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FeaturingRelaxing After Exams Oxbridge Conference Teachers Moving On The Summer Fayre
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Contents
Meet the Team
Editor’s LetterThis term may have started with exams, but it’s certainly 7inished on a brighter note: there has been the Summer Fayre, Sports Day, the Leavers’ Ball and more. All of this is much needed after students have been consistently working hard during the exam period, not to mention beforehand. In this issue, you will experience the Summer Fayre, 7ind out how to unwind after exams and be inspired to take action within your local community.
We hope you enjoy your summer.
Katy Hulm
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Relaxing After Exams 3 Apathy Is Not The Answer 4Oxbridge Conference 7The Summer Fayre 8Teachers Moving On 9
Sonibel Rae Writer
Mia-Kate Shanahan Writer
Katy Hulm Editor, Layout
Sophie Tuckwood Writer
Rosemary Andrews Writer
Agnes Turay Writer
Eleanor Isaacs Writer
Sophie Pinto Writer
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Relaxing After Exams By Mia-Kate Shanahan
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Having trouble relaxing after a big exam? Well, I might have just the answer for you. One of the most harmful things you can do after an exam is talk about it. So, to all you people out there who come out of an exam and do nothing but talk through every answer on the test paper -‐ it’s not a good idea. Since everyone has different approaches to questions, each person will most likely give you a different answer. By thinking it over and over in your head, you come across mistakes you think you made and questions you wish you had answered differently -‐ this isn't going to help you. You can’t change how your exam went, you can only make sure that you prepare properly and learn from any mistakes you make.
There are many good ways to relax after an exam, for example, physical exercise. Statistics show that people who stress the most are the people who do less exercise than your average person. By doing just twenty minutes of physical exercise a week, it will reduce the amount of stress you feel before and after an important exam. This doesn't have to be dif7icult -‐ most students do over an hour of exercise in their P.E. lessons. Other options are a quick run around the block, a dance or yoga lesson once a week, or a bit of housework, if you’re not up for leaving the house.
Another popular relaxing option is reading or writing, as many writers use their writing as a relief from their anxieties. Perhaps writing something down in a diary or journal would help get rid of pre-‐ and post-‐exam worries. Why not try reading a good book? Some good contemporary writers include John Green, Cassandra Clare and Marie Lu.
One of the most mentioned and most popular forms of relaxing after exams for students is eating. Most students after a big exam feel starving, so when they get the chance, they will eat food: anything that’s in the fridge, from ice cream to pizza, everything looks good and everything is acceptable. Others like to cook the food instead of eat it. For example, preparing ratatouille or lasagne takes time and concentration.
There are many different ways people like to relax -‐ you just have to 7ind the right thing for you. Some of the other methods I’ve come across are eating a fortune cookie, ripping up all the revision notes you did for that exam, or a single bar of chocolate.
So, by the looks of things, most people enjoy doing everyday things that indicate normality and security. Doing housework, eating, and watching TV are all everyday things that make you feel at ease again. A bit of hard labour and a comfortable sofa are all you need to get back to reality and relaxation.
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Apathy Is Not The Answer By Rosemary Andrews
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By the time you 7inish your GCSEs, you will be is old enough to get married, hold a gun license and join the armed forces. By the time you leave school, you will be old enough to drink, drive and sign a loan agreement. Scary, isn’t it?
These are all decisions that were made by politicians,
Every day you can hear people moaning about this or that or something else, but the majority of the time they aren’t offering a constructive remedy to the problem. Because they can’t, as they haven’t bothered to really research what they are moaning about. If we don’t know what we’re talking about, then it doesn’t matter whether or not we have a voice, because no one will listen to us. We all have discussions about the things that happen around us, such as the way the buses are timetabled or the rubbish in the street. However, if we don’t understand how it works and how much it costs, then we can’t give a constructive opinion.
It really doesn’t take a lot to get interested in politics. Within the last two years I’ve realised just how much government decisions affect us, and it was actually through being a young leader with Cub Scouts that I really got my chance to be involved. It gave me the opportunity to take a course in public speaking and through that was asked to go to many promotional events. I wasn’t interested in politics until I was asked to attend the 2011 and 2012 party conferences.
At the Liberal Democrat Party Conference, young people were asked their opinions and really listened to. You could tell this by the way everyone was speaking with us frankly about what we did and didn’t like that we were all people who had done our research. We made spider diagrams around three major topics: CV skills and how to get them; our number one concerns for the future and how politicians can help; and investing in young people by providing assistance to local businesses.
It was great knowing that young people's ideas were being heard and encouraged. Politics can actually be interesting, and I came away wanting more people to be politically aware.
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Apathy Is Not The Answer By Rosemary Andrews
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So, why should you be interested? Well, it affects your lives every day, be it when you visit a leisure centre or the amount of VAT you pay on hair products and stationery.
We are the future of this nation. If we don’t understand how communities work, we cannot make sensible decisions about the solutions that various parties are putting forward. It’s not about supporting this party or that party, it’s about understanding the way in which problems can be solved so that you can use your own judgement. Without proper knowledge we will all be voting blind, like sticking a pin in the ballot paper.
So, what have parties been trying to achieve this year that affects us?
The Liberal Democrats say that, “addressing mental health must be a priority”. They seek to improve funding for mental health because only one in four people seek help. But if perceptions of mental health were changed, people wouldn’t feel ashamed to seek help.
What do you think? Are the Liberal Democrats right to improve funding for those who do seek help, or do they need to improve perceptions within society? Maybe the answer is both. Mental health issues are nothing to do with us, are they? But, in fact, young people are affected by a range of mental health issues.
David Cameron is currently trying to get US entrepreneurs in technology companies to invest in business in the UK. This will bring many more jobs for skilled workers and so improve job prospects. What do you think? Will this make the UK richer?
Labour wants to cap public transport fare increases on every route. Does it mean more people will use public transport because it costs less? Does this mean that we will have fewer trains because the fares don’t support the current amount of trains running? What do you think?
This means it’s your turn. Inform yourself, because getting informed is the best way you can make a difference.
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Apathy Is Not The Answer By Rosemary Andrews
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It doesn’t take much:
• Read the 7irst four pages of your local free newspaper
• If you get on a train, pick up the Metro or the Evening Standard -‐ and not just for the puzzles
• Listen to one news broadcast each day
• Find party websites and local representative’s websites
• Or even better -‐ follow them on twitter
WE WANT YOU...to stop moaning and start taking action!
If you have any suggestions about things you would like to see in your local community, from more frequent buses to a new community centre, then please email
with your suggestions.
At the autumn party conferences, these ideas will be heard.
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Oxbridge Conference By Eleanor Isaacs and Agnes Turay
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On Friday 28th March 2013, a group of students, accompanied by Mr Weeks and Miss Venton, embarked on a journey to Epsom Racecourse. The purpose: to give students an introduction to life at some of the UK’s most esteemed educational institutions.
At 7irst, the prospect of applying to universities with such outstanding global reputations as Oxford, Cambridge and other members of the Russell Group seemed somewhat daunting. However, our fears were soon proven to be unfounded. We were given the opportunity to speak to current Oxbridge students who explained their experiences at university with great enthusiasm.
A common fear of those who are leaving their families is the feeling of isolation and the prospect of having to adjust to a new and unfamiliar environment. However, one student assured us that newcomers to the university receive abundant support in the form of the ‘parenting’ scheme, in which they are guided and advised by older students who assume the role of ‘parents’. But we were assured that despite this, students who were rather looking forward to independent university life would not be disappointed!
Following this introduction to university experiences, we had the opportunity to attend a variety of lectures of our choice. The numerous subject departments introduced prospective students to their courses, including those in lesser-‐known 7ields such as Egyptology, Middle Eastern Studies and Linguistics. These lectures provided us with an insight into the broad spectrum of possibilities available to us. Such universities are often noted for their academic reputations, but we were intrigued to learn about the wide variety of extra-‐curricular activities offered there, such as rowing, debating, Model United Nations, Greek pottery and orchestra group.
Overall, the conference was an enjoyable and educational experience which provided us with a great deal of information which will hopefully be useful to us in the future. We would like to thank Mr Weeks and Miss Venton for organising and accompanying us on the trip.
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The theme of this year’s Summer Fayre was literature, so each form had the gruelling decision of picking a speci7ic book to base their stall on.
After 7ights over books and much deliberations and discussions on what events to offer, everyone was settled. The 7inal book choices included The Hunger Games, Alice in Wonderland, and The Help. Expenses were discussed, roles were assigned (especially to those who avoided direct eye contact with their form tutors to get out of said roles) and posters were washed in glitter. We were set, and the weather did not disappoint.
The sun shone throughout the day, setting the tone for the merriment which ensued. All years 7locked to Inglewood Lawn to take part in events, purchase cakes, enjoy their doughnuts with their hands tied behind their backs (though some did succumb to holding it and biting it after many failed attempts), and delicious Jerk Chicken as made by the great cooks of 12C.
The lawn was dense with the many people vying to get their nails painted, bob for apples in the heat, buy trinkets and, of course, sign their friend up unknowingly to Date A Sixth Former. My thoughts and prayers are with the unwitting applicants who are a victim of this injustice.
And, of course, the greatly under-‐appreciated archery. In a valiant attempt to attract more people to the stall, actual sixth formers sacri7iced their wellbeing and put themselves in the line of 7ire to make things more interesting. If 7iring arrows (rubber ones, I must add) at Sixth Form Prefects isn’t your thing, then perhaps you need to rethink your priorities.
All in all, the day was a success and the whole of the Sixth Form was able to raise over six hundred pounds for our chosen charities: the Jimmy Mizen Foundation, Cardiac Risk in the Young, and the Bromley Food Bank. With this money we will have helped to create a more safe, healthy and equal society.
A big ‘Well Done’ to all!
The Summer Fayre By Sonibel Rae
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At the end of each year, there will be those members of staff who will be leaving and moving on to the next chapter in their lives. It is important that we do not forget to wish them luck and thank them for their contribution to the school.
While they will not know every student, out of the ones that they do, there will be those with whom lasting bonds will have been formed out of mutual respect. We may not realise it now, but the people we meet during our schooling and the lessons we learn from them (curricular or otherwise) will form enduring impressions upon us. As such, we shall miss each of them in our own way; as, hopefully, they will us.
Mr LeitchLeaving any workplace prompts an array of emotions and re7lections. It is akin to closing a chapter in one’s life and my own Bullers chapter will certainly stay in my memory for life. There is no gradual introduction in teaching, you simply go into a school and start teaching your classes. In my case, I can honestly say that I have had some wonderful groups to work with: my Year 7s and their demoralising adoration of Justin Bieber and TOWIE; my Year 8s who are incredibly gifted; my various Year 9 groups who have endured a whole year of studying the two World Wars; my Year 10s with whom I laughed at and with in almost every lesson; and my Year 12s who forced me into my most embarrassing moment at Bullers – miming to Michael Buble in the Christmas panto, not once but three times.
School is an adventure, often dif7icult, always unique. It is an adventure for teachers too and my time at Bullers Wood has been made special, eventful and enjoyable not by the impressive buildings and facilities (Eurocentre excluded, of course!) but by the people – the students – with whom I have had the privilege of working so closely. They have made my Bullers journey remarkable and for that I am, and shall always remain, genuinely grateful.
Mrs CannonI started at Bullers Wood in October 2008 and I have really enjoyed working and teaching here.
Teachers Moving On By Sophie Pinto
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It's really rewarding to see the joy of pupils when they complete a product in Design and Technology, especially when they have had to problem solve along the way. I have run a Textiles Club for the last three years and we are now about to 7inish a wall hanging for the new Sanderson Building.
I'm moving to Warwickshire, as my husband has relocated there for work. I will be really sorry to leave Bullers Wood, I have enjoyed every minute of my time here with pupils and staff.
I wish my form, 12B, every bit of success in year 13.
Mrs Hart I have loved my years at Bullers. Teaching is a great profession and being in the classroom with the students is my favourite part. Although I have been on many amazing trips to astounding places, it has always been the people that we have had with us that made them exceptional. Broadening the students horizons has been something that I have cherished because I have always had an interest in the world. That is why I will now be travelling to China, Peru and the Galapagos Islands. I will be organising trips and visits now I am working for PIXL and on the Committee for Active Retirement. I have also joined a book club and will be doing pastoral work with my local church to work with young mothers, as well as starting a course on Art applications at the University of the Third Age and visiting my daughter and grandchild in Wales.
I would like to say to everyone that the opportunities available today are amazing: take every one of them. Don’t turn anyone down without really thinking about it. Face the challenges you come up against knowing that things won’t always go right. Move away from failures with a positive attitude, learning from your mistakes. Nowadays, the world is your oyster (especially for girls) but don’t lose sight of what matters. Cherish your friends. I have been very lucky to have had such wonderful friends and like to think that I have been the same to them, too, because people are the most important thing in life.
Also, to the teachers: remember why you came into teaching and enjoy it.
Teachers Moving On By Sophie Pinto
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