THE SPARROW TIMESIssue 11 Summer Edition 2017Suzanne Sparrow Plymouth Language School

SummEr ramadan WordS & muSIcfEStIvaL

In convErSatIon WIthvisit a beach this

summer with our beach guide

We have free tickets available for our students

our Editor and digital marketing manager Kelly

all you need to know about this religious festival

Beach visitsIce cream lickingSunset watching

BBQ eating

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ContentsWelcomeoh I do Like to Be Beside the SeasideStudent cornerWords & music festivalall about ramadannewsIn conversation With recipe of the monthPuzzle cornerWhat’s onthrough the Lens

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Web: www.sparrow.co.ukMagazine Email: thetimes@sparrow.co.ukAdmissions Email: study@sparrow.co.ukTelephone: +44 1752 222700

I am happy to announce my return after my maternity leave! It has flown by, but it is great to be returning to continue working with Shayne (read about the new marketing team news on page 7!).

This quarter is one of the best seasons in Plymouth, especially being so close to many great beaches. for students who want to visit a beach whilst here we have put together a list of the closest and easiest beaches to travel to on page 3.

We are now in the month of Ramadan, we spoke to two of our Saudi students to get their view on ramadan and what it’s like whilst observing ramadan away from home.

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Welcome

Summer is here! We look forward to warm days and a busy season for the school. our good wishes go out to all staff and families who support us.

Kelly LuscombeEditor

Contact Us

Suzanne SparrowChairman

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Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!We are now feeling the change in temperature (most days) and summer is right around the corner so we have put together a list of beaches which are near Plymouth and just a bus journey away. as some of our students are from landlocked countries and have never experienced the seaside, when coming here to study we would recommend at least one visit to the beach if they have the chance.

Below are the nearest beaches, which are the easiest to get to and with frequent travel options.

hoW to GEt thErEBoviSAnd, PlyMoUTh

Facilities: Cafe, toiletsBus Company: target travelBus number: 54Bus Stop: a11Travel Time: 25 minutes

WEMBUry, PlyMoUTh

Facilities: Cafe, toilets, showerBus Company: StagecoachBus number: 48Bus Stop: a10Travel Time: 28 minutes, 5 minute walk

KinGSAnd/CAWSAnd, CornWAll

Facilities: Cafe, pubs, toiletsTravel: Walk 10 mins to Barbican landing stageFerry: cawsand ferryTravel Time: 40 minutes (including walking time)

WhiTSAnd BAy, CornWAll

Facilities: cafe (with toilet only for customers)Bus Company: Plymouth citybusBus number: 71Bus Stop: a11Travel Time: 1 hour

Bovisand, Plymouth

on april 17th I went for an excursion by coach with a teacher, some students and my sisters. We went to Dartmouth. We saw the beautiful sea, ships, a church and we also looked at some restaurants.

In dartmouth we walked nearly one hour and explored different things. There were amazing houses and a nice city centre.

then we arrived at Blackpool sands for 5 or 10 minutes. after Blackpool Sands we approached totnes. We looked at the city centre and the lamb garden and restaurant. We then moved to dartington hall. It was an elegant place. We noticed many different trees and sculptures decorated in very different shapes. There were very colourful trees and flowers. We enjoyed this excursion a lot.Written by faryal farooq from Pakistan

Student Corner

Blackpool Sands

dartmouth

2 4dartington hall

Words and Music Festival 2017

“the 2017 Words and music festival is based around the ‘roaring twenties’. this was the time when the first World War was over and a new fresh beginning was in process. the music was crisp, jazzy and fun, matched with the ‘tempo’ of the time. The words and music that matched the 1920s is pertinent to the situation we face today.

Language is linked with music. At the heart of this Words and Music Festival is a re-affirming of these musical sounds and of the beauty that is our expressive English language.”

SuzAnne SPARRoW, HonoRARy DoCToR oF eDuCATion, PLyMouTH univeRSiTy

KiT hESKETh-hArvEy And JAMES MCConnEl noel Coward and his legacy

cabaret duo Kit hesketh-harvey and James mcconnel pay homage to ‘The Master’, performing many of Coward’s enduring songs, as well as some lesser-known gems. Join them for an evening of wit and sophistication.

date: friday 9 JuneTime: 19:30 venue: upper Lecture Theatre, Sherwell CentreTicket information: £10/£7

Photo courtesty of artdeco (the roaring twenties tea dance)

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ThE roArinG TWEnTiES GAlA ConCErTSimon ible conductorJeni Bern soprano

Peninsula arts Sinfonietta is joined by accomplished oratorio and concert artist, Jeni Bern, for this celebration of 1920s’ British and american music.

Great songs and English pastoral classics make up this concert, celebrating the innovation, free spirit and sheer fun of the decade. the programme will include show songs by George Gerswin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, Jerome Kern and Fats Waller including With a song in my heart, Can’t help lovin dat man, Ain’t Misbehavin and Let’s do it, Let’s fall in love.

the orchestra items will include vaughan Williams English folksong Suite and Lonely Waters by E.J.moeran.

date: Saturday 10 JuneTime: 19:30venue: minster church of St andrewTicket information: £13/£7 (FrEE for SuZannE SParroW StudEntS)

ThE roArinG TWEnTiES TEA dAnCESteve Chisolm, band leaderSorin negrea Tango para el Alma

Led by vocalist Steve Chisolm, for many years resident ‘crooner’ at the famous Burgh Island Hotel, ArtDeco recreates the authentic sounds of the jazz and ‘hot’ jazz bands of the 1920s. Join in, show off your Charleston and enjoy afternoon tea in the elegant duke of cornwall Ballroom.

romanian tango expert and founder of tango para el Alma - Plymouth’s Argentinian dance school, Sorin negrea, will also perform the Tango with dance partner anna tatkiewicz. this argentinean dance was originally developed in the mid-1800s by the urban lower classes in Buenos aires and by the 1920’s tango had spread worldwide.Period 1920’s costumes invited, but not essential.

date: Sunday 11 JuneTime: 16:00venue: The Ballroom, Duke of Cornwall Hotel, PlymouthTicket information: £17.50 (including afternoon tea)* (FrEE for SuZannE SParroW StudEntS)

The Roaring Twenties

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All About RamadanWhat is ramadan anyway? you may already know it involves fasting, but there is much more to this holy festival. Ramadan happens on the ninth month in the Muslim year and lasts for the whole month, this year it started on the 26th May and finishes on the 24th June. it is a time spent focusing on ones prayers and thinking of those less fortunate, which is why many Muslims often donate to charities.

We spoke to two of our students, both are females from Saudi Arabia, to find out what Ramadan means to them and what it is like observing Ramadan away from home, here is what they said.

Fasting is the fourth of the five pillars of islam. every Muslim must fast the whole month of Ramadan , which is the ninth month of the islamic calendar, unless the person has a reasonable excuse such as sickness. muslims have to give up the following thing during the hours of daylight( from dawn until sunset): food, drink, smoking and any sexual activity.

WhAT ArE yoUr rEASonS For FASTinG?

there are many reason behind fasting in Islam especially in ramadan:

1- obeying God2- Learning self-discipline3- Becoming spiritually stronger4- appreciating God’s gifts to us.5- Sharing the sufferings of the poor and developing sympathy for them.6- realising the value of charity and generosity7- Giving thanks for the Holy Qur’an, which was first revealed in the month of ramadan.

hoW do yoU CoPE WiTh FASTinG WhEn STAyinG in A CoUnTry WhiCh iS noT oBSErvinG rAMAdAn? We try to go every day to the Piety Islamic centre in Plymouth to break our fast with others and support each other by arranging meals. in addition , we usually invite our friends who are not muslims to

your home to have the breakfast with us at time of the sunset

ArE yoU ABlE To EAT TrAdiTionAl FoodS WhilE yoU ArE hErE SUCh AS ?

yes indeed, we can prepare whatever we want in our breakfast such as Kabsa which is the traditional food in Saudi Arabia. However, we are recommended by our prophet mohammed that we should break our fast by eating some dates and drinking water at the beginning.

WhEn in yoUr oWn CoUnTry , do SChoolS / WorK hoUrS ChAnGE?

yes, all the schools and working places change their working hours in Ramadan. For example, the usual working hours are from 9 am to 5 pm but in ramadan they are reduced from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm.

iS ThErE AnyThinG yoU WoUld liKE PEoPlE To KnoW ABoUT rAMAdAn?

muslims who are physically or mentally unwell can be excused from fasting, as may those who are under twelve years old, the very old, those who are pregnant, breast-feeding, menstruating, or travelling.

Sahar

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WhAT ArE yoUr rEASonS For FASTinG?

I believe that fasting is not just giving up eating and drinking but is a belief in Allah, also the fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to allah and to remind us of the suffering of those less fortunate. It’s seen as the way to physically and spiritually purify oneself. muslims often donate to charities and feed the poor during ramadan.

hoW do yoU CoPE WiTh FASTinG WhEn STAyinG in A CoUnTry WhiCh iS noT oBSErvinG rAMAdAn?

it is difficult in the first few days, for example in England ramadan is in the summer then we have to fast approximately 19 hours. It is a very long time compared with Saudi Arabia, also there is nothing to help us like group breakfast and preparation of charity meals

WhEn in yoUr oWn CoUnTry , do SChoolS / WorK hoUrS ChAnGE?

yes, we have a holiday in Ramadan in schools and some workplaces change the time to be later some not .. but you have to come on time.

iS ThErE AnyThinG yoU WoUld liKE PEoPlE To KnoW ABoUT rAMAdAn?

1. ramadan is all about peace. It is about being a better person; people don’t only fast from food, they fast from any extreme emotions; anger, frustration,

envy, and sadness. The main spirit of the month is for people to focus on their relationship with God and strengthen the faith instead of letting their emotions take control of their lives.

2. It’s also a month of love. It’s a tradition in most muslim countries to meet large groups of friends and family during Iftar (the time when you break your fast).

3. it’s a reflection of life. Since Ramadan teaches you patience, humility, gratitude and self-control, if you reflect deeper, these are also the tools you need to live a good life.

4. there are exceptions. not all muslims have to fast; if you’re pregnant, sick, traveling or on medication, you’re not supposed to fast. you can only fast if the conditions are normal and if you’re healthy.

5. It’s also an opportunity to get to know yourself. When you isolate yourself from all the material things and spend less time thinking about eating, drinking, and going out, you get to truly spend some time with your thoughts and your feelings and listen to them. It’s another form of soul searching; you get to know parts of yourself and you get to understand how strong you are against temptations and how forgiving you are against those who did you wrong and how you can let go. all these are questions we normally ask ourselves, but Ramadan really puts it all into perspective.

The five pillars of islam• Shahadah: sincerely reciting the muslim profession of faith• Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day• zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy• Sawm: fasting during the month of ramadan• hajj: pilgrimage to mecca

Ghuzayyil

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News

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Plymouth argyle will be promoted to play League 1 football next season after finishing second in the League 2 table and securing an automatic promotion.

new marketing teamafter 10 months away Kelly has returned from maternity leave back to the marketing team. While she was away, Shayne did a fantastic job and we think he enjoyed himself too as he will be staying on with us! Shayne will now be our marketing & communications manager and will cover the marketing aspect that Susan’s job role involved so look out for his face! Kelly will be our digital marketing manager and continue with a similar role as before. together they make up the marketing dream team!

General ElectionJune will see the uK flock to the voting booths for the 2017 General Election. there are some very important factors to take into account with recent events. the polls have it quite close, but only after all the votes have been counted will we know the outcome.

new ExcursionWe have a new excursion coming up on the 12th august to Exeter’s underground Passages. these are subterranean passageways that were used to transport water under Exeter city centre. the passages actually stretch for 425 meters across the city centre. these narrow and dark passages have always fascinated local people, with stories of wars and sieges, plague and pestilence.

if you want to find out more information or to book your place on the trip, see our Programmes Manager, Charlotte, in the office.

in ConvErSATion WiTh SPArroW TiMES EdiTor And SChool diGiTAl MArKETinG MAnAGEr, KElly lUSCoMBE

In conversation with...

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

my 10 month old baby! and also the fact that my days are so different now since having him. i am lucky and get the best of both worlds, i get to spend time having baby fun and seeing family and friends and also doing a job that I enjoy.

What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?

Before I had my son I would have said professionally would be graduating from university as I didn’t go to uni until I was 27 and personally would have to be getting married. although both of those are very dear to me I don’t think you can top having a baby, just the sheer joy and also hard work it is, i still have my moments when I sit and realise I am a mother!

What does a typical Working day look like for you?

a typical work day for me would involve making sure I open everything I need for the day; social media, the school website and anything else that I will need to carry out my daily activities. as Editor of the Sparrow times I also write some of the articles in the magazine so I will be looking at any hot topics coming up in the next quarter that would make a good story.

What is your most treasured possession?

it would have to be two, my engagement ring and my wedding band. they both represent amazing moments and if I ever had to replace them I would always know they weren’t the real thing given to me in that moment.

Where is your favourite place in the uk to be?

my favourite place in the uK would have to

be Padstow in cornwall. I have so many lovely memories of there. my family would stay near there when I was young and we would always bike ride on the camel trail which runs from Wadebridge to Padstow. Since then I have continued the tradition with my husband and will do with our children, it’s also the place my husband proposed! Below is me at the beach near Padstow.

What is your motto or personal mantra?

i suppose mine would be “enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things”. this is so true and for me as I do tend to always be looking forward to something rather than living in the now. having a baby makes you realise how quickly time goes and I already miss the early months!

What’s your favourite line from a film?

“They’re here”, from the Poltergeist, gives me chills when I hear it!

What is your guilty pleasure?

I do love sweets! my favourite would be pick and mix as i love the variety, if you feel sick from too many sour sweets, switch to chocolate!

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Recipe of the MonthGrillEd hAlloUMi &

ChiCKEn SKEWErS

SKEWErS• 1 lb chicken breast, boneless/

skinless (where to buy chicken from pasture-raised hens)

• 8 oz halloumi cheese• 2 cups roughly chopped bell

peppers, varied colours• 2 cups roughly chopped red onion• long skewers, bamboo or metal MArinAdE• 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, plus

more for garnish• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar• 1/4 cup olive oil• 1/4 tsp salt• 1/8 tsp white pepper (use black

pepper if preferred)

To prepare marinade…

remove the oregano leaves from stems- the easiest method is to slide your fingers along the stem downward- they should fall right off!

Give the leaves a rough chop and add to a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper and stir and adjust seasoning as desired.

chop the red onion and bell peppers into even bite-sized pieces then add the veggies to the marinade. chop chicken breast into similar-sized pieces. cut the halloumi into squares and add the cheese and chicken to the marinade. toss to coat.

cover and marinate for at least one hour. (If marinating longer than 1 hour, refrigerate- you can marinate up to 24 hours.)

to skewer…Alternate the chicken, halloumi, and vegetables on skewers.Grill the skewers for about 15 minutes, turning half way through. (cooking time will vary depending on size of chicken and heat.)

Garnish with fresh oregano, if desired, and enjoy!!

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Puzzle Corner

How many words do you know?

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1. choose3. see4. let7. read11. shut12. keep13. drink14. cost15. give17. fly19. eat20. hear

22. ride24. sell26. think28. know30. make31. shake33. steal34. sheep36. spend37. feel38. tell

2. hurt3. speak4. lend5. teach6. wake8. drive9. spread10. write11. sing16. bring18. lose20. hide

21. find22. run23. stand25. do27. hold29. wear32. forget33. set34. sat35. mean36. swim37. fall

acroSS doWn

Irregular Past tense verbs

ThE CUrioUS inCidEnT oF ThE doG in ThE niGhTChristopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain – exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. he has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. When he falls under the suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world.

date: tuesday 27th June – 1930.Price: £10.00 per ticketrunning Time: 2hrs 20mins (approx)recommended for everyone aged 11+

SiSTEr ACTSister act tells the hilarious story of deloris van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music.starring singer, alexandra burke

date: thursday 6th July – 1930.Price: £10.00 per ticket

MTv CrAShES PlyMoUThmtv crashes Plymouth will return for its fourth year on thursday 27 and friday 28 July and is set to see thousands of people enjoy two more nights of chart-topping acts on Plymouth hoe.Tickets for the live music event, organised by MTv in collaboration with Plymouth City Council, are now on sale and offer music lovers the opportunity to see headline acts for a fraction of the price of regular touring gigs.

the two-day music extravaganza has grown year-on-year and 2017 is set to be even bigger and better, bringing a number of top artists and huge hits to the South West. The first four confirmed artists for 2017 are:

day 1 - Sigma and Louisa JohnsonDay 2 - DJ, Martin Garrix and R3WiRe & varskimore announcements coming soon.

Previous years have seen the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Rudimental, Tinie Tempah, Little Mix and Jess Glynne grace the mtv crashes Plymouth stage.Tickets are on sale via the Ticket Store, in partnership with Plymouth Pavilions and can be bought individually for either evening or as a special offer Event Pass package covering both nights.

Book your tickets by calling the Ticket Store hotline on 0845 146 1460 or by visiting www.theticketstore.co.uk.

The price for each evening is £15, plus a booking fee of £2. the Event Pass gives access to both evenings for just £27.50, plus booking fee.

under-16s must be accompanied by an adult on day one. day two is for 16 and overs only.

for more information and the latest updates follow @mtvPlymouth on twitter or the mtv crashes Plymouth facebook page.

What’s onthEatrE muSIc

Words & music festival: the roaring twenties

see page 4 for free tickets to events for our students

22nd May - 11th June 2017

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BirMinGhAM royAl BAllET’S roMEo And JUliETWednesday 13th april - Saturday 16th aprilKenneth macmillan’s best-loved adaptation of this famous play continues Birmingham royal ballet’s 2016 Shakespeare celebration.Concession tickets are available in the school office for £10/student for the Thursday 14th April performance at 1930.Bookings: www.theatreroyal.com

ThE AWArd-WinninG MUSiCAl hAirSPrAymonday 18th april - Saturday 23rd aprilthe smash hit musical comedy hairspray is coming to Plymouth with a brand new production, guaranteed to have you dancing the night away!Tickets £24 - £42 Box office: 01752 267222 or www.theatreroyal.com

ThE WondErFUl WizArd oF ozthursday 7th april - Saturday 9th aprilPrepare yourselves for a physical comedy bonanza of ridiculous characters, live music and song, hilarious dances, utter stupidity and much, much more.Tickets £11 - £13

Box office: 01752 267131 or www.barbicantheatre.co.uk

WiMBlEdon on ThE BiG SCrEEn – 3rd – 16Th JUlyfeel the tension from centre court with live screenings from Wimbledon on the big screen.Wimbledon returns once again to the Big Screen, where you can enjoy the British summer in front of the greatest players in the world. taking place from 3 to16 July, the Piazza in Plymouth city centre sees the whole site dressed in artificial grass, with vintage deckchairs, picnic benches, an activity zone and a fantastic range of refreshments.

BriTiSh FirEWorK ChAMPionShiPS – 9 – 10Th AUGUST

the world famous British firework championships is set to return to Plymouth’s Waterfront, 9 - 10 august 2017.Price: FrEE

ArMEd ForCES dAy – SATUrdAy 24Th JUnEPlymouth’s spectacular armed forces day will be returning on Saturday 24 June.

the aim of the event from the mod; is to raise awareness of and support for our armed forces community and celebrate the outstanding contribution it makes to our country.

this year’s family-friendly armed forces day looks set to attract more than 40,000 people as it promises to deliver a whole host of exciting and exhilarating displays, interactive activities, military bands, parades and a not to be missed air show featuring death defying aerobatics. the spectacular air display will take place between 4.20pm to 6.05pm.

Military hardware including weapons displays, static helicopters, military vehicles and equipment will also be on show as well as the popular and exciting arena programme. one of the highlights this year is the Senior field Gun competitions featuring hmnB Devonport, HMS Raleigh and HMS ocean.

in the evening Plymouth Hoe will be transformed, with thousands of people expected to flock for the free concert. Acts confirmed so far include the popular Military Wives Choir, Joey and the Lips and eighties favourite toyah Willcox.

PlyMoUTh PridE FESTivAl 2017 – SATUrdAy 5Th AUGUSTPlymouth Pride festival 2017 will take place on Plymouth hoe on Saturday 5th august.

The Colourful, Loud and Proud Pride Parade through the city centre to Plymouth hoe will depart at midday (route tBc).

on the Hoe there will be a diverse mix of musicians, singers, and bands on the main stage from 1.30pm to 8.30pm along with stalls, a funfair, inflatables, face painting and events for children, choice of hot food and snacks and lots more…

the Plymouth Pride festival is a frEE family friendly event and all are welcome to embrace and celebrate the diversity of the LGBtQ communities.

ShoWS

WImBLEdon

othEr EvEntS

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Through the Lens

In this issue we have been given an alternative to our usual photo. Our student, Faryal Farooq, has given us these 2 drawings.