Archive

An archive of Phoenix content published before being relaunched.

Jobs:

February

Job hunting can be a difficult job and very draining at times, even for the most ambitious of people. I guarantee there are hundreds of people that want a fast track to their dream job. A movie star or a singer perhaps. But how did they get their jobs? Well, it’s time for me to give you the inside scoop on which of your famous fancies had the most gruelling jobs. Not all of them are as glamorous as you may think….

Brad Pitt

It’s hard to imagine him doing anything other than living his dreamy lifestyle. You’ll be surprised to know one of his first jobs involved dressing as chicken and dancing to advertise a fast food restaurant.

 

Lady Gaga

The famously quirky singer and actress was a plain old waitress before her glorious rise to fame, so there is hope for all you waitresses out there!!

 

Tom Cruise

Back in his younger years Tom was enrolling as a priest. However, his daring attitude meant he lost his chance, after he was accused of taking alcohol to the church. He also worked at a hotel for some time.

 

 

Julia Roberts

The “Pretty Woman” we all know and love started off by scooping ice cream on hot summer days at Baskinn Robbins (an American ice cream company), before achieving her dream of acting.

 

 

By Xanthe Hampton

–

January

We are nearing that stage of New Year, new me, but many of you should be focusing one New Year, new job. The end of the Christmas season is approaching and many positions will become available, so you best get moving. However, I understand some of you may not even know where to begin. So here are top 3 jobs for the working teenager.

1.      BABYSITTING

This is an easy way to earn money from relatives and friends, and at times can earn a major amount of money. To some it may sound like a nightmare, but this really is one of the simplest ways of earning money and becoming a responsible student. It can even develop into a full time career as an adult. Also, if you do a good job once, you are very likely to be asked to care for the same children again and could even be recommended to other parents.

2.      RETAIL

Whether you are passionate about make-up, shoes or fashion, there is a place for anyone in the retail world. Many of you will be able to use your enjoyment for certain brands and clothing to your advantage and win a place in retail. It’s perfect for weekends and you may even benefit from discounts!

3.      COFFEE SHOP

There are many well known coffee shops and local ones to choose from in this case meaning you are much more likely to gain a job. This can be a great opportunity to gain social skills whilst becoming educated in the world of coffee. Furthermore, many of these establishments give you the chance to earn tips, so you will be willing to work that bit harder for the extra cash.

The above jobs can be a starting point for many of you and allow you to earn money whilst gaining confidence and experience. Who knows where your job could lead you?

P.S Here is some links of jobs available locally in Northampton:

http://www.sspcareers.com/uk/job-search/details.php?id=Q8CFK026203F3VBQB8MV468MO&nPostingID=9282&nPostingTargetID=32504&mask=stdext&lg=UK&sType=Indeed (Starbucks)

https://jobsearch.direct.gov.uk/GetJob.aspx?JobID=22971059 (Oliver Adams)

http://jobs.mcdonalds.co.uk/uk/united-kingdom/crew-member-jobs (Mcdonalds)

http://uk.euspert.com/joboffers/customer-assistant-grocery-temporary-part-time-northampton-312180.html?utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Indeed (Tesco)

By Xanthe Hampton

–

December

Seasonal Jobs

So, it’s coming up to the Christmas period and you’re getting stressed about paying for the never ending Christmas presents, feeling lost and helpless with no money to spare? Well, not to fear I have the perfect solution. A seasonal job, not only is it a quick fix to getting money fast, it can eventually lead to a permanent career position. So, follow my step by step guide to support you through this festive job season.

START ASAP

Don’t wait till the last minute to apply. Many employers want to know who is filling their places sooner rather than later. You don’t want to miss the opportunities they have to offer.

BE FLEXIBLE

I know that this is difficult when you are suffering with mountains of homework, but the more flexible you are the more appealing you will look to an employer. Furthermore, if you work days around Christmas, you may receive more pay, perfect to splurge on treats for your friends.

STRETCH YOUR SEARCHES

Don’t just look at the obvious retail jobs. Have a browse at festive events that are coming up around you. They are a perfect opportunity to find work quickly and locally.

DON’T GIVE UP

it may feel as though you have applied for endless amounts of jobs but hang in there!! If the employer doesn’t get back to you right away, a position may become available later in the holiday season, for example, if someone leaves at short notice.

JUST ASK

If you are out and about shopping, make the most of it and ask if there are vacancies available. This could save you time rather than spending hours online looking for placements.

Hopefully, these are some starting points for you to begin your search with on the road to having a very Merry Christmas full of gifts and treats.

Work. It’s something we will all be doing at some stage in our lives and if you jump in at the deep end without any advice it can go terribly wrong. Not to fear, I am here with the top tips and help to provide you with the information you need to become a perfect working student.

By Xanthe Hampton

–

November

CV

Now, it may be boring but this is going to be the easiest route to becoming more professional when applying for jobs. An outstanding CV reflects how outstanding you are as a person. So, to help you along here are some Do’s and Don’ts.

Do…

• Place the important information first, such as name, D.O.B, Education
• When writing about your education it doesn’t hurt to include predicted grades
• If you have one, make sure to include your National Insurance Number
• Alter your CV depending on what job you are applying for, you want to look the part for the particular job
• Check spelling and grammar and put your CV in a neat format
• Be positive, how have you contributed to different working roles or how well do you behave and participate at school

Don’t…

• Include negatives about yourself, remain optimistic
• Use slang this makes you seem unprofessional and not serious about the job.
• Lie. If you aren’t honest when it comes to the interview it will be obvious you were false
• Make it too long. Two sides of A4 is more than enough
• I hope these tips are starting points for you; however, if you want to be sure your CV is outstanding there are websites to help listed below:

• http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv.htm
• http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/cvs-and-applications/which-cv
• http://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/blog/2014/january/free-cv-template

Article by Xanthe Hampton

Year 7 Advice

As a year seven, making the jump from primary school to secondary school can be scary and intimidating. This advice column will be to help calm any nerves and answer any questions that you’re too afraid to ask, if you feel that there is nobody to help you with your worries then look no further. As a year 7 I arrived at NSG and took a look at the enormous buildings and the students pouring out of the doubles doors, one by one; I thought to myself ‘How will I get around without losing myself in the crowds?’ My friends had been put into different sets and I was a lone wolf ready to start my journey in life; I followed the sign posts around school and referred constantly to my planner like my life depended on it. But, you figure out that soon enough your planner starts to fade out of your memory and that the dependence on other people turns into self confidence. Teachers, elder students and peers help you along the way and the relationships that you make follow you around for a life time until university. To have a successful start to the year as a new student of NSG you should follow these simple steps:

• Always complete the homework that is set by your teachers, as work ethic is always needed for the future, and even if you disagree, EVERY single piece of homework set is important.
• Arguments between friends are never worth the hassle, a form group is always meant to stay together as a collective; realising when to apologise is a valued aspect of friendship.
• Teachers do not set work or tell you off on purpose, if you are punished then you are most likely in the wrong and acceptance is the right passage forward.
• Friendship is the key to surviving school, staying with your friends will help to avoid loneliness and will help you when you’re stuck with work, nobody will judge you if you ask to be friends with them.
• Remember that all year 7’s are in the same position as you, and that if you treat a person with kindness and respect that is what you receive back. You never know how another girl is handling the transition from primary school to secondary school, so be considerate of their feelings at all times.
• If you are feeling very alone and like you need someone experienced to talk too but you’re not keen on going to a teacher there are always the ‘Big Sisters’, you may already have one but if not you can talk to your form tutor about getting a ‘Big Sister’ who is a girl in Year 12 that you can talk to if you need any help or have any questions.
• Last of all, exclusion of girls from groups and deliberate bullying is not tolerated at NSG, and will never be tolerated in the future. So do not get into bad habits, otherwise there is stronger consequences than being told off by a teacher, which could seriously affect your future.

Article by Kayleigh Munday

Fashion

January

Tis’ the season to get spending…

With another three hundred and fifty something days left until Christmas (and hopefully we’ll have a white one may I add), it’s time to get spending. Think about it. What have you got to lose? (Correction*) I mean save! With sales getting bigger by the day and red labels screaming “discounts” from every corner, it may be hard to know where to budget and spend your money elsewhere.

Talk about sales, this may be round about the best time to take that long deserved shopping trip as it doesn’t get much better than this; with up to 70% off, sales on sales and DON’T FORGET student discount (which we’re entitled to all year round). Whether that’s via the NUS Extra card, UNiDAYS, Student Beans and more… These will save you a ton of money on your favourite brands as there is a variety to shop from, so there should be something for you. Discounts [from the above] range from food to technology, clothes and even transport! With up to: 50% off on Spotify/ 15% off the Apple Store etc, note that these are just a few of the amazing offers in store for you. So don’t go on enduring all those extra costs because you’re a student and what better way to save on essentials to settle back into the New Year? They’ve got you covered.

Economics behind it

Increase in Market’s Demand.  

This supply and demand diagram shows the market’s demand for goods has increased. The demand curve has shifted outwards to the right representing an increase in demand, (shifting the curve from D to D1) ceteris paribus. Subsequently causing the price to rise from P to P1 as excess demand is created. Therefore market equilibrium will move from P and Q to P1 and Q1.

The law of demand states, the higher the quantity demanded, the lower the price.

Terminology

Goods >Products

Demand >Infinite wants and needs of an economy

Demand curve >Represents an economy’s demand

D/ D1 > Demand

P/ P1 > Price

Ceteris Paribus (-Latin derived phrase) >“All/ other things being equal.”

Economic growth >Growth of an economy

References

>NUS Extra card http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/

>UNiDAYS https://www.myunidays.com/

>Student Beans https://www.studentbeans.com/

By Tanyo Ibirogba

–

December

It’s Too Cold Outside…

It’s that time of the year again! With the winter days getting colder, it’s time to start layering up. I’m talking longline coats and jackets, thick woolly jumpers and more… But before we get down to that, let’s first look a century to the 1920s and see how those fashionistas styled it back then.

It was defined an era of beauty and coordinated style in ladies fashions. Marked by a dramatic change from the more limited styles following WW1, to a time where designers could express their innovation more freely. 1920s:

• Favoured long dresses (midi/ longline) made up of long sleeves and high necks, accompanied by high button-up booties.
• Outerwear generally comprised of leather gloves, fur stoles, cloche hats and coats –with the exception of wool overcoats.

All these components coming together to create an ambiance of elegance. However, with the palette of colours drained in the winter (in the early years), hues ranged from such colours as burgundy and navy blue.

As years passed in the ‘roaring 20s’, fashion was anything but bleak. With capes, scarves and matching jackets used to dress up an outfit. By the end of the era, pleated and tiered skirts were on trend pieces which not only added detail but extra layers.

Now Back To The 21st Century!

As we head back into the winter months, it doesn’t mean our closets have to suffer, the never-ending possibilities of layering up kick-starts the cold season. So ‘Where to start?’ may be the question that you’re posing…

Jumpers whether polo/ roll or turtlenecks; are a great way to bring any outfit together and as they’re seriously versatile, there’s bound to be something to pick from whatever your style or budget.

Perhaps feeling lazy, why not go for a jumper dress? –Variations in necks, long sleeves and style. Need I say anymore, why, they’ve got it all.

How about a chunky jumper and skirt combo? The comfy yet stylish look is bound to keep out the cold and effortlessly works with ease. On the plus side, is an outfit that doesn’t take long to put together.

Jackets and coats, being the most obvious way to stay warm. Take the season by storm, whether you’re aiming to pull off a statement piece wearing daringly bold prints or are going for a more simplistic look with that all black outfit (also always effective).

Just be yourself because at the end of the day “fashion should be a form of escapism, and not imprisonment.”

Here are just a few pictures for how to style it out this winter: That said –are there significant differences in the way we dress?

 By Tanyo Ibirogba

–

November

OUTFIT INSPIRATIONS.

Yes, so Summer 2015 is officially over ☹ and we can look forward to next year, but in the meantime, the days are soon getting shorter, the nights colder and winter approaching… Let’s brace ourselves for the transition and the cold months ahead. What better time to start?

White On White

Advocating winter white trends in full length, distressed dungarees, a plain t-shirt and pristine kicks. This minimal monochromatic ensemble is cool and collected and completely street appropriate. Whether going for a casual or a more elegant look, you’re bound to stand out from the crowd. Embrace your inner tomboy with this look, and the season with the all year round trend. (Advice*: avoid sticky messes; mustard etc).

Other outfits claiming the looks du jour this season:

Caped Crusaders

The cape, being this winter’s fashion staple is out with the old and in with the new. It’s a versatile piece that can be worn day or night without compromising style, so you needn’t worry.This stylist (left) looks fabulously fierce in her cape, mixing between trends to add a personal touch. This not only complements each aspect of the outfit but also brings the ensemble together well. Contrasting nicely against the metallic jacket; which further enhances the well coordinated look.

Ways to style it out include:

Camel Coats.

Do I need to say anymore? If it’s camel, just check it, period. November welcomed this trend with open arms, and I don’t see why you shouldn’t too. With a variety of styles to choose from, whether the: cocoon, trench, duster, (classic) overcoat, double breasted, wrap front, (the list really does go on) they’ve got you covered.

Camel coats are a classic and go with just about anything, as you can see in the above pictures, they’re also very transferable. The outfits that can be put together are anything but limited… Thrown over sweats and trainers, for a quick trip to the gym, creates a subtly laidback look, whilst buttoning, tying or wrapping it over an outfit makes for a whole new (and sophisticated) look. These pictures are solid proof that camel coats suit anybody. Why not try something new this season and don’t forget to accessorise, just as these fashionistas have successfully done. Adding a contrasting colour, for example with the oversized mustard or black scarf, to break up the camel a little, is a great addition to the outfit.

Hopefully you’re as inspired as I was, having seen the various way to style it out, and have gained some new ideas as well as useful style inspiration on how to change up your outfits for any occasion.

Best of luck. Tanyo.

 By Tanyo Ibirogba

Student Recipes:

February

Macaroni Cheese

Tasty cheep dish that’s easy to make and really cheap if you’re low on cash during January

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 250g macaroni
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 450ml milk
• cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp mustard powder

Method

1. Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions and drain when cooked
2. Heat the butter (or margarine) and when melted, add a generous tablespoon of plain flour and mix it in
3. Add some black pepper and a little nutmeg or mustard powder – cook on a low heat, stirring all the time, for about 30-60 seconds
4. Add the milk a little at a time and mix well with a whisk – you should end up using about 450ml of milk
5. Bring to the boil, stirring all the time, to thicken the sauce, then add a big handful of grated cheddar cheese to make it a cheese sauce
6. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well
7. Serve straight away or put into an oven proof dish, grate some more cheese over and bake at 180’C/Gas mark 5 for 10 minutes

£0.80 per serving, so a cheap and cheerful dish to cure mid January Blues.

Provided by Abie Farrell

–

January

Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a Mexican dish of baked fajitas that are so easy to make and really tasty.

Ingredients: (Serves 4)

• 3-4 Chicken Breasts
• 6 Plain Tortilla wraps
• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
• 300g of cheddar cheese
• 1 red pepper
• 1 onion

Method 

1. Dice chicken and fry on a high heat with some oil in a pan.
2. Slice the pepper and onion and add to the chicken in the pan, cook for around 5 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
3. Use half the chopped tomatoes and spread them over the tortillas. Add a table spoon full of chicken and vegetable mix and put a handful of cheese in the tortilla. Wrap up the tortilla and place in a deep baking dish. Repeat this for all 6 wraps.
4. Pour the remainder of the chopped tomatoes over the wraps in the dish and sprinkle the rest on top.
5. Put the dish in the oven at 200C/180C fan/gas 6 for 20-30 minutes until cheese has melted and wraps are golden brown.
6. Serve and enjoy

£1.50 per portion

Provided by Abie Farrell

–

December

Special Fried Rice (Serves 1)

This is a great takeaway food that is so easy to make at home. It’s tasty as well as practical.

Ingredients

• 225g Rice
• 50g chicken
• 50g ham
• 100g peas
• 3 spring onions
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp vegetables
• 3 tbsp dark soy sauce

Method

1. Boil the kettle and use the water to cook the rice and the peas. If you chicken and ham is raw use some vegetable oil and fry it until cooked in a pan.
2. In the meantime, finely chop the spring onions.
3. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them. If you have a wok (a Chinese frying pan) pour some oil into the bottom and put it on a medium heat. However, if you don’t have a wok a frying pan will also work.
4. Dice the chicken and ham.
5. Check that the rice and peas are cooked and drain them.
6. Pour the eggs into the pan and mix them as they solidify.
7. Once the eggs are cooked, add the chicken, ham and spring onions
8. Add the rice and peas stirring it all in the pan, finally add the soy sauce and stir

Price £1.00

Provided by Abie Farrell

–

November

Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a traditional Italian dish that is cheap and easy to make. It is spaghetti in a cheese, egg and bacon sauce, however the sauce can be altered depending on your preferences, for example chicken or vegetables can be used in place of the bacon.

Ingredients: (serves 4)

• 350g of spaghetti
• 3 eggs
• 100g bacon (or chicken/vegetables)
• 2 garlic cloves (optional)
• 100g cheese (parmesan or cheddar)
• 50g butter
• 75ml double cream
• Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Boil some water ready to cook the spaghetti. In the meantime, finely chop the bacon. And grate all of the cheese.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and boiled water to a saucepan and cook for 10 minutes or until pasta has cooked.
3. Beat the eggs and cream in a medium bowl and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix in some of the grated cheese but save some for putting over the spaghetti.
4. Chop the garlic and put in a frying pan with the butter. Add the bacon to the frying pan.
5. Drain the pasta and quickly pour in the egg and cheese mix. Don’t worry about putting this back on the heat as the heat from the pasta will cook the eggs. Finally add the bacon and mix so that everything is covered.
6. Add the remaining cheese to the pasta and enjoy.

Information:

655 kcal per serving

Average price for meal £4.15

Provided by Abie Farrell

 

Monthly Politics:

January

This is a section in the newspaper where you can find the highlights in politics mentioned in the news throughout the month. I hope you will find this fun, easy to understand and enjoyable.

• The issue of European union membership is the most important political question of our lifetime. That is why the forthcoming referendum on whether to “Remain” or “Leave” is vital: it will determine whether we want to be in a United States of Europe with an EU army, flag and anthem; or whether we wish to be a self-governing, independent, United Kingdom.

•  A former Deputy Chief Officer of Jersey Police alleges politicians had him “in their sights” after he tried to crack down on corruption and rid the island of unlicensed firearms. He said: “You have corrupt politicians who are very friendly with police officers and politicians who corrupt police officers, have connections with corrupt police officers. Politics is very often a feature and something we had to try and get over.”

• The Women’s Equality Party (WE), the newest party to field candidates in elections in 2016, was helped into existence by a donation from a wealthy male entrepreneur, The Independent can reveal. Financial support from Maurice Biriotti, co-founder and chief executive of the business management consultancy firm SHM, enabled the newly created political party to pay a salary to one of its founders and meet the costs of getting names on ballot papers for the 2016 elections.

• Conservative MP David Mundell has publicly announced that he is gay. Mr Mundell, who represents Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale and is his party’s only MP in Scotland, said the move was “the only way to truly be happy on a personal level”. “Having taken one of the most important decisions of my life and resolved to come out publically as gay in 2016, I just want to get on with it, and now, just like that, I have said it,” he said in a statement posted on his website.

• Shadow attorney general Catherine McKinnell has resigned from the shadow cabinet, citing concerns over Labour’s direction under Jeremy Corbyn. Ms McKinnell said Labour was heading down an “increasingly negative path” amid “internal conflict” stemming from the recent shadow cabinet reshuffle.

By Thamsia Salam

–

December

This is a section in the newspaper where you can find the highlights in politics mentioned in the news throughout the month. I hope you will find this fun, easy to understand and enjoyable.

• Indian Prime Minister Mr Modi visited Britain and attended a sold out rally of 60,000 in Wembley stadium.  Mr Cameron said the UK-India relationship was “about our potential”, and said both countries were “united by the scale of our ambition”. “Team India, team UK – together we are a winning combination,” he added. India and Britain have sealed a £9bn worth of deals focusing on energy and finance and more joint military exercises and co-operation on technology and defence manufacturing.

• On November 13^th deadly attacks happened in Paris by terrorist group ISIS. They bombed and hit a concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars which resulted in 129 people dead and hundreds wounded. The attacks have been described by President Francois Hollande as an “act of war” by this militant group.

France dropped 20 bombs on Syria on Sunday to IS training camps and cities. Emotive words of revenge are scrawled over the bombs.

• David Cameron lays the foundation for MP’s to vote on backing the coalition bombing of both Syria and Iraq. Mr Cameron promised the bombing of Syria would not happen without parliaments consent, and he’s not going to hold another vote until there is a “consensus” among MP’s.

Jeremy corbyn warned that any military response should have the consent and support of the international community and legality from the United Nations.

• UK inflation rate remains negative in October, the bank of England said that the global economy was weakening. Many economists forecast that rates would not rise until late next year.

• Harriet Harman former deputy leader of labour has said that labour is too male dominated, say that there is too many men in top jobs within the party. Ms Harman claims, “Jeremy corbyn came from a strand of left wing politics that was not motivated by gender equality” although saying that half of the posts in Mr Corbyn’s shadow cabinet went to women.

By Thamsia Salam

–

November

Politics monthly:

This is a section in the newspaper where you can find the highlights in politics mentioned in the news throughout the month. I hope you will find this fun, easy to understand and enjoyable.

• China and England have sealed a multi-billion dollar deal to finance nuclear power stations in Britain, Prime Minister David Cameron hopes this will unleash a wave of investment from the world’s second largest economy.

 

•  David Cameron confirmed he will order four new submarines to replace Trident during his closing conference speech. (Trident is Britain’s nuclear weapon system and it is the most expensive and the most powerful capability of the British military forces.)

 

•  Germany is trying to push for every country in the EU (European Union) to take a compulsory number of Syrian refugees, in doing so sharing the distribution of hundreds of thousands of people who will arrive directly from Syria. 

 

• MPs have voted in favour of the government’s plans for ‘English votes for English laws’, which will create new stages in the legislative process where the Speaker declaring a Bill, or clause within a Bill, is English or English and Welsh only.

Article by Thamsia Salam

 

Monthly Science

February

The belief that the most popular antidepressant drugs raise serotonin levels in the brain is nothing more than a myth, a leading professor of psychiatry has claimed.

David Healy, head of psychiatry at the Hergest psychiatric unit in Bangor, North Wales, said the misconception that low levels of serotonin were responsible for depression had become established fact.

He suggested that the success of so-called SSRI drugs – which include Prozac and Seroxat – was based on the ‘marketing of a myth’.

In an editorial in the BMJ, Professor Healy said that in the 1990s, no one knew if SSRIs raised or lowered serotonin levels but there was no evidence that treatment corrected anything.

Many claim that antidepressants give the placebo effect. Now what’s a placebo? A placebo is a pill made of sugar without the active ingredient.

When people believe a sugar pill is an active drug (such as an antidepressant), that belief creates a powerful expectation. And it’s that positive expectation that creates the cure, the placebo effect.

Cases upon cases, depression sufferers claim they fall back into depression once off their medication. Is it possible that these drugs provoke the mind to be reliant on them? That without the medication they will suffer from depression even though pharmaceutical companies claim that they help to cure.

But why?

Why would drug companies do this? Don’t they want to help cure people?

“The truth is money. The antidepressants sector is a billion dollar industry and those taking these drugs have become a slave to the system and it’s hard to get out.”

Only results from clinical trials made by these drug companies that suit their “agenda” are revealed to the public. As discussed in the famous book “Bad Pharma” By Ben Goldacre.

An array of journals, articles, documentaries and books all talk about the conspiracy that is “do antidepressants work?” with hard hitting evidence, trials and personal stories from healthcare professionals and patients.

if you’re interested in expanding your knowledge I recommend you read “Bad Pharma” By Ben Goldacre, “Let Them Eat Prozac” by David Healy, or even typing into Google “Prozac conspiracy”, you’ll be mind blown to what appears to be a corrupt drug industry.

By Tasneem Miah

–

November

Breakthrough Cancer Treatment Saves One-Year-Old Diagnosed With Incurable Leukaemia

• Layla Richards was diagnosed with aggressive leukaemia at 14 weeks old
• Had chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant but cancer returned
• Doctors said she was incurable and parents should prepare to lose her
• Is now cured thanks to a breakthrough gene-editing technique which manipulates immune cells to fight the disease

For the first time ever, a person’s life has been saved by gene editing.

Layla Richards had one of the worst cases of leukaemia her doctors had seen and, when all other treatments failed, her parents were told to expect the worst.

Layla was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was just three months old, a disease in which cancerous stem cells in the bone marrow release vast numbers of immature immune cells into the blood. She was immediately taken to Great Omond Street to start the standard treatment of chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant to restore the immune system.

When chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant failed, Layla’s condition was concluded as hopeless. Parents were told she was expected to die within months.

Layla’s Parents and healthcare professionals refused to give up and doctors at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital got permission to give Layla a treatment so experimental that it had been tested only on mice.

Layla’s father, Ashleigh, 30, said: “It was scary to think that the treatment had never been used in a human before but, even with the risks, there was no doubt that we wanted to try the treatment.”

“She was sick and in lots of pain so we had to do something. Doctors explained that even if we could try the treatment, there was no guarantee that it would work but we prayed it would. I’d rather that she tried something new and I took the gamble.”

Initially, it was unclear if the treatment had worked but within weeks Layla started to show signs of recovery. A bone marrow transplant followed, to ensure the disease had been eradicated, and tests show her to be cancer-free.

Professor Paul Veys, the lead doctor on Layla’s case, said: ‘As this was the first time the treatment had been used, we didn’t know if or when it would work, so we were over the moon when it did. Her leukaemia was so aggressive that such a response is almost a miracle.’

Thanks to an infusion of 50million cells genetically engineered to hunt and kill the cancer, the disease has vanished and she is a happy, energetic and bubbly toddler.

‘This is a landmark in the use of new gene engineering technology and the effects on this child have been staggering. If replicated, it could represent a huge step forward in treating leukaemia and other cancers.’

By Tasneem Miah, Tasnim Begum and Milana Kostjuka

Poetry:

To You

I wonder how you’ve changed,

if I’d still recognise your

sunflower smile that shone brighter

than any star.

–

But you still haunt me, the thought

of you

–

hurts me.

And my wonderings come to an end

as your watery stare of steel,

seizes my breath.

–

Dragging me under these waves of

guilt and unwanted apology.

I’ve drowned myself in your name.

I’m sorry.

By Hannah Freeman

–

I tried to take a selfie

I tried to take a selfie

when I was all alone.

I never should have done it.

It broke my mobile phone.

–

I guess I’m not so pretty.

I thought that I was cuter.

I snapped one with my laptop

and busted the computer.

–

I cracked my father’s camera.

My mother’s iPad too.

This shouldn’t be so difficult.

I don’t know what to do.

–

At last I got a selfie;

perhaps the worst one yet.

I posted it online today.

It broke the Internet.

By Kenn Nesbitt

–

Forever

Forever we remain oblivious to the future,

lost to the past and enduring our torture.

Forever we take chances to settle our scores,

losing some battles and winning some wars.

Forever praying out loud hoping someone will hear,

forever crying softly but never shedding a tear.

Forever exists behind a disguise,

but the belief in forever keeps our hearts alive.

By Terri Nicole Tharrington

–

–

November

The During Months

Like summer in some countries and like rain

in mine, for nuns like God, for drunks like beer,

like food for chefs, for invalids like pain,

You’ve occupied a large part of the year.

 –

The during months to those before and since

would make a ratio of ten to two,

counting the ones spent trying to convince

myself there was a beating heart in you

 –

when diagrams were all you’d let me see.

Hearts should be made of either blood or stone,

of both, like mine. There’s still December free –

the month in which I’ll save this year, alone.

 

By Hannah Sophie

–

Tomb

This house is cold,

these walls like stone and the air is old.

This house is a tomb,

where I sleep, and listen to my remaining breathe.

 –

Silence my mouth with your words of weapons,

deny me of your heritage.

Take your time when remembering me,

this time it is fine.

 –

Once I stopped and remembered me again,

while waiting in my tomb.

That word warmed that stone,

and I was worth more than bone.

 –

This house is tomb of yesterday,

and yesterday has been and gone.

 

By Hannah Freeman 12 BCL

–

School Life

School is a daily routine for us

In the morning, we’re sure to make a fuss

Even when the sun is still not up,

Here we are, awake at 6am sharp

–

We feel that school is such a bore

We feel that school is such a chore

Parents say, “School’s great! Now, go!”

We say, “Well, what do you know?”

–

Late a minute and we have to run

Eyes half open, shoelaces undone

We reach school and we see our friends,

Immediately, the torture ends

–

We have a chat and go with the flow

Then the bell rings, it is time to go

We may at times find school stressful

To have some fun, we have to bend some rules

–

Talk back to teachers, and detention we serve

No doubt, it is sometimes what we deserve

Sometimes they are as cold as ice

And other times they’re actually really nice

–

They teach us and give us a helping hand

They’re forever ready to listen and be a friend

They have built much confidence in us

Just not when they are being really harsh

–

Over the years of education,

Never have we had so much learning with action

Such as camps, experiments, concerts and activities

We’ve learnt so much and even saved the trees

–

A wise teacher once said aloud –

Success is failure turned inside out

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit

–

Some may see school as a torture chamber

Some cannot wait for the holidays in December

But it depends on how we look at school

Honestly, positively, school is cool!

Anonymous

 

The Soldiers Fiancée

The memory that I treasured, about a day that I remembered,

It was our first kiss, on the 5th of December,

At first we were strangers, then we were mates,

And then we were holding hands, on our first date,

We were talking about our dreams, and what we were going to do,

Mine was to be a soldier, so I could protect you,

I was walking you home and I was holding you tight,

While we talk about how we began, at love at first sight,

Then a few years later, we were at the same place,

I asked you a question; there were tears on your face,

Then the day afterwards, I had to leave,

So I asked you the question, “Will you marry me?”,

Then I was on the plane, excited but scared,

As every soldier here was fighting for the country we cared,

Then there was a disaster, right near our tents,

It was a bomb, “BOOM” it went

And the last thought I had, before my body was a mess,

Was your answer to my question, the answer was “Yes”

So now I’m in Heaven, watching over you,

And when we’ll meet each other, we can finally say

“I do”

Caitlin Stewart

Caitlin Stewart attended NSG from 2010-2015. She decided to take her education further by moving out of Northampton and moving to London and studying at Barking Abbey to take her A levels: psychology, maths and biology, and she is also doing a basketball apprenticeship.

 

National Sport:

Premier League Football Table
2/11/15 (Source BBC Sport)

Position	Team	Played	GoalDifference	Points
View full table
1	Man City	11	17	25
2	Arsenal	11	13	25
3	Leicester	11	4	22
4	Man Utd	11	7	21
5	West Ham	11	7	20
6	Tottenham	10	8	17
7	Southampton	11	5	17
8	Liverpool	11	0	17
9	Everton	11	4	16
10	Crystal Palace	11	1	16
11	Watford	11	0	16
12	West Brom	11	-4	14
13	Swansea	11	-3	13
14	Stoke	11	-3	13
15	Chelsea	11	-6	11
16	Norwich	11	-8	9
17	Bournemouth	11	-12	8
18	Newcastle	11	-10	7
19	Sunderland	11	-12	6
20	Aston Villa	10	-8	4

Recent Rugby World Cup win:
After 48 matchs and 271 tries the Rugby World Cup came to a close on the 31st October 2015.
In true All Blacks style New Zealand went on to beat Australia in the Rugby World Cup Final on Saturday. The All Blacks set off well and gave themselves a good point margin until Australia gave chase and got back to within one point. Realising the danger and pulling together to clinch the match with a final push from New Zealand leaving the score at 34-17. A great game.
Want to know more about rugby union? Find all the technical stuff at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/z2qc82p

–

Gymnastics:
 
The gymnastics world championships were held during October this year with GB athletes putting in exceptional performances and paving the way towards Rio 2016. The womens team made history with the first ever GB medal win for the world team final securing bronze following China’s silver and an outstanding performance from USA for gold. The men also put in a great performance with Max Whitlock making history as well by securing gold on the pommel horse as the first British man ever to take home a gold single medal at the world championships. He was followed by team mate Louis Smith who took silver only 0.1 points behind and overall the mens team took silver. A really outstanding performance from GB athletes setting hopes high for Rio next year.

By Ellie Phipps

Music Reviews:

Keep You by Pianos become The Teeth came out on October 28th of 2014, so it’s not exactly a new release, however I have recently fallen in love with it and so have decided to write a short review on it. This album is much more emotive with a much less aggressive sound than the bands previous releases and features songs that are more centered on lyrics that are both poetic and delightfully honest, this partnered with the melodic mixture of distorted bass and rhythmic guitar create songs that feel so personal it’s like you’re reading through the writers diary. The bands heartfelt lyrics carry Kyle’s versatile voice perfectly; keeping the exact same level of emotion like the band’s previous album but this time with more delicate stripped down vocals, instead of aggressive guitar and raucous drums, this time they focus on more instrumental music and it just works. Listen to the album here:

By Nicole Hand

Globetrotters:

 

February

This months country is Brazil! Home of the Amazon rainforest and often called the lungs of the world, Brazil is a really important country. It is also set to be the home of the Olympics this summer.

History of Brazil

Before Brazil was claimed by the Portuguese empire, it was a country full of small tribes, some of which still exist today in the rainforest. They live a simple life, coexisting with nature and never coming into contact with the outside world. In 1500, Brazil was claimed as part of the Portuguese empire, changing it forever. In the 1700’s, large gold deposits were found in Brazil creating a gold rush. The area where the gold was found was nicknamed “Vila Rica” or Rich Town. In 1822 Brazil gained its Independence from Portugal. In the mid 1850’s a priest had the idea to build a statue on top of Corcovado (the mountain in central Rio de Janeiro.) Little did this priest know that over 100 years later his idea would be seen as one of the new seven wonders of the world. In 1931, Rio de Janeiro’s statue, Christ the Redeemer, was finished and represented the strong Roman Catholic beliefs held by most Brazilians. From 1964-1985 Brazil was ruled by a military government but has since recovered and now has the 7^th largest GDP.

Brazil Today

Brazil is said to be an emerging power in terms of global affairs. It’s the largest producer of coffee in the world due to its climate. The country also has the largest Roman-Catholic population in the world and many other Christians go there to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Despite its GDP, Brazil still has a lot of poverty with income inequality being the biggest problem, particularly for rural farmers. It addition to this, the Amazon rain forest in Brazil is being chopped down at an alarming rate with rare species of plant being lost daily. In recent years, Brazil hosted the World Cup, putting on a great show for the outside world. This summer it is set to host the Olympics, with’s 7.4 billion Brazilian Real being spent on the games and with thousands of athletes going, it is expected to be a good show, but the question is, will it be as good as London 2012?

By Abie Farrell

–

January

Greece is one of the oldest civilisations in the world and is often called the birthplace of western civilisation. With so many myths and a totally different culture to our own, Greece is a very interesting country to discover.

History of Greece

One of the biggest parts of Greek history is the mythology. The Greek gods are still known and loved today. Greek mythology is a massive part of ancient Greek culture and is so interesting to look at. In ancient Greece, mythology was used to explain normal events. Hercules, Perseus and Achillies were all half gods that were used to give the ancient Greeks qualities to aspire to like bravery and modesty. Natural events were also explained using mythology, for example earthquakes were supposedly from the god of the sea, Poseidon, crashes his trident to the ground. The Parthenon in Athens was built as a temple to the Gods in around 447 BC and is still visited by loads of people today. Democracy also started in Greek times and is the basis of many modern societies today.  Many people believe that Rome were one of the most civilised ancient cultures however the Romans got most of their ideas from Greece.

Greece Today

Now, Greece is experiencing lots of financial problems. Part of this is due to the financial crash in 2007. Greece relies heavily on tourism and when the crash happened people had less money to travel. This meant that Greece had to borrow more and more money because it was not collecting enough in tax to continue running the country. This is an ongoing problem for Greece and no one knows if the economy will be able to fully recover. Despite this the Greek tourist industry continues to thrive with millions travelling to the Greek islands for a relaxing time and just as many travelling to Athens to see the remains of the Greek ancient civilisation. One key part of Greek culture is the amazing food. One of the more popular dishes in Greece is Moussaka, which is like lasagne but made with potato or eggplant instead of pasta. Another popular dish in Greece is saganaki and halloumi, which are both Greek cheeses that are fried and then served.

By Abie Farrell

–

December

Germany is one of the most modern countries in the world. With the fourth largest economy in the world, Germany

History of Germany

When thinking of Germany’s history, many people immediately think of the two world wars, however its history is wide and varied, from prehistoric tribes to royal families, communism and the democracy it is today, Germany has gone through many different times. In 1871 a German Empire was made, unifying German speaking countries. In 1888, Kaiser Wilhelm came to power, and by 1914 WWI had started. After Germany lost WWI it went into depression and eventually its economy took at turn for the worst. In the 1920’s money in Germany became worthless allowing for the rise of Hitler. WWII saw Germany become a horrible place where an evil man ruled. After the war, Berlin, the capital, split into East Berlin and West Berlin. East Berlin was a communist state where the people had little freedom and was separated from the rest of Berlin by the Berlin Wall. In 1989 the people of Germany knocked down the Berlin wall and Germany was one again.

Germany Today

Germany is one of the richest countries and continues to lead the rest of Europe. As part of the European Union, Germany takes a massive role in helping other countries. It is the industrial powerhouse of Europe with many different products coming from there including a wide range of cars like Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes.

By Abie Farrell

–

November

The world is an amazing place, with so many different countries and cultures to experience. This month’s country is China. China is one of the fastest growing countries in the world and at the moment the President of China is visiting Britain.

History of China

China’s history is almost 5,000 years old. China started as an ancient civilisation and progressed through the ages to the modern country we know today. Some of the world’s greatest sites are situated in China, the most famous being The Great Wall of China which can be seen from space! The Great Wall of China was built to protect the people of China from invasion. Building started 770 BC and lasted until 1644 AD. At one point during its construction, 20% of the population were forced to build the wall and many died while building. Every time China conquered a new part the wall would be extended. The wall is a massive part of China’s history and represents the struggle of the ordinary people.

China Today

Today, China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and is set to become the richest country in the world. At the moment, China’s average wage is $4,755 however this is raising as more people demand better living conditions. China also has the biggest population in the world at 1.355 billion. Despite China’s development, some of its population still live in caves. Every year thousands of tourists visit China to see its vast array of attractions. From modern, vibrant cities like Beijing and Shanghai to ancient monuments like the Great Wall and Forbidden City, China has so much to offer to everyone and will be at the centre of global attention for a while to come.

By Abie Farrell

Local Sports:

SAINTS RUGBY – Sale Match 1/11/2015
TIMELINE
14mins SALE Miss pen Cipriani
17mins SALE Pen Cipriani 3-0
23mins SALE Pen Cipriani 6-0

30mins SAINTS Pen Myler 6-3
34mins SAINTS Pen Myler 6-6
36mins SALE Try James Con Cipriani 13-6
HALF-TIME SALE 13 SAINTS 6
45mins SALE Try Addison Con Cipriani 20-6
54mins SAINTS Try + Con Myler 20-13
68mins SALE Miss pen Cipriani
FULL-TIME SALE 20 SAINTS 13
SAINTS Foden; K Pisi, G Pisi, Burrell, Elliott; Myler, Fotuali’i; A Waller, Haywood, Brookes, Lawes, Paterson, Gibson, Wood (cast), Dickinson
Hartley, E Waller, Hill, Day, Harrison, Dickson, Hanrahan, Tuala
REFEREE Andrew Small

–
(Source Northampton Saints Website)
View up to date league tables for the saints at : http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/rugby/league-tables/
Interested in giving rugby a ‘try’? http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/community/play-rugby/
Visit this website for details of Saints training and courses near you!

–

COBBLERS FOOTBALL
Latest news:
20/10/15: 3-2 Win against Carlisle
24/10/15: 2-1 Win against Stevenage
31/10/15: 2-2 Draw with Newport
Upcoming fixture: 27/11/15 against Coventry. Tickets available on the NTFC website.
Cobblers are currently sat 5th in their league with 5 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss to their name which means expectations are good for this season on the pitch.
Interested? Check out http://www.ntfc.co.uk to learn more!

–

CRICKET

NORTHANTS LAUNCH GIRLS ELITE PROGRAMMES
Twelve Girls from Northamptonshire will embark on an exciting new chapter of their cricket careers, as the County introduces two new elite programmes for girls. In addition to a full Emerging Players Programme, which was run in pilot form through the second half of last winter, a brand new elite programme, aimed at players who are too young or not quite ready for the full EPP, will be commencing alongside. This will help meet the needs of a demographic whose tendency is for earlier physical and mental development than their male counterparts.
Source (http://www.northantsrecreationalcricket.co.uk/northants-launch-girls-elite-programmes/

By Ellie Phipps

Monthly Politics:

February

OUR CURRENT GOVERNMENT

The Government is made up of members of the party that won the majority of the vote in the general election, these members govern the country – basically they make proposals and decisions, especially in crises. Our current government is Conservative and led by David Cameron. Not all members of the majority party – the Conservatives – are part of the government, these are called “backbenchers” and they sit at the back of the chamber of the House of Commons.

Aside from the Prime Minister having Conservative MPs (Members of Parliament) generally on his side, he also has Advisers and Civil Servants. Advisers are biased, temporary (change when a different government is chosen) and help the Prime Minister to consider decisions whereas Civil Servants are fairly politically neutral and more anonymous.

By Sabina Pursey

–

January

PARLIAMENT:

In a general election we each vote for a candidate known as an MP which means Member of Parliament. A Member of Parliament is usually a person, male or female, that belongs to a political party and has been elected to represent an area of the United Kingdom. They are elected on their political stance, party relations and personal views. The MP for Northampton North is Michael Ellis and the MP for Northampton South is David Mackintosh.

Parliament is where the legislation – statute law – is made. Parliament is made up of two houses – making it ‘Bicameral’ – the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The House of Lords is made up of 822 “Peers” and they are chosen by the Prime Minister, other “Lords/Peers” and political parties. The House of Commons is made up of 650 “MPs” that each represent what is known as a constituency (a group of voters in a certain area – for example, Northampton North). These constituencies have voted for their MPs mainly on the basis of their membership in a political party.

LAWS:

As above you can see that Parliament makes “Statute Law” which is more sovereign than Case Law or Common Law.

Case Law is made by the Judiciary based on previous cases when needed.

Implementing Common Law is one of the Judiciary’s main functions and it can be interpreted by Judges on a case by case basis.

By Sabina Pursey

–

December

POLITICS AND CURRENT NEWS

As most of you may have noticed, there was an election earlier this year on the 7^th of May; with the Conservative party winning the majority of the votes. Prior to that of course, NSG held its own election on the 1^st of May, and the majority of the students voted the Labour party as their choice. These are both political parties that were competing to stand for the general election to govern our country.

Some of you may be wondering all about how this system works, what ‘politics’ actually is and how to understand and acknowledge current events that are shaping our society! Well, look no further! In this section should be an understandable, politically neutral information bank for all you wish to know! Please feel free to send an email if you want a specific topic featured or explained.

Let’s explain the basics to start with:

What is “Politics”?

Politics is a way for people to promote or take on ideas about how a country should be run, these ideas are known as “Ideologies” and are based on principles; such as equality. However, these ideas can sometimes create conflict between groups of people in society. Some believe that politics is a struggle to gain power; either to help society or to just hold the power for themselves.

What do the Labour Party stand for?

The Labour Party is on the left “wing” of the political spectrum, this is because their main values include an ideology of “socialism” which is the idea that if everyone works together – “collectivism” – then the outcome will be greater.

The current Labour Party leader is Jeremy Corbyn, who has only just taken over from Ed Miliband, the previous Labour leader.

You can find out more about the party on their website:

http://www.labour.org.uk/

What are the Conservative Party’s values?

The Conservative party is on the right “wing” of the political spectrum and their main values include a focus on “individualism”, this is the idea that an individual person’s achievements can be greater than that of a society working together.

The current Conservative Party leader is David Cameron, who has also been the Prime Minister since the general election of 2010.

You can find out more about the party on their website:

https://www.conservatives.com/

 By Sabina Pursey

Interview With A Teacher:

January – Mr Simmons

How long have you been teaching at the school?

This is my first year at NSG, but I have been teaching for 6 years now…feeling old!

Which subject do you teach?

I teach Art, Photography and Arts Award.

Do you enjoy working in this school?

I thoroughly enjoy teaching at NSG! All the students in Art and Photography seem so enthusiastic about their ideas and willing to take creative risks!

Have you taught at any other schools?

I have taught in previous schools before in Leicester and Northampton, both very different in the type of school and students.

What interests do you have outside of school?

I enjoy creative things (It would be weird if I didn’t) such as creating my own Art and Photography work. I enjoy my sport as well, such as tennis and rugby (Go Leicester Tigers!) and I am the first to admit I am a HUGE gaming nerd!

What kind of music are you interested in?

Little bit of a rocker! Rock, Punk and a little metal at times!

Do you have a favourite film?

Pans Labyrinth directed by Guillermo del Toro, basically a very dark Alice in Wonderland.

What would your ideal weekend be?

Filled with watching Leicester Tigers win, Nandos at some point and chilling out with my partner and friends playing video games! If weather was good throw in some tennis as well!

Have you wanted to do anything else other than teaching?

Not really, I did begin to wonder weather to take my art skills into the video game industry as a concept artist but I knew that I enjoyed discuss and helping people with their ideas too much.

How did you get into teaching?

I was a ‘learning assistant’ in my old school when I was doing A Level and really enjoyed it. After that I did some work experience during my degree in Art and Photography and went straight to my teaching qualification afterwards.

Interview by Sophie Bennett

–

–

December – Mrs Jones

How long have you been teaching at the school?

Almost four years

Which subject do you teach?

English

Do you enjoy working in this school?

I love working at NSG

Have you taught at any other schools?

I’ve taught in 4 other schools, 3 of them in the same location. Let me explain…my first job was at the school I went to as a pupil in Essex (Hassenbrook Comprehensive). After a year I moved to Northampton and taught at Trinity School, which was eventually knocked down and rebuilt as Unity College. Unity then closed down and reopened as Malcolm Arnold Academy. So three of the schools I taught in were literally on the same piece of land, different names.

What interests do you have outside of school?

My interests are reading, listening to music (especially live at concerts) and walking.

What kind of music are you interested in?

I have very mixed musical tastes, ranging from folk to heavy rock with a bit of pop punk as well. At the moment I really like All Time Low and Fall Out Boy as well as the eighties band Def Leppard.

Do you have a favourite film?

I would say my favourite films are Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Withnail and I.

What would your ideal weekend be?

My ideal Saturday would be to get up and read for a couple of hours, go for a walk in the afternoon and then see a band in the evening. Or a whole weekend in North Wales walking in Snowdonia.

Have you wanted to do anything else other than teaching?

I’ve only ever wanted to be a teacher really. When I was a teenager I used to read a music magazine called Smash Hits and I thought it would be great to write for it, but I did not seriously consider it as a career.

How did you get into teaching?

I did an English degree at Nottingham University then stayed on another year to do a PGCE.

Interview by Sophie Bennett

–

–

November – Mr Wallace

How long have you been teaching at the school?

I have been teaching at this school for 14 years.

Which subject do you teach?

Resistance materials, a bit of Art, and now this year some ethics and philosophy as well.

Do you enjoy working in this school?

Yeah, I love working at this school, the teachings great. You lot are brilliant!

Have you taught at any other schools?

Yeah I have taught at two other schools previously. My first school I taught at was a primary school in Brackley with 500 students and I was a year five class teacher and then I went to a middle school and I was a year 5 class teacher for four years and then went up to year 7 and then year 8 and then came here and took year 9 on and then moved up.

What interests do you have outside of school?

I have got a few hobbies, one is called fantasy live roleplay, so it’s a bit like a re-enactment role play kind of thing. So you have battles and all these politics goes on and you play a character in that world. Its actual live action and you dress up and act and stuff. So its acting I guess.

What kind of music are you interested in?

Anything I like, like singer song writer stuff, I like folk rock, progressive rock. I like a band called Genesis from the 70s, Muse, Coldplay, and Snowpatrol. I like singer song writers like Damien Rice, Seth Lakeman but that’s more folk music. And then again just anything else that it nice to listen to, that’s relaxing.

Do you have a favourite film?

Shawshank Redemption, Love Actually, and the Bourne series.

What would your ideal weekend be?

Walking, because that’s another hobby. Walking in the mountains with a nice clear blue sky and a feeling of Christmas to the air, like sometimes you get in winter where it’s snowy and stuff and you get a clear bright blue sky and you get the nice shiny sun and then you’re walking. I’d love that. Oh and camping, I love camping.

Have you wanted to do anything else other than teaching?

Yeah, I’d love to write music and record music, that’s would be great. But not to be famous or anything like that but like the whole process, I love writing music and then someone can do anything else with it.

How did you get into teaching?

I was 28 and I started coaching at a hockey club that I played for and the men’s first team captain was the head teacher and because I got a coaching qualification for the hockey association he ask me if I’d like to go to his school to do some coaching at his school. So I did that for a few months and then I quite enjoyed it and he said have you ever thought of being a teacher and I went no and he said well I think you should go into teaching, so it’s his fault.

Interview by Sophie Bennett

Book Reviews:

March

Current Book of the month

Me Before You – JoJo Moyes

Following Lou Clarke’s recent unemployment from The Battered Bun, a café she’s been working at for as long as she can remember; she doesn’t know where to go or what step to take next.
However, she finds unlikely employment with Will Traynor; a man whose motorcycle accident took everything away from him, or so he thinks.
But during the first few weeks of working for Will and in the midst’s of building an unsteady friendship; Lou uncovers a truth so heart breaking she finds that she’s unable to continue with this uncertain routine any longer.
Although, with the help of her sister, she obtains the courage to overcome this dark secret and help the man that’s integrated himself into her life.
Through the next few months of knowing each other, Lou and Will solidify their friendship; bringing something new to each other. They discover truths about one another, and rekindle a previously doused flame.
But as the clock ticks closer to the end of her time working for him, will Lou be able to overcome the harshness that is reality and break through to the stubborn, brilliant man that is Will Traynor?
A heart-warming, yet heart breaking tale of friendship, love and rediscovery.

By Nassima Ali

1930s Book of the month

The 1930s is the time period I am looking at this month, and there are several famous and controversial books that were wrote at this time. The book I will be focusing on is another American novel published in 1937. From the First World War up to the great depression in the 1930s there was a movement that originated in New York called the Harlem Renaissance which corresponded with The Jazz Age. This time was very important for the development of America socially and culturally. Through this time a book which is highly read by teenagers, if they want to or not, was published by John Steinbeck. ‘Of Mice and Men’ a book which portrays the strengths of poor migrants workers in America. In recent years the book was studied by 90% of students taking English language GCSE. This short novel (a novella) takes us through the problematic and difficult journey that the main characters ‘George’ and ‘Lennie’ as they travel finding work and meet new people on the ranch. It is a gripping and emotionally provoking novella.

By Hannah Freeman

1940s Book Review of the month
Two books stand out for me from this decade. Two book which has shaped me as a person and influenced the world. These books are of course ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ Anne Frank (1947) and ‘1984’ by George Orwell (1949). Both books I believe everybody should read, and it is for this reason that I have decided to do a small review on both.

The publication of Anne Frank’s diary shocked and moved the world. Reading the story of a
young jewish girl during the World War 2, a time of such oppression and violence, brings a cruel reality to anyone who opens its pages. It displays the family’s two year honorable hiding from the nazi occupation in The Netherlands. The family were found in 1944, and Anne died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945, just weeks before the camp was liberated.. The diary was retrieved by Miep Gies, who later gave the diary to Anne’s father, Otto Frank. Anne had repeated mentioned her dream of being author so he began the process of getting it published. Her father is the only known survivor of the Frank family.

Since its publication in 1947, Anne’s diary has been published around the world in over 60 different languages. The Diary is a testament to the bravery and determination of jewish families which experienced such horror at this time. By reading this book we not only become more aware of the struggles families like the Franks went through but we appreciate the little but also huge story of a teenage girl experiencing the last two years of her life.

‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ is a classic and timeless non-fiction book, however ‘1984’ by George Orwell is one of my personal favourite fiction reads. The theme of the novel is depicted from the controversial at the time political system of socialism, in particular English socialism.

In the book, Orwell creates a dystopian world in which Citizens are rules by ‘Big Brother’ and are not permitted to have their own thoughts. Orwell constructs three states: Oceania, Eastasia and Eurasia. Winsten, the main character in the novel, is a scholar from Oceania and cannot help but let his thoughts run wild. He starts to question the authority and wisdom of ‘Big Brother’ and moves towards his own liberation. His quest to be set free is not so straightforward.

‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’ is a political statement and can be interpreted as Orwell’s warning to the world. In fast developing world, with increasing regulations and a growing state, is it possible for a world so restricting to exist? Orwell did not believe that 35 years after the novel’s publication that the world would be rules by Big Brother. However he did claim that 1984 could happen if mankind was not aware of personal freedom and what threatens it.

By Hannah Freeman

Current Books of the Month

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Set in the small town of Fairfold, where faeries and humans coexist; Hazel and her brother, Ben have learnt long ago that fairy tales aren’t to be trusted. The distrust the humans hold for the fae is ever growing and in the centre of it all, a horned boy lies asleep in a glass coffin in the middle of woods. As kids, both brother and sister were infatuated with the boy whose ears were as sharp as knives. But after centuries of lying there; one day the boy is set free, and he awakens.

What follows after turns Hazel and Ben’s world upside down, and in the midst of fighting to understand what their world has come to, they try to reconcile their bond as siblings and share the heartaches of first love.

The underlying sinister faerie tones of the novel beautifully contrast with the modern day setting and create a truly wonderful read.

I would definitely recommend to lovers of fantasy and those who hold an interest in all things fae.

Review by Nassima Ali

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January

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Aristotle Mendoza, or Ari, is your slightly less than average teen living in the 1980’s who has an entire summer ahead of him with nothing to do and no friends to bother. That is until, an unlikely meeting with Dante Quintana at the swimming pool, opens up his lonely world. At first it seems like that they have nothing in common, despite the fact that they’re both friendless, teenage boys occupying the same space.

But the more time they spend with one another, they discover that they share a bond profounder than they might have previously thought.Although, an incident in the rain one summer evening threatens to tear their new found connection apart; unknowingly it just might be the thing that saves them.

Through his friendship with Dante, Ari rediscovers parts of himself that he’d once locked away but is ready to embrace again. And while he tries to rebuild his relationship with his father and reconnect with the brother that he’d once adored as a child; Ari finds something else in Dante that runs deeper than friendship.

But is he ready to embrace these foreign feelings?

A beautifully written book that skilfully explores the awkward stages of being 15 and the joy and heartache that comes along with it. Benjamin Alire Sáenz has perfectly captured the perplexity and butterflies that lie behind loving someone in a world where that love is deemed “unacceptable”.

For readers 12 and up.

A little bit of extra information, if you love this Benjamin Alire Saenz is coming out with the sequel ‘There Will Be Other Summers’ is coming soon…

Review by Nassima Ali

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December

Book review of the month from the 1920’s:

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The main themes in this classic book are justice, power, greed, betrayal, spirituality, love and the American dream. The book also offers a way of understanding social stratification of the time. Social stratification is the system in which society categorises or ranks people in a pecking order. Fitzgerald distinctly shows different groups in society however no matter how powerful or rich the group are they all have their own problems that they must face.   

The way in which Fitzgerald writes is almost like poetry and his ideas seamlessly connect sentences together to move quickly from one place or character to the next. The short novel takes you through an extravagant journey that allows you to indulge in the riches of west egg and revel in the aristocracy of east egg , New York. Let Nick Carraway narrate you through Gatsby’s quest to fix the future by straying in the past.

 Book review of the month you can read now!:

I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

   I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson is an explosion of colour among the young adult genre. It’s wonderfully written and has descriptions so vivid, they’ll come to life in your mind.

The novel follows twins, Jude and Noah through their adolescent years. With Noah, the gifted painter who hardly ever speaks outside of his mind and Jude, the daredevil who does the talking for both of them. The twins have always believed that they shared the same soul; that there’s only ever been NoahandJude.

But following a tragedy they’re torn apart and things aren’t ever quite the same between the both of them. There’s no more NoahandJude.

The early years are Noah’s story to tell and later years Jude’s; but what they don’t realise is that they both only have half of the story and if they could make their way back to each other, they could solve this mystery and remake their world.

A very addicting and unique read that depicts sibling and family relationships beautifully; along with the added romance that every young adult book never lacks. Tinged with heartbreak that inevitably follows love as both twins find themselves falling for boys they can’t have. It’s a definite must-read this winter; since we’re all missing the Sun.

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November

Book review of the month from the 1910’s:

Howards End by E.M. Forster

‘Howards End’ is written in what appears to be a feminine point of view. The author E.M. Forster was a strong humanist and his writing often conveyed these views. The two main characters in the book are Margret and Helen, who live in London and are very much a part of this alive and bubbling city. Margret marries a man 20 years older than her who is involved in dodgy trading and is an all round unromantic. Their marriage horrifies Helen. The book follows their relationships and investigates into their interactions with others around them and how they relate with each other. In the books E.M. Forster investigates three types of people in England, each with a different social class, and tries to answer the question ‘who will inherit England?’ or in other words, what class of people will define England? This question is important because of all the social change happening at the time. The author also explores the symbolic meaning of materialistic objects such as money.

Overall, ‘Howards end’ is a realistic presentation of the social, economical and philosophical powers of the time, showing how real men and women lived. Forster writes in a witty fashion and of the time period leading up to World War 1 and if the social issues such as humanism, feminism and homosexuality interests you then this book is for.

By Hannah Freeman

Book review of the month you can read now!:

I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes:

I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes has been described as being “the only thriller you need to read this year”, rated 5 stars by good reads, Waterstones and Random house it is one of ‘those’ books that you beg your friends to read so that you can discuss it with them. The book is about a retired US intelligence officer forced out of retirement to solve the mystery of a jihadist doctor radicalised by watching his father’s beheading in Saudi Arabia; the book has a dazzling structure that fuses the micro plot (a perfect murder committed in a Manhattan apartment) with the macro plot regarding “The Saracen” the villain of the book, so it intertwines in a loop of pure narrative pleasure. This book is so worthy of the hype and is clever and compulsive, it deals with real life and current news related issues that are written with such skill and verve. If you’re a James Bond, Fast and furious or Homeland fan this is the book for you.

By Thamsia Salam

Film Reviews:

Film of the month from the 1930’s:

The Wizard of Oz – 1939

Many of you may have heard of this film or have read the 1900s book written by L Frank Baum. The story follows the title character Dorothy Gale as she is swept away into the magical land of “Oz” by a tornado and has to make a journey along the yellow brick road to find the Wizard to help her get back home. A well loved classic, for those of you who love fantasy themed plots and musicals!

8/10

Film of the month from the 1940’s:

Citizen Kane – 1941

Directed, produced, co-authored by and starring Orson Welles, Citizen Kane follows the investigation of a newspaper publisher’s last word “Rosebud”. The film follows the character Charles Foster Kane, which is based on America newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst.

8/10

By Sabina Pursey

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November

Film of the month from the 1910’s:

The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari – 1919

Set in a post world war one fictional town in the North of Germany, The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari is the one of the first psychological horror films ever made. Filmed against distorted, twisted hand painted backdrops every scene cries out feelings of instability, insanity and terror. The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari was released in 1920 during the height of German expressionism, the dramatic black and white silent film plays out with a carefully emotive score that results in a similar reaction to film with dialogue. It supposedly represents the general consensus of emotions felt by the German people in the 1920’s. The film was inspired by director; Robert Wiene’s trip to the fair.

The film’s premise is that of a man retelling a story he and his friends had witnessed- their unsettling uncovering of a psychopathically insane showman (Werner Krauss) and his somnambulist (Conrad Veidt). A beautiful women walks by and one of the men, Francis (Friedrich Feher) is reminded of a recent time and begins to tell a story. The story is one of suspense, mystery and delirium. It keeps you in a constant state of confusion, right until the very last scene of the film which reveals a shocking, unexpected twist.

By Caitlin Whelan

Film of the month you can go and see now!:

Suffragette

This movie is about the British women’s suffrage movement, which was a real feminist pressure group in late 19^th and 20^th century who wanted women to have the right to vote. It’s a vibrant take on history and it captivates the essence of the dilemmas and inequalities women suffered in that time period. The movie itself focuses on a female character called Maud Watts (Carey mulligan) who finds herself stumbling across this, at the time, strange feminist group, Maud finds herself spiralling into the sheer mess and heart of the movement which sets the scene for the audience to see the effects of prejudice and misogyny in a democratic country. The workplace where Maud works shows the harsh reality of women being treated as a kind of sexually available livestock, it’s an important part of the story’s back drop and part of the genius of the screenplay. I would definitely recommend young girls and boys to go watch this film as it is immensely compelling and cleverly scripted.

By Thamsia Salam

Sports Information:

Hot Potato

Players: 4+

In this game, it’s quite simple, all you have to do is find a ball and get in a circle with your friends. You pass the ball to your friends, until someone drops it and then you start counting down from ten. If it lands on you when the timer counts down then you’re out, or you suffer a forfeit, e.g.: Stand on one leg.

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Capture the flag

Players: Minimum 4+

In this game, it’s better to play with more players. You split the group in 2 and basically each team hide the flag somewhere and then each team tries to find the opponents flag. If one team finds the flag first, they win.

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Dome ball

Players: 6+

All you have to do in this game is stand in a circle with your feet touching the other player and with your legs quite wide apart. Start with one ball in the middle and the aim is to get the ball out of the players legs and if you do then the player is out and so forth.

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Ladders

Players: 6+

Basically you get into pairs and sit opposite each other with your feet extended out to touch their shoes. Then someone will call out a number and whatever number your pair is will run up the ladder of legs and run back

By Lauren Dunkley

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November

What Makes A Good Sports Leader?

• Desire– Wanting or wishing to become a good leader.
• Aggressiveness-Having the right amount of aggressiveness means that people will listen to you if you need to get their attention.
• Determination– The perseverance of doing something even though it’s really difficult.
• Responsibility– Having a duty to make sure things are done and the tasks that need to be completed are done.
• Leadership-Having the right leadership qualities will help you in lessons or if you need a large group of people to listen to you
• Self Confidence-Having self-confidence will mean that you can do the set activities better because you believe in yourself.
• Emotional Control-Having emotional control is important because you won’t always win in sport so it’s good to try and be optimistic even if you lose.
• Mental Toughness– This is when you perform at the best that you can do and this is good in a sports leader because it allows you to improve your skills.
• Coachability-Willing to learn, develop, change and be motivated to achieving their targets.
• Conscientiousness– This is like desire because it means that you are willing to learn more and this will motivate others to do so as well.
• Trust– This is very important because if people trust you they are willing to earn and develop their skills further.

If you have all of these traits and are willing to learn and develop your skills further and to help others, you will be a good sports leader, because all of these qualities are important and need to be used equally.

By Lauren Dunkley

Exam Advice:

Quiz – Are you revising effectively?

How are you feeling about exams at the moment?

1. They’re ages away. I feel relaxed for now.
2. I’m really worried about them.
3. I am feeling fairly confident.

   What do your notes from lessons look like?

1. They are very messy and jumbled up.
2. Some of them are quite confusing. I need to organise them.
3. They are clear, concise and organised.

   How are you with meeting deadlines?

1. I’m not the best at doing this.
2. I meet them most of the time.
3. I always meet my deadlines.

   How often do you go over your notes?

1. I have not really been over my notes.
2. I have gone over them at least twice.
3. I go over them regularly (At least once a week).

   Have you made any revision props yet?

1. No.
2. I have started to make some.
3. I have made some revision cards, mind maps… etc on what I have learnt so far.

   Do you feel that the knowledge you have been taught so far has sunk in?

1. No! I don’t even understand half of it.
2. I do understand what I am being taught and some of it has gone in.
3. Most of it has sunk in.

   Have you done any practise exam questions yet (in your spare time)?

1. No.
2. I have tried at least one practise question from each subject.
3. I have completed multiple exam questions and either marked them myself or got feedback.

  Which of these best describe your health and attitude?

1. I am always tired and easily distracted.
2. I get a reasonable amount of sleep and my attitude varies depending on the day.
3. I sleep well and I am generally optimistic.

  How do you organise your time?

1. I just go with the flow.
2. I plan as I go along.
3. I have, at least, a rough timetable to help me manage my time.

 Do you always have a quiet and private place available for you to study?

1. No, only at school.
2. Sometimes.
3. Yes, whenever I want.

Mostly 1s…

You do not seem to be on top of your revision at the moment but do not panic! It is understandable that you may currently be undergoing coursework or additional projects and your focus will be on them for now. However, at least one hour a week of simply going over your notes or spending time making a mindmap on one of your topics will make all the difference. You can never prepare too early for exams.

The best place to start is by improving your organisation. Put some time aside after school to go through your folders, checking that your notes are ordered and understandable. If you can get ahold of some folder dividers so you can group your notes into topics then that would be fantastic! That way, you will have a clear head whenever you open your folder and you will know where everything is. Revising will not feel so much of a daunting task. In addition, you could perhaps set up a revision timetable to allocate time to each of your subjects and make sure you have time to do the things you love as well.

If there is anything you do not understand, you must ask for help! You could ask a teacher (it does not have to be your own), a friend who takes the same subject or a member of your family who may know. It is important that you understand what you need to revise or the information will not sink in.

Sleep is vital and will make all the difference to your attitude towards learning. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. If you do this regularly, you will find yourself feeling fresh in the morning and ready to tackle the day ahead of you! I would also advise drinking plenty of water instead of soft/flavoured drinks when learning because it vitalises your brain and helps you to concentrate more.

    Mostly 2s…

  You are on track so you must not overthink things and stress yourself out. You seem to have started some revision and you have gone over some of your notes. To enhance your revision skills even further, I would suggest that you go over your notes more regularly because, the more you repeatedly send information to your brain, the easier it will be to recollect it. After you have learnt a particular unit in one of your subjects, go over your notes again in a week then in two weeks and then in a month. You will find that the majority of that information will have sunk in after two months.

You have attempted at least one practise paper in your spare time and that is great. Keep this up and attempt some more, especially if you are taking an essay based subject. You will find that learning the required knowledge in class and actually writing the essay are two completely different challenges so you must be sure that you have the ability to write concisely with a sophisticated flair whilst meeting all of the criteria. Getting feedback on your work is essential; you can only keep improving each time.

Mostly 3s…

  You seem to be in the best possible place you can be right now so keep up the hard work and remember not to get stressed or worked up or this will affect the positive mindset you have now. You are doing very well at the moment but it is vital that you remember that this does not mean you can stop working as hard because you need to work even harder in order to stay on top of things. Keep going over your notes regularly, keep testing yourself and maintain your organisation. That way, when your coursework is completed, you will be ready to switch into full-time revision mode and it will not be so much of a panic in the weeks coming up to your exams.

You may be excelling in your revision but, equally, make sure that you are not depriving yourself of sleep! It is important that you preserve your health so that it does not negatively impact on your everyday life, your mindset or your work.

The Christmas Holidays are coming up so make sure that you meet your coursework deadlines. That way, you will be able to enjoy a stress-free and well deserved break from school as you spend some quality time with your loved ones. Breaks are equally as important when it comes to revising because they enable you to return to your studies with a fresh and optimistic attitude.

Merry Christmas and I wish you happy holidays!

By Megan Hillery

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November 

You are now halfway through the first term and you probably have not given a thought to starting your exam revision yet, which is completely understandable! The first few weeks of school are about getting you out of bed long before one o’clock in the afternoon and back into that regular routine. But, now that you have gathered your thoughts and have started to think about coursework, it is of utmost importance that you start reflecting on your knowledge so that it is not as much of a panic later.

  Not to worry. This does not mean hours of revision for each subject every week because those are very unrealistic expectations (although, if you can do this, great!). You do have your coursework and extra curricular activities to be thinking about after all. Just bear in mind that it may seem like you are too occupied to be starting your revision now but, trust me, you will find yourself even more short of time if you leave it all for later!

  Here are a few autumn term exam tips that will
help you prepare for next year:

Reflect

• Take 15 minutes of your time every now and again to go over your notes from lessons. Even if you simply scan a few pages to remind yourself of any key information.
• Try to do this at least once a week for a month.
• You can next move on to doing it once every two weeks and then once a month. By then, a lot of the information will be stuck in your head.
• During the weeks leading up to your exams, retrieve all of your information. You will find any last minute revision a lot less stressful.

Organise Your Time

Let’s be honest, we all procrastinate. It might be because your favourite blogger has uploaded a video or there is are five whole seasons of Game Of Thrones on Netflix waiting to tempt you away from your work… Don’t give in! This is a sign that you need to organise your time more so that you can effectively complete your school work and have plenty of time to do the things yo
u love. Here are two ways to do this:

1. Make a Timetable

• Create a table in a word document consisting of every day in the week and hourly times down the side.
• Begin to fill in your table with all of the lessons you have.
• Then, fill in any extra curricular activities, clubs or part time jobs you have.
• Next, fill in any breaks. (Note: Do not go an entire evening after school without a break because, the chances are, you will become bored and distract yourself anyway.)
• Focus on the free slots you have left. Allocate time to complete your homework and then the rest of it to revision.
• Now, the most important part: stick to your schedule! Take it from me, your life will be so much easier.

2. Daily Post-it Notes

• If you are not a timetable person, this is a quick, adaptable and easy way to organise your time!
• Buy a pack of post-it notes (You can purchase some very cheap at the Muriel Clarke library).
• For each day in your planner, stick down a post it note and write down the work that needs to be done that day so that you can always keep ahead.

• TIP: If you are in the process of doing coursework, an essay or a big project that is not under timed conditions, make sure you get small parts of it done for certain times so that you can complete the whole thing before your deadline. That way, you will have time to edit and refine it before you hand it in!
  For example, you might have an essay to write. One week, you might aim to complete your research for it and then, the following week, you may want to have your introduction written up.

• TIP: You could also colour code your post-its for different subjects or types of work.

  Remember, the most important thing is not to stress out. Make sure you have at least eight hours of sleep every night so you can wake up with a fresh mind. I advise drinking plenty of water as it will help you to concentrate when you are doing your work. I wish you the best of luck with your studies!

By Megan Hillery

Events in Northampton:

It’s December ! Which means a whole load of wintery/ christmassy events and wintery themed drinks. December is easily one my favourite months, purely because all the christmas themed shows are on, pantomimes start, and it’s suddenly acceptable to buy mince pies. This is a small collection of some of the many events happening in Northampton this month.
Theatre
All tickets must be booked in advance from the royal and derngate

The Snow Queen 25th November- 3rd January; Suitable for all ages, this twist on the fairy tale features hilarious characters and new, unforgettable songs.
“”A REFRESHING BREATH OF ICY AIR WHICH IS SURE TO WARM HEARTS THIS CHRISTMAS. CLASSIC FAIRY-TALES WITH A MODERN AND EXPERIMENTAL TWIST” – The Edge

So this is Christmas 4th Decebemer Tickets from £26. Featuring a talented cast and fully live band the show features two hours of seasonal classics such as White Christmas, Let It Snow, The Christmas Song, Jingle Bell Rock, Last Christmas, Merry Christmas Everybody, All I Want for Christmas Is You and Fairytale of New York.

Cinderella -with John Partridge as The Prince- 11th December – 3rd January

Suitable for all ages, and tickets from £11. The most popular pantomime returns!The age old tale of Cinderella and her rags to riches story returns to the stage with John Partridge as The Prince, a classic story, and a classic pantomime. An absolute must watch.
“It’s not really christmas in Northampton until you’ve been to the derngate panto” – Northampton Chronicle and Echo.
[For more shows, plays and musical acts visit the Royal & Derngate website, there bound to have something for everyone]

Events
Christmas at The Canal Museum and The Navigation Pub. Saturday 12th- Sunday 13th December 11am-5pm, suitable for all ages. Free to attend, a fun event for families, friends and people of all ages, with a christmas market, carollers, and illuminated canal boats. A magical event to put people in the christmas mood.

Northampton Christmas Charity Funday. Taking place at Northants Cricket and Country ground Sunday 29th  November 11am-5pm. A fun day out with Dj’s, Discos. Christmas stalls, face painting, glitter tattoos, and many more events and activities. All money made will be in aid of the ParkinsonsUK charity and the Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Awareness Appeal.

Christmas Card Workshop—Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, early December If you have younger siblings, cousins, or you’re just really into arts and crafts, you can attend this workshop, where you can make cards, calendars and other fun creations themed around Christmas. Further details about times and bookings are to be announced on the museum’s website.

Cinema Listings for December

The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2 (12A) – At long last we have the final film in the spectacular series, an amazing film adaptation that met all expectations. One of the biggest movie events of the year and a must see film.

Spectre (12A) – Daniel Craig returns as James Bond, in another action packed film following the exciting adventures of master spy James Bond.

Bridge of Spies (12A) – A masterpiece film from master storyteller Steven Spielberg, with a top cast, and capturing plot line.

Amy (15) – A touching and emotional tribute to one of the most famed voice of our generation; Amy Winehouse. A stunning candid view on Amy’s life, her struggles, and her great love and passion for music.

The Lady in a Van (12A) – A brilliant, and hilarious story, starring Maggie Smith as an eccentric lady who travels, and lives in her van; if the plot doesn’t catch your attention Maggie Smith’s brilliant character will.

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November

As the weather gets colder, and winter arrives, it becomes a lot more difficult to find activities and events to enjoy. So I’ve made it easy, by putting together a collection of events and exciting activities that Northampton has to offer this November.

Arts, Culture, and Family Events.

Museum and Art Gallery 150th— Closes 15th Nov In celebration of Northampton’s Museum and Art Gallery’s 150 year anniversary, there will be an interesting exhibition featuring 150 artefacts that tell the story of the museum. Starting from 1865, and moving all the way to present day Northampton.

Abington Park Museum’s Christmas Craft fair. 21st Nov 11am-4pm It’s already getting to that time of year where the mince pies are out in the shops and we start to write our Christmas lists. Why not get a head start on present ideas by checking out some of the amazing craft stalls open at the craft fair ?

Christmas Card Workshop—Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, early December If you have younger siblings, cousins, or you’re just really into arts and crafts, you can attend this workshop, where you can make cards, calendars and other fun creations themed around Christmas. Further details about times and bookings are to be announced on the museums website.

Bonfire Night Events

The Gunpowder Plot : Nov 5,6,7 from 6:30pm at Boughton House. A popular and exciting fireworks display set in the lovely location of Boughton house and its gardens. Price: Adults- £12.50 Children (under 16s ) £8.00

Northampton’s Biggest Fireworks Display. Nov 5th from 7pm at the Racecourse. Expected to be the biggest fireworks display with around 14,000 people to enjoy the amazing fireworks show. Price: Free

Dustin Mill’s Disney Fireworks Night : Nov 7th from 5pm at Duston Mill. An exciting Disney themed bonfire night; what not to love ? Pricing Adults £5 Children £3

Cinema listings—Nov

¨ Spectre 12A – Daniel Craig returns for another spectacular James Bond film.

¨ Mockingjay part 2 12A- The final film in the Hunger Games series finally hits the cinemas this November on the 19th.

¨ The Last Witch Hunter 12A– New York is threatened by darkness and witches. Starring Vin diesel as the last witch hunter.

¨ Suffragette 12A – exciting film all about the achievements of the early feminists.

¨ Pan PG– A fun filled film that tells the story of the boy who never ages before he became Peter Pan.

¨ The Martian 12A– difficulties arise for an astronaut when he finds himself stranded on Mars.

Theatre- All theatre viewings must be booked in advance through the Royal and Derngate website.

¨ Rebecca 9th Nov – 14th Nov – a   beautiful retelling of this haunting classic

¨ Of Mice and Men 19th Nov—Once again a brilliant classic comes to life on stage with a new cast and crew

¨ Strictly Northampton 21st Nov– Northampton’s version of strictly come dancing; showcasing a lot of Northampton’s talent

¨ The Snow Queen 25th Nov– Jan- New take on the famous fairy tale. Ideal for families and all the wintery feels

By Tanisha Thomas