The Hethersett Press #5

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The Hethersett Press #5

 

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Editor's Letter

Hello and welcome to another issue of the Hethersett Press. Roshan Deb here and today we're going to be looking at- okay, note to self, that doesn't work at all. The Hethersett Press has been around for well over a year and we still don't have a good or consistent opening. However, what we do have far outweighs what we don't and, to be perfectly honest, the state of the Press now is better than it has been in a long, long time. There has been ups and downs for sure, positives and so many endless negatives, and I think it's only now we have such a perfect system working in tandem with the school. 

In this issue, we have a wide range of content waiting to be seen, including (but not limited to) a review of our recent "A Christmas Carol" production, thoughts of what we want to be in adulthood, ranging from dreamy and hopeful to downright nihilistic, interviews of "Oliver" cast members, and a perfectly normal story about a hot air balloon written by yours truly. So, buckle up, Hether-sit(t) down and get ready, because the issue is about to begin. Actually, that doesn't work either. Just read it. 

Roshan Deb, Editor

Meet the HP team 

Editor: Roshan Deb 
Reviews Editor: Hunar Kaur 
Reporters: Lyra Gregory, George Smith, Daisy Farrow, Hunar K 
Writers: Grace Wan, Sophie Young, Ethan W, Enzo M 
Illustrator: Hunar Kaur 
Contributors: Dylan G, Ali A-H, Arwa M, Matthew S, Pippa P and Isabella K 
Want to write for HP? Email: emmaharrowing@inspirationtrust.org or bethanharman@inspirationtrust.org 

 

The power of nature

The strike of lightning and crash of thunder

the powerful Gods waiting up above 

the clouds in the sky watch as they wonder

how society denied nature's love

Pure as gold and essential like water

nature remains on the stolen Earth

that humans ripped for what they could

not knowing this beautiful planet's worth 

Whilst nature remains calm, humans do flee

we knew this time would eventually come

as the corruption leaves; nature is free 

the Earth will soon be forever redone

 

As nature glistens; it shines from the sun

with purity and innocence at one. 

Sophie Y, Year 8

 

A friend like Luna

Will Charlie ever notice me? Does he even know who I am? Grace W, in Year 7 continues her story series that will run across future issues of your Press. This is part two. Illustration by Hunar K, Year 7. 

"Umm I don't know" I answered. 

Luna smirks. "OH I just realised ... " 

"Hmm? What? 

"Nothing ... " 

"Hmm okay ... well I'll get ready I think you should too". 

She hangs up. I clearly knew what she was going to tell me but decided to just pretended not to know. Thats why I asked her out ... 

Charlie. 

I'm not a stalker but I did overhear him and his mates planning to go out today and one of his friends was Jake. Well that's 10 percent of why I asked her out and the other 90 percent was because Charlie's going to be there. There has been rumour that he just broke up with his previous girlfriend, Lola, and that he's got a new crush but he's up for grabs. I think I know who it is but he doesn't show it easily. 

 

What I am thinking about this issue ... by George S, Year 7. 

Society on my mind 
Society is like a cog - while the people struggling have the biggest cog that is the most rusted, the mega-rich have a smaller newer cog. This represents how much easier it is to move and how much freedom you have the higher up you are in society. 

 

The Oliver! Interviews 

The HP team sat down with some of the cast of 'Oliver' to get their thoughts on the play, their characters, and what it's been like getting ready for the show. The play Oliver twist, written by Charles Dickens, follows an orphan boy struggling to survive in London, where he meets both kind and cruel people. The story touches on themes of injustice, and the difference between good and evil. We caught up with the actors when they were busy bringing it all together in rehearsals. In these interviews, they open up about their roles, the challenges they've faced, and what they're 
most excited about. By Daisy F and Hunar K, Year 7. 

Twins Hayden and Nathan are both playing the main role of the play (Oliver), bringing their own interpretation to the character in every performance. While they share the same role, they each bring something unique and exciting to the stage each time. Hunar K, Year 7 caught up with them both: 

HK: What is the most challenging part of your role? 

Hayden: It's probably the coffin scene because it's really frightening, dark and 
intimidating. I know that I can't get out and no one can hear me. 

Nathan: I agree, the coffin scene because I am being enclosed in it for a minute and a half and it's complete darkness. It's honestly shocking! 

HK: What is your most favourite part of the play? 

Hayden: It's all really good but I do like the London Bridge scene. It's very chaotic because you're on and off about every 20 seconds. You can, however, get hot as your being pushed around all over the stage. 

Nathan: Nearly everything, I love everything about it. Honestly, I'm happy that I'm a part of it but I do like singing where is love? 

Daisy Farrow, Year 7 interviewed Aviv Chayat, Year 9 who is playing Fagin: 

DF: Why did you audition for this role?

Aviv: Well I have been in other shows like Legally Blonde and I like musical theatre, so I wanted a part in the Oliver production.

DF: What do you think of the costumes you have to wear? 

Aviv: I haven't seen what I am wearing yet, but from what I have seen Fagin wear in the films I think it's cool. 

DK: How do you memorise your lines?

Aviv: I get my friends to test me on my lines and I memorise them before bed. 

DK: How do you think drama affects your life? 

Aviv: It depends on what job you decide to do. If you want to be a news reporter then it could help with confidence. 

 

What do you want to be when you grow up? YOUR THOUGHTS

From being a professional footballer, to not really knowing what you want to be at all, the HP team asks your thoughts on what job or career you would like to do when you leave school. 

"When I grow up, I would like to coach girls in football and play for the Lionesses and win the world cup. I want to do this because I love football." Daisy F, YR 7 

"In the future, I'd like to do engineering because I find it interesting and get to design things as tests (I get to bypass exams!)" Ethan W, YR 8 

"When I'm older, I'd like to be either a film director or a game designer in order to share my stories with the world, so my creative visions are realized to their fullest audiovisual potential. "  Roshan D, YR 10 

"Absolutely no idea, thanks. (Can I leave now) .. " Matthew S, YR 11 

 

Your Voice Matters

How can we slow down climate change, why women are better at football than men, and what is Ramadan? It's time to get it off your chest!

We can all slow down the impact of climate change 

Hotter summers leading to health problems, the flooding of our towns and villages resulting in people losing their possessions or loved ones, coastal erosion eradicating people's homes, the extinction of wildlife and animals that disrupts our eco-systems ... climate change is causing many of us to suffer from anxiety. So this is what we can do about it says George S, Year 7 and Enzo M, Year 8. 

Your how to be greener checklist 

1. Support the production of cheaper and more efficient electric cars as they emit 13%-70% less carbon dioxide than petrol cars.

2. Grow more vegetation in your garden at home by sowing wildflower seeds or creating a vegetable patch. Why not join allotment club and make our school greener? 

3. Use greener transport by travelling to the city by electric bus, as this reduces the amount of carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere.

4. Petition for the use of tougher fines for people or companies who drop litter on the ground or pollute the sea or rivers.

5. Recycle more plastic and recyclable materials, reuse clothes that might not fit you anymore or mend ripped, or broken clothes then sell them at a car boot or online - people love pre-loved fashion!

6. Petition the government to stop and ban coal factories and instead invest in greener energy.

The power of women's football 

The debate about which gender makes the better footballer rages on - but this debate is less about a game of two halves and more about a one­sided match with a clear winner, says Daisy F, Year 7

There is an ongoing debate about whether male footballers better than the female footballers. Well, if you think the men are better, I am about to make you think twice.

In my opinion women (the Lionesses) are way better than the men (the Lions). You probably think the reason I think women in football are better than the men is because I am a girl myself, but if you compare the number of achievements the Lionesses made and the achievements the men have made you'd realise my point. Therefore I am asking you to look at this table of the achievements the lionesses and the lions have made (below). 

As you can see above both teams have won something, but it seems the women's have recently won more tournaments than the men.

However, it is not only the winning of trophies that matter, but the Lionesses have also made a huge change in how women's football is viewed by society. No longer are they being relegated to the subs bench, but sponsorship deals and media partnerships mean that women's football has (at last) made it to TV so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game. Therefore, in my opinion the Lionesses are better than the Lions (not just because I am a girl). 

Lionesses	Lions
They have qualified 15/16 times for the FIFA women's World Cup	They came 2nd in the World Cup and euros
Came 1st in the Euros and runners up in the FIFA women's world cup.	They won the 1996 FIFA World Cup
They won the Women's Arnold Cup twice in a row.	They won the FIFA Confederations cup in 2017

 

Ramadan: A Month of Mercy and Spirituality 

Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. Arwa M, Year 10 tells us more about the month of mercy and spirituality.

It is the month in which the world was illuminated by divine revelation, as the Qur'an was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), marking a turning point in human guidance and spirituality. 

During Ramadan, Muslims experience a profound spiritual state, believing that the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are restrained. In obedience to Allah, they refrain from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn until sunset. While this may seem challenging to some, for Muslims, it is a sacred duty and one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam. 

In His mercy, Allah has exempted those for whom fasting would be too burdensome, such as young children, the elderly, the sick, and women during menstruation. This reflects Islam's emphasis on compassion and the ease in worship that accommodates different circumstances. 

Fasting is not merely about abstaining from physical needs; it is a means of self­discipline and moral refinement. It extends to avoiding falsehood, backbiting, gossip, envy, hatred, and all forms of unethical behaviour. Ramadan serves as a 30-day training period in which the body, heart, and soul submit to Allah's will, helping individuals develop patience, self-control, and mindfulness in their actions. 

Ramadan is also a time of heightened devotion and increased good deeds. Muslims strive to maximize their rewards, knowing that acts of kindness and charity are multiplied during this sacred month. They generously give to the poor, support those in need, and gather in mosques for nightly prayers. Many spend hours reciting and listening to the Qur'an, seeking Allah's forgiveness and His acceptance of their deeds. 

Ultimately, the purpose of fasting in Ramadan is not merely to endure hunger and thirst, but to elevate the soul. It shifts focus from physical gratification to spiritual enrichment, strengthening faith and deepening one's connection with Allah. 

 

What's the point of fasting in Ramadan?

By Ali A-H, Year 7

The month of Ramadan is the holy month for Muslims where we don't eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. This is called fasting. A question many people ask me is "why do you fast?" So let me explain: 

A reason why we fast is so that we know and feel what the poor feel like when they're hungry, so we give generous donations more often. The prophet said that those who fast in search of a reward will get the reward of purification. Not only that, but good deeds are multiplied by 10 times if you fast. 

The most important days of Ramadan are in the last ten nights of Ramadan where Allah (God) is said to forgive people for their sins. This is called "Laylatul Qadr" (Lay-lah­tu-1 kah-dhir) it is mentioned that this night is better than 1000 nights worth of good deeds. It is also good for your own spiritual growth. 

Fasting is actually obligatory as it is one of the five pillars of Islam. There are only a few ways that you don't have to fast and those are: if you're pregnant, if you're travelling, you're sick, if you're too old, or if you're too young. 

Another part of Ramadan is to give food to your neighbours to break their fast when the time comes. 

Why not try fasting for yourself? All you need is to do is not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset and do good deeds for others - and who wouldn't want to do that? 

Fun fact: "Most people don't know that you can in fact eat during Ramadan, just not in daylight hours."

 

THE TOURNAMENT 

Inspired by Chaucer's 'The Knight's Tale', Dylan Green, Year 7 tells a story about what it might feel like to be in the crowd as the two knights -Palamon and Arcita fight over Emily ... 

The colossal size of the stadium was frightening. I felt so very unimportant, as if I was an ant in Tokyo, so insignificant. I looked all around, everywhere there were people in the stands, towers, depths - everywhere!

I was there for one reason; to watch Pamon and Arcita's anticipating battle.

Walking into the stadium, Arciat strode on, giving a nod to show that he would win no matter what. He looked like he needed the prize; the woman who caused the fight - Emily. He looked at his cousin, his family, his best friend, he needed this prize more. His face set in a merciless expression. 

I saw his eye twitch ... 

As the fight ensued, Palamon and Arcita were battling very closely. Stampeding on their horses, they trampled over many blood covered corpses. The battle seemed like it was going on forever. 

Now leaving the stadium, it was still gigantic but now I feel important. 

 

"WHY LANGUAGE PAPER 1 IS FREAKING AWESOME!" 

Roshan D, Year 10

The hot air balloon hung in the subtle, pink sky- a speck of dust atop a bleak, war-torn battlefield. On the ground were endless rolling hills covered in a thick black powder sitting somewhere between soot and snow, a far cry from what lay metres above, seemingly safe and sound above the dust of war in a bright, colourful balloon. However, in that balloon, not all was as it seemed, its escape being a facade for what really lay within. At the time, I lay oblivious, still holding on, but it wouldn't be long before the realisation dawned on me and I decided to let go of my own balloon of hope, never to see it again. 

As I rummaged in the centre of the basket for the last scraps of fuel, my bare hands covered in almost sticky charcoal, Clara looked out at the illuminated atmosphere around us; her bright red hair flowing behind her in the wind. In our home, there was a war between two warring factions: Khansaar and Yatana. I knew I needed to leave it behind, and I could only take one person with me. I could take my father, my brother, but I instead took Clara, the love of my life. Back home, people spoke legends of Norwich, a safehaven away from all of this and, at the time, I believed it. The stories were so clearly just stories, stories of false hope, but they still relentlessly tugged at my arm and I refused to let go. I still do, to an extent. Tired, I stood up and walked to the edge of the balloon, holding Clara's warm hand in mine and looking at the ground far, far below me. Below us. 

"Clara," I said, quietly, looking into the endless galaxies in her eyes, "I think Norwich is near. I'm running out of fuel, and I don't think we'll be able to make the home stretch on what we currently have. I'm sorry." 

A tear began to trickle down her cheek as the galaxies in her eyes began to flood with a tsunami of fear, "How much longer can we stand?" she asked, still hopeful, "One of us needs to make it, and it's best we do together." I didn't know what to do, whether or not I wanted to let go of this in the hope Norwich may eventually reach me. So, I did what needed to be done and, despite resistance, I spoke up. 

"Bodies burn," I forced out of my mouth, "In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. Except in Norwich. Either one of us dies, or we both lose ourselves. Clara, I love you. 

"And I will remember you dearly."

To this day, I find myself alone in that basket, still drifting over endless darkness knowing, one day, I need to let myself fall fully into it. Clara had still clung onto me, her being alive keeping me closer to the ground and further from Norwich, further from the freedom I'd made in my own mind. I hoped she'd still be there, her ashes watching me from the air, indistinguishable from the ashes of war like tears in the rain. I keep telling myself it was worth it, that Norwich may still await. It's the only thing keeping me from losing myself, and it's something I will never, ever let go of. Ever. 

 

GRIMM TALES TWISTED

Year 8 were tasked with writing a fairy tale or folktale with a twist in 100 words for a House and 
national writing competition - here are two of the winners who won points for their House.

The last move

The chessboard was set. The black king cornered. The hunter smirked. "Checkmate."

Across from him, Grandmother's lifeless eyes stared at the ceiling. The Wolf swore no one had entered, yet the stew was laced with nightshade. 

Then the hunter noticed-a tuft of red fabric clutched in her fist. Not an accident. A warning. 

Grandmother had switched bowls. 

She wasn't murdered. She was the murderer. The real target? The empty chair across from her. Someone who never arrived. 

The hunter's stomach twisted. He had eaten the stew.

His vision blurred. 

Red Riding Hood stepped from the shadows. 

"The game's over." 

Isabella K, Year 8 

 

The Fall 

Falling. Falling. Falling. I see my daughter Rapunzel. Wait no, not mine because she knows what I have done. 

I hit the ground and pain ricochets through me. I look at her one last time then the world erupts into darkness. 

Slowly, my eye lids peel away from my eyes as I look around at my unfamiliar surroundings. It hurts to move, but I manage to drag myself to a bright display of posters and see the new baby princess born with glowing hair. 

And that's when I knew I'd be young forever, because this time I wouldn't make any mistakes. 

Pippa P, Year 8

 

The Review List 

From theatre productions to book recommendations, reviews editor Hunar Kuar selects the best of your reviews.

Show review: A Christmas Carol

By Lyra G, Year 10

"Well casted, well played, well done!" 

I have three words for the Hethersett Academy production of A Christmas Carol. Powerful. Beautiful. Emotional. This was fully embodied by Beau Berwick playing the role of Scrooge. In an interview before the production Beau told me he wanted the play to "shock" the audience and I must say, I was shocked. Between the story itself and the actors' interpretations I must say it was by far the most entertained I have ever been by the story of A Christmas Carol. 

My one drawback from the play was that it felt as though the cast and ensemble were fighting against the constant bell ringing. However, despite this I do tip my hat to the orchestra for their performance, especially cello soloist Max S whose moving performance created a full atmosphere during the beginning of Act 2 with the presentation of Scrooge's coffin during his visit from the Ghost Of Christmas Yet To Come. 

Overall, bravo Hethersett Drama and Tech department on another great performance! 

 

George's Puzzle Page 

Can you solve all the riddles? Send in your answers to us and you could win some chocolate! 
Send your answers to Miss Harrowing at emma.harrowing@inspirationtrust.org

All correct entries will go into a prize draw. 

Prize Riddles 

If you take stuff out of me, I grow if you poot stuff I in me I shrink wot am I. 

I clean with paste I have bristles wot am I. 

I travel a lot some even call me a metal monster wot am I. 

I fly the ski I leva a shadow, but you cannot touch me wot am I. 

I sway in the wind, and I have a vital resource wot am I. 

 

Joke Corner 

How did the boxer win the match?

I don't I'm still thinking of the punchline.

What do you call a sleeping bull?

A bulldozer. 

I told my mum not to take it when somebody says you're fat.

Because she's bigger than that. 

A guy stole my bed. 

I won't rest until I find him. 

 

Wanted - inspiring writers, photographers, graphic designers, reviewers and more! 

Would you like to be part of the HP team? Would you like to contribute to the next issue? Express your interest to Miss Harrowing or Miss Harman emmaharrowing@inspirationtrust.org or bethanharman@inspirationtrust.org