it is not worst possible things It is a testament to Kasseri’s unheard of (but nevertheless to be labelled as. awesomeness that the EU, rare) for goat’s milk to be used. normally so against rules and It belongs to the pasta fi lata Such is the versatil- regulation, has taken this step family of cheese, a kinship that ity and appeal of Kas- to ensure that Kasseri cheese also boasts Mozzarella, most seri that it even gives is not to be used in fraudulent famous for being another its name to a pie, Kas- cheesemaking without pun- cheese of the month, as well seropita, most often ishment. as Provolone and Scamorza, eaten as a starter or 7S Wordsearch Neal Naik, [email protected] Mohammed A Matija Satnam Ed Daanish Balraj Mikael Hitesh Amit Sam Oliver Kashif Jack Parvesh Haaris Nick Kai Yusuf Arvin Owen Carl Naveed Dylan Jay Mohammed D Joseph Qasim Will Sean Shreshth 24 THE PUPILS’ VOICE Issue 6, May 2010 www.pupilsvoice.com Interview: Mr Holland Robert McDonald, [email protected]

How does a Double award idea, I’m lucky I guess I’m bizarrely suited to teach- on, with lots of sugar in, espe- science Candidate like you ing. cially. Even though I’m sup- get into teaching? Are the rumours true about posed to be all “Healthy diets your famous obsession, Can you survive in this pro- kids”. (Laughs) With hard work. World of Warcraft? fession? Umm... I got into teaching So apart from World of War- because I just followed the (Laughs) I don’t know what (Laughs) Well, we can hope, craft, how do you spend your subjects I liked, then I got to a you are talking about, I’ve we can hope free time? degree, and then I thought it never... I would never engage might be nice to help young in such a silly pursuit, would I? Favourite TV show? I like meeting up with my people achieve their potential. friends, that kind of thing, I do What level are you Sir? Oh God favourite TV show... have some friends, yeah. I’ve Do you really detest all of umm...I think I’m a bit of a sci-fi got mates in London, and vari- your students... I’m a level 87 teacher geek, so I like sci-fi type stuff , ous other cities I like to visit. I but particular favourite?...no, dilute and distribute myself... Equally Who do you get on best with sorry, just sci-fi stuff in general, that probably sounds wrong in the prep room? keeps me amused. (laughs). ...Or do you actually enjoy Teaching... Urr... all the people in the Favourite Film Can you sum yourself up in prep room really, umm... yeh, Three words? I have to say that I love it, it’s we all have a good time in Urr... I like that ridiculous good fun, teaching. there, despite what you guys ‘Stardust’ fi lm they did, last Bit random, normally probably think about what year, when everyone was like (Laughs) ...and those whom you teachers do out of hours. “Oh No”, but I thought it was teach? brilliant. Yes, it was funny, it What are your plans for the Do you plan to stay at Camp was really funny Easter holidays? Those who I teach are always Hill to teach, or do you plan interesting people. to go somewhere else, are Favourite Music I’m going to the Caribbean, you set on bigger and better with...myself (laughs hysteri- Did you know that you are things? Urr...It tends to be ‘Indie- cally). I’m going on a cruise the subject of two enormous Grunge’. I also listen to a bit of ship, and I’m gonna go visit fan pages? I don’t think there is any- classical music as well though. some Islands, and do a bit where better really...it’s the of biological expedition into I have heard the vicious best school I’ve ever encoun- Favourite band the rainforest, and into some rumour that these things tered so I’d like to stay as long coral reefs. I’m hoping to fi nd exist, but I have never looked as I’m allowed to. Probably ‘Foo fi ghters’ at the Nemo, actually I hate that fi lm, at them myself, I hope they’re moment. Slightly more up- it really winds me up. not too inappropriate! What about a diff erent pro- beat from Nirvana, but still fession? quite ‘Grungy’ What is the secret to your popularity? Diff erent profession? I don’t Favourite Food think I’d be able to survive in Urrr... I don’t know, I have no any other profession, I think Anything I can get my hands POETRY CORNER Coff ee Shop Shouts The Forgotten Dead Lewis Mario Hedges, [email protected] Lewis Mario Hedges, [email protected] Coff ee. Black. make sure that it’s black, Last time I came, I sent it back Because it was milky, not black. We rest in turmoil, So hurry up, a coff ee. black. Chained and gagged with mud. We lay in this purgatorial coil, I need espresso, need it fast, We would warn them if we could. I promise it will be my last. These cold, sightless eyes I need to fi nish this work, fast. Watch silently with fear, I need espresso, need it fast. As another brother falls and dies, But this mud encrusted soul does not shed a tear. Skinny latte, muffi n, to go. They seem to hate each other, Need to get home to wash Toto. Both fi ght with the passion of pain. Hurry up, facial. got to go. But under the mud, they are a brother, Skinny latte, muffi n, to go. Those I’ve loved, those I’ve slain. So much left undone, unsaid. A hot chocolate, it’s for my son. Sometimes I wish that I was dead. He had a football match, and won! This is your treat for winning son! A hot chocolate, its for my son. I’ll have a coke, I hate coff ee. I’m waiting for a mate you see Who drinks some like, weird coff ee. I’ll have a coke, I hate coff ee. One black coff ee, don’t screw it up. One espresso, refi ll this cup. Latte, muffi n, hurry it up! Coke. even you can’t screw that up.