The Hethersett Press #6

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The Hethersett Press #6

 

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Editor's Letter

Ladies and gentlemen, this is it. Due to Year 11 commitments, I have made the (very difficult) decision to leave my position as editor of the Hethersett Press. It's been a brilliant few years here as editor, and the team we've built has been extraordinary, to say the least. We've had ups and downs, more downs than ups, and to see it all flash before my eyes is a wonder.

Our new editor will have a fresh new take on the Press built for the next generation, and is truly a worthy successor to this mantle in her own right. However, for this issue, as one final gift from me to all of you, this final issue of mine is a sort of greatest-hits compilation of everything you guys have loved over the years- opinions, sense, nonsense, and digestive biscuits, before everything changes. Probably for the better.

It's been an honour, guys, and I will still be making guest appearances every now and again, but for now, it's time for this incarnation of the Press to ride away into the sunset before it overstays its welcome. So, turn the page. One last time. 

Roshan Deb - Editor

Meet the HP team

Editor: Roshan Deb 

Reviews Editor: Hunar Kaur 

Reporters: George Smith, Sophie Young, Holly Goldspink, Nathan Barns 

Writers: Grace Wan, Sophie Young 

Illustrator: Hunar Kaur 

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

 

Is AI a tool for good or evil? YOUR THOUGHTS

The benefits and perils of AI has been in the news a lot this year, so Nathan Barns, Year 8, asks you what you think of this technology. 

"AI is scary and for me I don't really use it." Izzy Smee, Year 10 

"I think AI is good, but it stops people trying their hardest" Emily Smith, Year 8 

"I don't really use it, but I think it's fine" Brooklyn Berryman, Year 8 

"It's scary because it's taking over the world, but on the other hand it is cool because you can ask it anything." Hayden Barns, Year 8

What are your thoughts on AI? Let us know your thoughts! 

 

Global warming By Holly G, Year 8

Temperatures are rising, 
And icebergs are melting. 
Our world is crying, 
Why aren't we helping. 
Earth is changing, that much is clear. She shouts out for help, praying we hear. 
Sea levels climb and we are to blame, 
We continue on walking, down the path of shame. 

But after all this, hope still remains. 
If we work together, and go down the lane Of healing, love and also pain, 
The Earth will be able to thrive, 
Allowing future generations to surivive. 

 

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

Dealing with changes 
Not only is The Hethersett Press going through editorial changes next term, but we are all moving up a year. This will bring new challenges and opportunities for us all. We've got this! 

 

The Olympiad 2025

Hey, reader, I know you are interested in what happened at the Olympiad earlier this year, and, although you could not be there with me in the audience watching the incredible people performing poems, speeches and plays, let us travel back in time, as I guide you through what happened on that magical day. It is truly the opportunity of a lifetime, so you should experience it too.

Says Sophie Young, Year 8. 

First, let's set the scene! Imagine you are in a big theatre, sitting in a comfortable chair with people beside you who are all there for the same purpose: 'to celebrate [ and] share the love of reading'. 

The room turns pitch black as you hear the sound of a child's footsteps walking towards the giant stage that stands in front of you, in front of your peers, in front of tons of people who will soon be watching that same child's performance. The same child who asked for help, the same child who doesn't contribute in class, the same child who seemed to have no talent - but there they are, stood in front of you, a crowd watching them, as they recite their poem - doing something they thought they could never do, as their hands shake and voice trembles - but, they do it. You sit there, feeling amazed by the way of words are presented by such a young person. You listen closely to all the student-authored poems, deciding which one you like the best. The themes of these poems don't differ widely, but you find it hard to choose just one you love - as all of them are so unique, whilst still fitting with the theme of 'crossing frontiers'. As the spotlight shines on each student, lighting up their imagination, they share their enlightening poems with you. The claps from the audience fill the theatre, as the students, one by one, finish reading their work. 

Now, let me remind you, there are three slightly different categories for these poems: the original student authored poems - which are judged based off both the performance and content. Next, there are the submissions of original student authored poems - which are judged solely from the content, not the performance. You listen to each one closely, as you realise how 'no one notices one tree that has been cut down in the forest' but here, you have been planted with so many opportunities growing in front of you, wondering how much you would be able to do, if you really were here. 

Then comes the pre-existing poem recital. Here, you can listen to some more well-known poems; this category is judged solely from the performance of the poems, not the content. These contestants performed unoriginal poems, but added their own twist to it - for example: using actions, and props. 

Furthermore, there was a poetry workshop. During this, we discover how to remember a script and write stories. You listen intently, wondering if this will help you in the future. In the future when you are the one stood on that stage, watching the crowd cheer for you as the spotlight shines on your face, lighting up all you have to say, for all to hear. 

Now, time for the speeches. These really take your interest, as their choice of words open the audience to many different interpretations. The theme for these, are "why travel when you can read?" These speeches address how good reading is compared to travelling - presenting books like 'magical passports' where 'every page is a ticket to somewhere new.' In the moment, you wonder how many places you have travelled to through the realm of stories. Finally, we move onto the five minute plays - you watch intently as you are transported into many different worlds, each one with a different story to tell. They are short but powerful messages. 

As you watch the last performance, knowing the day is coming to an end, you reflect on what you have seen today as the awards are announced. The powerful poems, the persuasive speeches, and the entertaining plays. As you reflect upon these things. You dwell on what reading means to you. Although you cannot yet find a clear conclusion, you decide that you will know with time. For now, you appreciate the poems and plays that have been shared with you today - it was the opportunity of a lifetime. 

 

Your Voice Matters

Why deforestation affects us all, and are you eating chocolate digestive biscuits all wrong? Join in some of the debates that have got the HP team talking this year... 

How do you eat a chocolate digestive biscuit? 

Have we been eating chocolate digestive biscuits incorrectly? Roshan Deb, Year 10 takes up the taste challenge. 

After the Minecraft Movie (which, to be frank, is one of the worst films I've ever seen) launched to monumental box office success, and the untimely rebirth of both Daredevil and the UFC Ice Bucket Challenge, I didn't think the this year could get any weirder. That was until McVitie's told us the objectively correct way to eat a chocolate digestive was chocolate-down. Naturally, when the public found out, they were either confused or outraged at this shocking revelation. Here is how our team here at the Hethersett Press reacted after catching wind of this information and how I, personally, feel on the matter. It was a dark and stormy night at the Hethersett Press, and the shocking reveal had just been given, along with a pack of McVitie's Chocolate Digestives. 

The majority of us were confused, we didn't know which way these biscuits were supposed to be eaten, we just ate them without thinking. We all turned our brains off, and we all ate chocolate-up, biscuit-down. The other groups of us were stone­cold certain these biscuits were to be eaten in that manner. All seven people tested naturally ate them that way, living under the influence of the fascist dictatorship know as our minds. Or we just followed common sense... 

So, naturally, we decided to eat them chocolate-down, and here are the results: 

Ms Ludford, English teacher, commented on the matter, stating beforehand this was "absolutely alien to [her]" and standing ground after a quick decision that chocolate digestives were not meant to be eaten the way these half-crazy, half-radical revolutionaries at McVitie's are now telling us. 

However, the majority of us, after taking the fated bite, tasted little to no difference between both methods of eating. 

My view? There is little to no difference, aside from one backed up with 'scientific' evidence ( or is it a marketing ploy, because I bet you want a chocolate digestive biscuit now!) from McVitie's themselves, stating their new, intended way ensured the tongue pick up the taste of the chocolate and allowing it to melt quicker and, whilst I do taste something of a difference when doing that, I presume it's more of a mental difference influenced by the original article. 

So, in conclusion, there is really no difference, no matter how much our minds keep telling us otherwise. 

I suppose why our minds our telling us to eat the biscuits biscuit­down links into a greater discussion on secondary sense (why maths is red, why the spiky shape is Kiki, why the letter "e" is yellow, etc), but secondary sense never made much sense to begin with. Eating with the biscuit-up, however, proves itself to be scientifically correct, despite how wrong it may seem. 

What do you think? Do chocolate digestives taste better chocolate side up or chocolate side down?

Let us know! Contact us via Ms Harrowing at emmaharrowing@inspirationtrust.org

 

The impact of deforestation on humanity 

Deforestation is something that affects other countries and not the UK, right? Wrong. It will ultimately affect all of mankind, and time is running out to stop it, says Holly Goldspink, Year 8.

What is deforestation? 

Deforestation is the purposeful clearing of forested land. We do this to gain resources like wood and to allow space for new buildings. Although deforestation allows humans to expand and grow, it can cause horrific issues for other species. 

What can deforestation cause?

Deforestation can cause many issues such as climate change, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding and an increase of greenhouse gases being released in to the atmosphere. Additionally, it is estimated that we lose 137 species of animals, plants and insects everyday due to deforestation. 

Furthermore, the fewer trees we have the less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere. All of these problems that are occurring are because of our want for these resources that our Earth has provided for us. Humans are being greedy by taking advantage of things that don't belong to us, which is unjustifiable. 

What can we do instead? 

Nowadays, humans have the technology to use less paper and instead use computers and phones. However, this may be a problem for developing countries who have little or no access to this technology and electricity. Instead, we could provide community scale mini grids to places that need electricity. Obviously, we wouldn't be able to stop the use of paper as it is a very valuable resource, but if we reduced the use of it we could reduce deforestation. 

Why should we try to stop deforestation? 

Deforestation can cause many problems and issues that are affecting our planet. If we stop deforestation this will allow nature to thrive while allowing species to live in peace. Deforestation is a huge problem that humans must overcome, but I believe if everyone works together to stop it, we will succeed. 

 

Poem By Roshan Deb, Year 10

In a tow nay fer, nor veriled neet, 

Laeved Greg the Beege with litral creer.

One die he flooned, to his mild dimtray, His flooper-pen had skibber-way. 

 

And three and four, he dreemed and gor,

With blades of pribble, oh fibble, oh wibble.

And thise he trenchered, cross widely bor.

He fubbed and wubbed and sliced the

wibble. 

 

Now, thus, he framed the flooper-pen.

With eyes of speen and crays of lept, 

He saw the flooper-pen entrimed, 

In the jaws of a nearsome Frubdub bear. 

 

And one hath saw, the griesty war: 

The nickle-nack of pribble blades, 

The war and dor and cond of two, until the

Frubdub bear was slain. 

The flooper-pen lamed eyes on Greg, the

Frubdub bear went skibber-way. 

 

The Big Interview: An Architect's Dream

One of the biggest highlights this school year has been the building and the opening of H Block. Editor Roshan Deb speaks to Senior Structural Engineer Brendan Audis from Norse and Chartered Architect Jonathan Secker about the ambitious build. 

Roshan Deb (RD) How different was the original draft of the block from the final product? 

Brendan Audis (BA) and Jonathan Secker (JS): Complex projects often go through many iterations of design, from the initial concept through to feasibility studies then detailed design followed by construction. This constant evolution is shaped by the needs and objectives of everyone involved. 

One of the early concept proposals was to use timber structure to support the dining hall roof, which at the time had an inverted 'gull-wing' shape. There were several reasons the design progressed to a steel supported flat roof with a parapet that you see now. First, from a structural perspective, the complex arrangement of timber glulam beams would be costly and inefficient. Second, from an energy performance perspective, there would not be enough 'thermal mass' to reduce the operating costs of the building, third from a maintenance perspective, accessing a flat roof with a parapet is safer and lastly the final design ultimately was most in keeping with the precedent set by the design of G Block and the brickwork features around the main stairwell. 

RD: Do you know why it's so difficult for the lights to turn on and off? 

JS: "The lighting has several automated controls to save energy. You may have noticed if you're the first person to enter the corridor, motion sensors will automatically turn on the lights as you move. When a space is unoccupied for two minutes ( or whatever length of time chosen by your school) and the motion sensors detect no movement then the lights turn off automatically. Furthermore, any rooms with windows also use daylight sensors to reduce artificial lighting levels when there's plenty of natural light which is the best light to keep you alert and ready to learn." 

RD: Was it decided what room would be which while you were building, and if so, how did it impact your decision? 

BA: In order for the Academy to meet the curriculum needs for increased student numbers, we used Department for Education guidance on the number and type of classrooms required. The new block was an opportunity to provide new specialist classrooms like the new resistant materials workshop, graphics classroom and ICT suites. It's important to decide which rooms will be specialist classrooms and where the kitchen and dining room will be early in the design process to ensure they're fit for purpose. The exact layout of rooms, including offices and toilets was developed throughout the design. 

JS: "It's very important for a structural engineer to know the layouts and intended uses as early as possible during the design stages - as this can affect the loading on the building." 

RD: Did you feel any sort of privilege in building for the Academy? 

Joint response: Absolutely, yes. We are entrusted to enhance the learning environment for students and that is both an honour and a privilege. Ultimately, young people are the future of our country, to create a place where they can thrive allows us to directly contribute to the community, for that, we feel incredibly privileged." 

RD: What do you enjoy most about construction and why? 

BA: It has to be seeing the end product after months or even years of hard work and being able to say 'Hey, that's my project!' 

JS: My favourite part is seeing people use the space. Throughout the design process the building users are central to our thoughts so it's always nice to see that through to reality. 

RD: What parts of H-Block did you actually create? 

BA: I carried out the structural analysis, design and structural drawings for building. This included the reinforced concrete foundations, through to the steel frame and smaller secondary items like lintels over windows. Assessing the structures stability under vertical loading, such as a full classroom, and lateral loading, such as wind. 

JS: While I didn't pick up a trowel or lay a single brick, we use special modelling software to build every part of the building digitally before the contractors start on site. We start with deciding how big the footprint of the building needs to be and how tall the building should be and continue to add detail until every window desk and display screen is added. 

RD: What are you most proud of creating that you can truly call yours. 

BA: This is a tricky question because I am proud of all my projects. Hethersett Academy I'm particularly fond of as I was also heavily involved in the design of the G-Block and so I have seen the changes to the Academy over the years. 

JS: "I'm proud of all the projects I'm involved in but projects the size and scope the new dining hall block require input from dozens of professional designers and engineers and hundreds of construction trade professional so I could never say any project is truly mine. When it comes to my own house, that's a bit different. It's impossible to resist tweaking and changing the property where I am the primary stakeholder and designer. That's where I can really have fun and experiment with design ideas. 

RD: And, finally, what do you think of those pesky students? 

Joint response: We think you are all incredibly lucky, you have your whole lives ahead of you and we believe many of you will go on to do great things. Just don't take your education for granted - there are so many people involved in providing you with that education, from the obvious teachers and support staff to, right across the board, those designing your buildings. We all want you to do well. Some of you may even become Structural Engineers or Architects! 

 

The Review List 

One of the best books we have read this year was one that was celebrated at this year's Olympiad.

Book review: Wild East, by Ashley Hickson-Lovence 

By Holly Goldspink, Year 8 

When 14 year old Ronny witnesses the death of his best friend Max, his mum decides to move from East London to East Anglia. He finds it strange being one of the only students of colour in his new school but soon settles in after his English teacher encourages him to take part in weekly workshops with a visiting poet. 

This book would be suitable for teenagers and those who enjoy poetry and writing as the book revolves around a teenage boy who continues to persue his dream to be a rapper while developing his writing skills.

As I have never read a book written in the form of a poem before I found it confusing in places and I would've preferred if it was not written in this form. 

However, I found the book very heart warming and it made me feel empathy for characters I didn't like. Additionally, I enjoyed seeing the perspective of another person's challenges that they face daily. Overall, I thought the book was really good and I would recommend it as your next book to read. 

Rating 3.5 stars out of 5 

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

 

George's Puzzle Page 

Prize Riddles

I am a necessity in your life and I have come a long way since 1820. What am I? 

I am often neglected or crammed into the background. What am I? 

I am a necessity in your life but I am neglected and was invented in 1897. What am I? 

Can you solve all the riddles? Send in your answers to us and you could win some chocolate! Send your answers to Ms Harrowing at emmaharrowing@inspirationtrust.org. All correct entries will go into a prize draw.

Joke Corner 

One day my wife said have you seen the dog bowl, I said I didn't know he could. 

One day I looked up at the sky and said why so glum? 

One day I said to a whale hello and it said awooooooooooo!