The Hethersett Press #4

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The Hethersett Press #4

 

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Editor's Letter

I am in absolute awe of this issue. The press team has turned the HP into an absolute monolith, with contributions from the team and from some new names that have graced these pages of your newspaper with articles set to inspire, educate and entertain. 

Having a great team is the recipe for success. Working individually is all very well, but it is when we work together that you can really shine. It’s a collaborative system like this, a brilliant work ethic and love for journalism and creativity that puts a smile on my face.

In this issue we go behind the scenes at the recent production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and interview a few of the stars, we delve into what a ‘perfect’ world would actually look like as Year 9 students write stories and poems about utopia, and we find out about the issues that matter to you in our regular ‘Your Voice Matters’ feature - plus lots more.

Roshan Deb - Editor

Meet the HP team

Editor: Roshan Deb

Design Editor: Sofia Everest 

Reviews Editor: Hunar Kaur

Reporters: Lyra Gregory, George Smith Writers: Daisy Farrow, Grace Wan, Sophie Young

Sports writer: Ethan Basham

Illustrator: Matthew Goldspink

Contributors: Alice F, Maks P, Connie, Sofia M.

Printed by: Wensum Print, Norwich www.wensumprint.co.uk

Want to write for HP? Email: emmaharrowing@inspirationtrust.org or bethanharman@inspirationtrust.org

 

A friend like Luna

Why is it that everyone seems to know what they are doing except me? Grace W, in Year 7 begins a story series that will run across future issues of your Press. This is part one...

“NEVER MIND!”, I yell marching up the stairs, slamming the door behind me. Life sucks. I think everyone knows that... especially me. I collapse onto my bed (face first). I lay there for a moment then lazily lifting my head, I move so I can rest against the headboard. Why is mum always like this?

I facetime my bff, Luna. She is a very bright girl with eyes that are so bright blue. She’s so good at hiding her emotions and never blushes and she’s super positive. Unlike me.

“Hey Haley!” squealed Luna.

“Hey” I reply forcing the world's weakest smile. 

I was pretty sure Luna was not convinced as she looked at me with a puzzling expression. 

I stutter in my response a “oh...well hard to explain really, but like yeah” response. I feel my face flushing. Why can’t I be as confident as Luna? 

“Feels bad being off by your mum, doesn’t it?” 

She examines my face. Her face looks as big and bright as the moon, I must look like a distant planet next to her, but I reply: “yeah, I guess... but anyway, what about we go out tomorrow?”

“Oh, sure!” she paused for a bit then with a flick of her shiny hair she said: “Hey, d’you think we’ll see Jake?”

 

What I am thinking about this issue... by George S, Y7

Is screen time good or bad?
I researched the average screen time for children to ask this question, is loads of screen time good or bad for you? We’ve all had that time when parents say ‘if you watch that any longer your eyes will turn, square!’ No? Well I definitely have. 

I asked 11 and 12 year olds how much time they are on a computer a day now compared to when they were at primary school. From the results, screen time seems to increase from the age of 11. I don’t know why this is happening. Perhaps it could be because of all the homework we get at high school or maybe more of us get into gaming, but no matter what the reason maybe we should reduce the time we spend on screens a bit and do something different such as take a walk outside.

 

The Christmas Carol Interviews

“It’s a really good show if the audience are shocked”. Lyra Gregory, Year 10, goes behind the scenes to interview some of the cast of ‘A Christmas Carol’.

A Christmas Carol. Everyone knows it. Whether you’ve seen the iconic Muppets version or studied it in school, it must be one of Dickens’ most iconic works! And hopefully Hethersett’s production will do it justice and from interviews with the main cast I’m sure it will be.

Maisie Skeet as Ghost of Christmas Present, Beau Berwick as Ebenezer Scrooge and Woody Rakhit as Bob Cratchit all gave a glowing impression of the upcoming production.

When asked what they each felt was unique to this production of A Christmas Carol, all seemed to agree that one of the very unique aspects of the production is the set. According to the cast they have created a “minimalist set” utilising the versatility of things such as boxes. As well as this the cast explained that they are using physical theatre to help with the creation of sets. Additionally, the staging for this production is unlike the others previously put on by Hethersett Academy and will feature a “thrust stage” with a projection in the centre providing unique angles for the audience. Maisie also felt that the plays “non-naturalistic elements” such as freeze frames, mime elements and switches between scenes gives a new feel to an old loved classic. The cast also said that they felt the fact the “ensemble is so involved” and the fact “it’s all intertwined” will be interesting for the audience to watch.

But not only did I want a taste of what's to come from the production itself, but I also wanted to get to know the actors behind the opening curtain.

I wanted to know first hand from the cast what their favourite scenes to rehearse so far have been. Maisie said that one of her favourite scenes has been rehearsing the death of Tiny Tim. Despite the initial morbid nature of this statement, Maisie explained how she has “loved seeing the progress, especially from week one.” This statement was seconded by Woody saying that he is excited for the audience to see this scene saying, “I hope they feel the atmosphere”. Despite this, however, Woody feels his favorite scene is when his character Bob Cratchit and his family welcome Scrooge into their house at the end of the play as he feels it’s a “full circle moment” in the play. Beau said that he feels his favorite scene is the one where Scrooge meets Jacob Marley’s ghost for the first time. He said he loves the humor of the scene especially as Marley is so serious and his character, Scrooge, is just questioning what is going on.

So what is their favourite part of the rehearsal process? Woody and Maisie both agreed that they found the moment it all comes together to be the best bit of the process. Maisie explained how she loves the first dress rehearsal because it’s when everybody begins “embodying their character”.

The final thing I wanted to know about the cast members was what it is that makes them love to act. Woody said that he does lots of acting both in and outside school and he just loves how accepting the community is. He also said that he loves being on stage and “showing people what [he] can do.” Beau agreed with this point stating that “it will be a really good show if the audience are shocked.” explaining how he loves when an audience become part of the production; I for one could not agree more! 

Beau and Maisie further explained how they love becoming their characters. This was beautifully summed up by Maisie when she said how she loves that she can “become a different person” with her character and how she loves that she can get to “learn a different person” through her acting.

If you watched the show let us know what you thought. We will be reviewing the show in your next issue!

 

How important is reading? YOUR THOUGHTS

Reporters: Grace Wan, Year 7 and Sophie Young, Year 8 ask you what your thoughts are about this issue’s burning question.

“Yes, because it helps people learn new things and recognize new words.” Verity A, YR 7

“Yes, because it expands your knowledge and vocabulary.” Rosa M, YR 7

“Yes, because it helps with summatives and your creative writing skills.” Darine E, YR 9

“Yes and no, because it depends on what book it is and it might benefit other people but not me.” Daisy B, YR 7

Do you have anymore ideas about how we can all protect our mental health? Let us know your thoughts! 

 

A Winter's Tale

Sometimes there is nothing better than snuggling under a blanket in front of the fire with a good book (unless you also have a mug of steaming hot chocolate of course!) Here, are some of the short stories that we have written for you this issue...

Her football journey 

Sometimes all it takes for your dreams to come true is to have resilience and never give up, says Daisy F, Year 7

As she ran up the field, Daisy suddenly faced a challenge that could threaten her chances of getting into the lioness squad. She looked up and stood with what felt like on top of her was a tall defender. This was her last chance to accomplish her dreams. Her heart was pounding, as she skilled her way past the player. She was through on goal!She shot, and the ball went in what seemed like slow motion, whizzed and hit the crossbar. Her chance was ruined. As she continued the game her eyes started to flood with tears. The full-time whistle blew, and she ran off the pitch, embarrassed. It had started to rain so she had to go.  

Just a while later, she got home. Daisy was instructed to go downstairs but she refused. Then suddenly there was a thump from someone coming up the stairs. 

Knock, knock, knock. 

“I told you go away!” Daisy looked up and stood in front of her was Alessia Russo and Ella Toone!      

“Hi Daisy, we would like to invite you to join the junior squad, what do you say!” announced Alessia Russo. 

 But Daisy was too shocked to even speak.

 “If you want you can come down to St Georges Park and meet the rest of the lionesses. They will love to meet you! If you want to come?” added Ella. 

“Of course I would love to!” Daisy jumped off her bed, packed her bag and ran down to get in the car. 

Even though the Journey to London was a few hours it flew by. Daisy got out of the car and her mouth dropped, this was her first time going to London.  

“Come on Daisy we have to get to bed ready to hit the sight tomorrow morning, but we better get going it’s a bit of a walk.”  Dad announced giving her a massive shock.

It was morning, and it was time for Daisy to get ready to meet the lionesses. She pulled on her England jersey and her shorts, put her shoes on and was out in the blink of an eye. 

As a few months passed, it was time for Daisy’s first game for the junior squad. As she sat waiting in the changing rooms she started to cry. Aoife (her best friend) comforted her. It was time. The moment she had thought would never come. She and her team were waiting for their time to walk out onto the pitch. The end of the match arrived, and they won! Daisy felt proud she had accomplished her dream. 

Things went well for Daisy and her team are winning more games than you can imagine. And they even won the junior world cup.

 

The secret place

The secret place is not what it seems... By Sophie Young, Year 8 

You’re not sure how you found this place; the treasures that lie here are beyond unreal. Although you are nervous, something about it leads you inside, begging you to explore the wonders of this. It took you a while to build up enough courage to take the step inside, the step that could possibly change everything. Eventually you do, however you can only see a few of the things this incredible place is hiding. You spot the ginger cat laying on the fresh, green grass as it watches you in surprise, wondering how this place lets you through the gates.

You stare at the gates, you don't understand why the gates have opened for you. You must have an unknown gift, or has the garden made a mistake?

You stroll through the piles of leaves as you admire what this place has to offer, and question what it means to you. You come to the conclusion that this is the place of your dreams, and you want to stay here forever. What you didn't realise, is you have no choice but to stay. The place needs company; friends, tourists, family. 

You notice the bunches of lovely flowers blooming in the sun, as the sky creates a beautiful, eye-catching sunset. Suddenly, the sun awakens again. You didn't realise you had been exploring all night, but you are longing to continue walking. Your legs are aching but there's still so much you haven't seen! You catch sight of the gigantic trees, constantly growing taller and taller as they tower over you, the green leaves floating to the ground. You look up, mesmerised by the wonders of this place. You don't know what it is, you don't know how you got here, but it's beautiful. As you keep walking through this majestic place, you notice a cosy wooden hut. It is decorated with some of the flowers you saw earlier. You walk towards the hut, feeling the soft, long grass as you walk through it, and the leaves as they fall from the trees and land on you. When you get there, you can hear the beautiful birds chirping as they sit in the trees nearby, or fly past, high above you in the brilliant, blue sky. You make your way inside the hut and to the bedroom, slowly drifting to sleep after a long day of exploring the wonders of this unknown place.

As the night passes once again, you wonder what other secrets this place is carrying; what's beyond the mountain-high trees and the flowers growing in the boiling sun? What secrets lie here, and will you ever find them? It's such a huge and mysterious place. So many strange things are hidden here, in this garden of wonders. You will discover them all, but it takes time. You need patience, bravery, courage. The garden knows you can display all those things. Maybe that is why they chose you. You are the chosen one.

You can't find the secrets yourself, no matter how hard you try; you need to wait for the garden to reveal them.. What is it hiding? The next day you spot a waterfall. There is a sign pointing to what looks like an ordinary cave, demanding you to go inside. You know you must keep going; the garden chose you for a reason. You must open your eyes and look around. You must go on. You nervously walk in, knowing that anything could happen. You creep towards the wonderful treasures that await you.

*

What happened next? People have imagined what happened to her. She never made it out of that cave. Maybe she didn't want to; or maybe the garden just kept her there. No one has dared to enter that secret place since. Legend has it, when you enter those gates, the garden takes control over your mind and forces you to stay. 

 

Your Voice Matters

From questioning whether we can ever make a positive change to society, to discovering how monkeys have developed their own trading system, it’s time to get it off your chest!

The role of politics

How can we ever have positive change in our country when the politicians that govern us cannot agree or take part in respectful discussions? Asks Maks P, Year 11

The world of politics is a jungle inhabited by a bunch of rich men and women fighting daily to assert their power and ideologies upon others and the world through their role as politicians. Each and every politician envisages the planet they see before them differently as they come up with ways to rule the country in the manner they believe to be most suitable. 

With this, conflict often arises within the government as different political parties fight one another in parliament over how they believe their country should be run. Yet instead of choosing to run a civilized debate where every candidate is given their own space and time to express their thoughts and concerns whilst equally also grabbing the opportunity to openly listen to their opposition too, you can expect to see your local governors and politicians shout at and insult each other as they continuously only choose to partake in rowdy unprofessional behaviour in order to get their point across. 

“This should worry you as it appears that many leaders in government positions seem to lack humanity.”

There are many examples of this. I mean, just look at how Rishi Sunak acted in parliament when he seemingly chose to make a joke surrounding Brianna Ghey’s death. When her mother and Labour politicians challenged him on this by asking him to apologise for his remark, he simply ignored the request and moved on to talk about another subject instead. Worryingly, this is not unusual among politicians.

This disrespectful behaviour should worry you as it appears that many leaders in government positions seem to lack the humanity and education on how to act in a civilised way. As a direct result of this, no positive change can ever possibly take place as we simply have no one capable of campaigning for the people in a respectful way.

 

BULLS, BEARS AND ... MONKEYS?

Did you know that monkeys develop own system of trade with tourists in Bali? Lyra Gregory, Year 10 finds out more.

While bulls and bears are the animals usually associated with trade thanks the terms bull market and bear market, a case study of the monkeys at the Hindu temple in Uluwatu, Bali has given us insight into how monkeys can use theft as a means of profit and have been proven to assign value to items in their own system of trade.

Uluwatu’s temple is home to approximately 700 wild long-tailed marques who are known for some rather unique antics. While it is by no means unheard of for monkeys to steal from tourists, the monkeys at Uluwatu have learnt that by stealing from tourists they can benefit. This peculiar pack of primates specifically steal items that tourists value more than others such as prescription glasses, mobile phones and bags.

However, this is not the bit that interests scientists researching these rather cunningly, creative creatures, it is what they do with these ill-gotten goods that is so revolutionary to how we view our monkey relatives.

“Sometimes trading between the temple staff, a monkey and a tourist took 25 minutes, including 17 minutes of bartering between the two parties.”

After stealing from a tourist, the monkey will alert the tourist to their sticky fingered games. This is not a mistake on the monkeys' behalf, for these little criminals wish to be caught; they have learnt that in doing this, they can trade it back to the tourist in exchange for food!

There have been many cases of this at the Uluwatu temple for at least 30 years. This disproves the theory that one of the things that makes us human is our ‘unique’ ability to trade skills as this proves that this is a learned behaviour rather than an innate one. Scientists define a ‘learned behaviour’ as a behaviour that is learned or is the result of experience instead of an innate behaviour, one that is genetically hardwired into a species or organism. This means that these monkeys must train their young to develop these thieving skills and implies that this special tactic for survival was created by one individual monkey hence it is specific to this troop.

Over these 30 years these monkeys have honed their art like most bespoke artisans must. It is reported that there have been times where trading between the temple staff, a monkey and a tourist took 25 minutes, including 17 minutes of bartering between the two parties as the monkeys have developed a sense of ‘worth’ around their wares and felt that they were being short changed in negotiations.

 

THE IMPACT OF INCREASED MEDIA OWNERSHIP IN FOOTBALL

Ethan B, Year 11

    Self-funding clubs like Bury have been forced into administration due to a variety of reasons, but a driving factor is media ownership. In recent years , the landscape of football has been dramatically altered by the increasing ownership by broadcasters such as Sky Sports and TNT sports. This ownership is truly damaging smaller clubs, fans and the integrity of the sport.

One of the most immediate effects of increased media ownership is the widening financial gap between larger clubs and smaller ones. Major media companies e.g Sky Sports, prioritise their broadcasting rights whilst not considering the economic impact on clubs. These smaller clubs struggle to stay competitive with these larger clubs due to the budget they have during the transfer market. For example, let’s take Chelsea and Norwich. Media ownership of the sport has led to major companies broadcasting the bigger teams and not the smaller. Evidence shows that Chelsea was broadcasted on TV around 25 times last season in comparison to Norwich that were on TV 8 times. This clear divide leads to major teams gaining sufficient funding from companies despite needing it less than smaller clubs. This must change.  

Secondly, fans are also hugely affected as media companies changing kick off times and dates which can lead to less spectators and empty seats in stadiums. This control of the sport needs to change and people need to stand up to this so we can gain our sport back. Clubs need to be more self- sufficient and less reliant on the media input.

This is massively impacting on clubs as they lose thousands of pounds from ticket sales. Why do we let media companies have such control over a sport? Sadly, there are many people that are selfish and do not respect the values of football and the impact it has on many fans including me. I look forward to going to football matches every week, but a disruption of kick off times can lead to missing games and ultimately losing out on a sport that I look forward to. 

Thirdly, the integrity of the sport is being destroyed by media ownership of football and controversial moments in matches are used and abused on social media. In particular, referees undergo so much abuse for making decisions on what they see. Referees will always make mistakes and it needs to be recognised and as normal thing. This abuse should not be tolerated and there has been a huge decline in people wanting to become a referee. This is shown as the FA has stated there has been a 72% decline in numbers in referee courses. This is damaging the integrity of the sport as without referees, there would be no game. 

In conclusion, increased media ownership is destroying the sport of football and impacting clubs, fans and the sport in general. Money can be gained through memberships, community investment, merchandise and renting facilities. Whilst media revenue is a significant driver of modern football finances, these alternative ways to fund the future of football will save the great game.

 

The perfect world

What would exist in a utopian society? Can a perfect world ever be created? Year 9 students share their ideas through poetry and prose.

“Perfect utopian society” by Connie 

In a land dawned too good to be true,  
There is no fault within the air, clean skies of blue, 
diversity runs through.  
Harmony blooms and equality united,  
The villages green and kind to the future,  
Trees that stand colossal and proud, within the stalk a story to tell, the only memory of the polluted past. Fields of colour, a vibrant hue, pave the earth wide and vast. 
Every heart beats to a shared dream, 
No conflicting opinions stand,  
Only concord and peace roam the land.  
Neighbours gather, animals too, united once more. 
Hand in hand they pave the way for freedoms sake,  
A world devoid of all hate. 
Yet beneath the joyous present, shadows creep, 
A hidden truth that some dare to keep.  
Whispers of secrets shake the trees, and sorrow breaks through with every leaf undone. 
A prosperous future gleams, but the past tarnishes the present. 
In this paradise, a truth must face,  
A perfect society with a hidden trace, 
A background you can never really replace.  
The future isn’t always as perfect as dreamed nor the present 

 

The Review List

Stuck for what to read? Book editor Hunar Kaur selects the best of your book reviews.

Grandpa’s Great Escape, by David Walliams
By Alice Farrow, Year 7 

This is about a boy called Jack and his grandfather (who served in the World War). They try to get his Grandpa out of a terrible care home called The Twilight Towers. Jack and his Grandfather used to talk about the war, but Grandpa suddenly went crazy and forgot that he was not in the war anymore. 

In my opinion, this book is amazing and therefore I would recommend this book to everyone who is interested in adventure, fiction and anyone who is interested in the world wars. I think everyone should read this book. 

Want to be a reviewer? 
Send your reviews on anything from books and films, to food and places to visit to Miss Harrowing at emmaharrowing@inspirationtrust.org who can pass on your review to our editors.

 

Utopia

By Sofia S, Year 9

Imagine: peace. Blazing sunrises radiated below onto the civilians, casting a halo on everyone’s smiling faces. Fossil fuels were long gone here; only clean renewable energy to transport everyone to work. Everyone was provided with the basic necessities of life to eradicate deprivation and poverty; land was used responsibly and crime was almost gone. Animals and humans lived in harmony, destroying the unfair hierarchy that humans are constantly better - not a zoo in sight. Wellness was prioritized and exercise was mandatory 4 days a week to improve mental and physical wellbeing of the civilians. School was mandatory 4 days a week with 3 days of rest to decrease stress and anxiety levels for younger students. Nature flourished in these better conditions, subsequently improving the quality of life.  

Nights were the worst. Darkness would erase all facades, and the plain truth was left behind; that’s where the night dwellers thrived. They despised this new form of life and missed their jobs in the factories as they heavily benefited from the use of fossil fuels. During the night mass deforestation would take place and the atrocities would be left for all to be seen in the morning. These rebels would drive around in fuel cars and set up factories to sell good for cheaper to corrupt companies. Soon the sky began to grey and smog filled the air, mass reduction of trees left birds and wildlife endangered. Finally, a single tree remained – the last one on our planet. The stench of wood chips lingered in the air, a constant reminder of human’s danger to nature. Temperatures began to rise and fear spread throughout the nation. 

Ideas of peace were scraped against the day dwellers and war broke out to find peace once again. Every last member of the night dwellers was hung in a public execution- casting shame to their beliefs.

Citizens worked tirelessly to replant the trees and work on living sustainably after the companies the poisoned their foods with sweeteners and preservatives. 

Peace prevailed but at the cost of 700 lives. Is this peace?

 

Congratulations to Connie and Sofia for being chosen to have your work published! We also wanted to say a very well done to the students who also wrote exceptional stories about the ‘perfect’ world:  Luke H, Absa B and Beau B we hope to publish your stories over the next few issues of The Hethersett Press!