BY THS STUDENTS, FOR THS STUDENTS ISSUE 1 - SPRING 2015

TUPTON LIVE Tupton’s brightest young musicians wow the crowds!

Chesterfield FC Stars pay VIP

visit to the school library.Find out why...

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Beat the BulliesFirst hand advice

on how to wise-up and stand up to petty pranksters

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CARTOON CORNER - HARRY POTTER - POLITICIANS GRILLED - SAVE THE BEES - AN ODE TO BRACES PLUS:

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STUDENTS’ LOG

A message from the Editor

Page 3 Beat Bullying An Ode to BracesPage 4 The Art of Revision Life’s A Beach Did You Know? Mr Knowles Says...Page 5 Tupton LivePage 6 Duke of Edinburgh The Importance of the Honey Bee ‘My first year at Tupton Hall’Page 7 The Great Debate Potter Party Cartoons to make you go ‘Ahhh’Page 8 In the Box Football Stars

Inside this issue...

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About a year ago I sat in ICT with Matt Atkins (assistant editor), opened up the Internet and saw an article about journalists journeying into North Korea to uncover the truth about the state. We discussed how exciting it would be to travel there - to be in their shoes. We talked about writing down our own ideas on that issue, and that led us to talking

about setting up a school newspaper, and from there this idea sprang.

Granted, a school paper is nowhere near as exciting as reporting in North Korea, but a great opportunity nontheless. Even better to have other students involved, talking about current issues, what they’ve achieved, or what they’re into.

This is why I and the rest of the editorial board hope that this very first edition will get the sceptics to realise what a brilliant and unique prospect this could be for students and staff.

On a separate note, I would like to thank those

who have helped me and Matt to achieve this. Firstly, Matt himself, as without him we surely could not have achieved this - he has kept me sane throughout the year.

Secondly, and arguably most importantly, Miss Gallimore, the school’s Digital Communications & Media Officer (the one who emails you a lot with student bulletins). She has committed her time in order to help this newspaper/magazine actually happen. We have probably frustrated her a lot, and I thank her again for not showing this frustration as much as she may have wanted to.

I must also thank all of

the students who have sent in their ideas and have been enthusiastic and involved - writing everything from articles to short stories. Sadly we could not fit them all into this issue, but they will appear in a future edition.

Finally, thanks to the heads of year who let us tag along to their assemblies so we could talk to year groups.

We hope that in the next year more people will get involved and that the Students’ Log will carry on for years to come. Take it from me - it’s great fun and will look good on your CV, bettering your higher education / employment prospects.

Nick AvisEditor in Chief

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Bullying. It’s a big issue, and it happens more than people think. Some people don’t see it, but it is there. Schools say they don’t tolerate bullying, but honestly I don’t think that anyone does.

There’s more than one type of bullying as you probably all know, so let’s start with...

VERBAL

Words hurt. That’s an understatement if I’m honest. People don’t think about what they say, and don’t realise that things like constantly spreading rumours, or saying things about people behind their backs is bullying.

Words affect people in so many ways, so if you get upset because someone is calling you names and they say you’re overreacting - you’re not. The best way to make it stop is to talk to someone, and try not to react in front of them or you’re giving them exactly what they want.

CYBER BULLYING

It’s everywhere. Whether it’s a horrid comment or a hurtful post directed at you, it’s always there.

Social media is called that for a reason. Social. As in, to socialise. Not to say hurtful things for everyone to see.

If you are the direct target of any of this, block them. Simple as. Because in my opinion if

they haven’t got the guts to say whatever it is to your face and they have to do it over the Internet, then they are not worth the worry.

PHYSICAL

Now this doesn’t necessarily mean beating people up, but it could be smaller things... tripping you up, pushing you into things on purpose. Anything that physically hurts you and is done on purpose.

You can’t let this happen. If it is, you have to speak up and tell someone. You have to let them know that what they’re doing to you is not okay. Because it isn’t.There is always someone to talk to, no matter how big or small. If you ever need to talk to someone,

there are drop-in sessions in Aspire on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you’re struggling with anything, or just need a chat, this can really help.

Don’t suffer in silence. If you see anyone you think is getting bullied, stand up for them - but don’t let them bully you too.

Next time, just think before you post something on Facebook. Just think before you say something. Just think about how they feel. Think about what you’re putting them through.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

Report bullying by texting 07781 474660. Start your message with 20890. Or call 0845 2258230 and key in your ID: 20890.

By Georgia FletcherYear 9

Beat Bullying

BracesApprehensive to say the least, I entered the waiting room met by an eerie silence, no doubt everyone was just as anxious as I was, all awaiting the same fate; a set of metal monstrosities to be fixed into their mouth, set to make them hate their very own existence for the next 18 months. My name was called, I forced myself onto my feet and into the examination room, where my mouth proceeded to be pulled into a variety of unnatural positions with a multitude of

tools, used to fix this awful contraption to my teeth. I sat for what felt like hours (I was later told it was only around 20 minutes), and then, once I had reclaimed ownership of my mouth, was happily informed that I could no longer eat most of the things I enjoy most. I am immensely looking forward to going to have them tightened in a few weeks time and continuing this wonderful (and might I add not painful at all) process, and thoroughly enjoyed my orthodontic experience. I fully recommend this opportunity to you, and whole-heartedly believe you will enjoy it just as much as I did.

By Connor WettonYear 12

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In the early morning of the 12th of March, the AS-level geography group departed for the Holderness coast on a fieldtrip to aid in their studies. The picturesque coastline and good weather made for an enjoyable, albeit educational outing. A day out to well-known seaside town of Bridlington as well as other more scenic areas such as that of Flamborough Head gave a real insight into the many different geographical aspects of this wonderful area, and gave the students a chance to appreciate and see why this place needs protecting and sustaining for the future. The trip was well-received by both staff and students, and was a valuable outing which will aid the students on their examinations, as well as being an enjoyable visit for all.

Life’s a BeachBy Connor Wetton, Year 12

1. Revise activelyReading through your notes is the worst way to revise. Don’t just read: make up poems, mnemonics; summarise the notes; find key points and write them down. Make up quizzes and do them. Above all, do problems. Make up your own if you run out. Get active!2. Plan revisionMake a plan, stick to it. Don’t do a subject a day, you’ll get bored. I used to do mornings on one subject, afternoons on another and evenings on a third.3. Do past papers – as many as you canThe web will have the last three year’s papers on it. Papers from previous years are stored in the li-brary, just ask. In the last week before exams you should just be working through exam papers.4. Stuck on past papers? Ask for helpStudy groups can work, but this shouldn’t mean other people are doing your revision for you. They can’t because that doesn’t work. Study the subject, try an exam paper by yourself, then meet together to discuss. Don’t do past papers in the group – you need to learn to do it yourself. Remember, exams are not a team exercise.5. SleepIf you have to stay up all night to do last minute revision, you’ve already failed. You’ll end up so tired in the exam you can’t work anything out. 6. Eat a good breakfastAn exam is just as much a physical exercise as a race. Stuffing yourself full of sugar, or some energy drink just before will work fine for the first hour, but by the end of a three-hour exam you’ll have run out of energy. You need some food that will slowly release energy. Try porridge, eggs, wholegrains, oily fish and fruit & veg.7. Take a bottle of water in with you. It’s important to stay hydrated so your brain is working at it’s best.

The Art of RevisionBy Joshua Wainwright, Year 12

Did You Know?Mr Knowles Says...Under extreme high pressure, diamonds can be made from peanut butter!

I am delighted to support the production of our first student magazine; written for the students, by the students!

It is important to recognise that Tupton Hall School is here to provide a safe, exciting and aspirational environment in which all can thrive and develop. Listening to our students’ views and opinions is crucial if we are to improve further and deliver an outstanding school for all.

I hope our students enjoy reading the magazine and have the confidence to contribute to future editions. Congratulations to our wonderful reporting and editorial team who have worked so hard to get the magazine to print. You have done a super job and I look forward to reading the next edition!

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TUPTON LIVEPacked to capacity, an audience of onlookers in the Richard Smith Hall were treated to a spectacle in the form of some of Tupton’s brightest young musical talent.

The event? Tupton Live - an entirely student organised concert in aid of Chesterfield’s Deaf and Hearing Support Group. The charity provides support and assistance for many partially and profoundly deaf people in North Derbyshire. And Tupton Live raised a magnificent £732 towards the cause.

Students got the chance to showcase their varied musical abilities, with guitarists, singers and even a trombone making an appearance.

Exclusive prizes were up for grabs, kindly donated by local businesses such as Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall. It was the school’s BTEC music group who procured the prizes and organised the whole concert as part of their course.

Tupton Live was a fantastic event that really showed the creative side of students at Tupton Hall. The bravery of the performers was incredible and it really showed just how confident some people can be.

Katharine Wareing gave an amazing performance; she has only played the Mandolin since Christmas and is already giving brilliant performances to large crowds. It’s a great achievement and her singing voice was top notch too. Lewis Haywood is another performer who stood out on the night. The song he played - ‘Lighthouse’ was beautiful.

The BTEC music group should be proud of themselves for putting on such a wonderful and successful event.

Professional indie rockers RedFaces wowed the Tupton Live audience by performing several tracks as special guests.

The quartet, from Sheffield, features Tupton Sixth Form’s very own Charlie Yapp on drums.

With melodic songs and tight vocal harmonies, backed with an upbeat rhythm, RedFaces have found themselves on at major festivals like Tramlines and Y-Not Festival.

They have sold out numerous Sheffield venues like The Leadmill and O2 Academy, and have just finished recording their brand new demo ‘Katie Come Home’_ with legendary producer Alan Smyth.

“Once you’ve performed, you want to do it again. It’s like a roller coaster.”

Sam Booker and Lewis May, Year 10

Written by Matt Atkins, Year 12 and Jared Musson, Year 13 Photos by Nick Avis, Year 12

Watch video from the gig on the Tupton Hall YouTube channel.

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Honey bees are among the most important creatures across the globe. Without these fantastic pollinators you wouldn’t have nearly as much variety in the food that you eat every day. Each year around £200 mil-lion pounds worth of crops produced in the UK, is thanks to pollination by honey and bumble bees. Over 70 types of crop in the UK are dependent on these bees.

However, honey bees are in danger of disappearing from our environment. Farming disturbs the honey bee’s natural habitats; and some farmers use pesticides on their crops, which can kill honey bees. One way in which this can be reduced is by local farmers warning beekeepers when they are planning to have their crops sprayed. This would mean that they could keep their bees closed in the hive whilst spraying is taking place.

Another danger to the honey bee is the varroa mite. Most wild honey bee colonies have died out as a result of this pest. The mite attaches to the body of the bee and sucks out haemolymph, which weakens the bee significantly; an infestation of this mite can cause the death of a colony. The only defence against this is the treatment and care of the bees by the beekeepers.

All of these problems can be helped if more people are willing to support local beekeepers. This can be as simple as buying honey from local sources rather than supermarkets. This helps beekeepers keep their bees healthy by buying varroa mite treatment and investing in the safety of the colony. If more people started to keep bees, it would boost their population in all areas.

The Importance of the Honey BeeBy Brandon Purcell, Year 12

Our First Year At THS

“Don’t believe the rumours that they flush your head down the toilet! It is not that scary so please don’t be worried. I am now settled in a school that I like.”

“Tupton has been great so far. My favourite bits are having more freedom, not having to eat from a set menu and the teachers are really friendly. My ambition is to have 500 Vivos!”

“I’ve joined a few clubs to represent our school such as the choir and the netball club. I also love trampolining and gymnastics, but it is quite difficult.”

TaelaYear 7

JamesYear 7

MelanieYear 7

What advice would Year 7s give to younger pupils who are moving up to Tupton?

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By Adam Wilbourne,Year 12

Duke of EdinburghAfter five long days of trekking over treacherous terrain, the end was in sight. We had made it. Our small group – despite one member needing to go home – had tackled the challenge of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition and come out on top. We were tired but triumphant. Over the course of the expedition we had faced rain, wind, hail, hills, mud and marshes but as we reached the minivan there was one final obstacle that stood between us and our ride home… Mr Parfitt with his camera: “Smile!”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was founded by Prince Philip in 1956 and consists of three stages: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each stage is split into Volunteering, Skill, Physical and Expedition activities. This allows participants to discover ‘the satisfaction of giving back to society through volunteering; of developing new skills; of taking part in physical activity, and discovering the countryside.’

You can log your activities online on the DofE website – pictures, a diary, anything that shows the fun you’re having each week. At the end, you get a report from your assessors (the people who supervise your activities). If you want to get involved in this excellent opportunity, keep an eye out from September onwards. The DofE leader at Tupton Hall School is Mr Parfitt so be sure to let him know if you’re interested.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a demonstration of determination and hard work and proves that you are strong enough to endure a real challenge. Do you have what it takes?

Potter Party

Fans of the popular Harry Potter series gathered in celebration of World Book Day on 5th March. The ‘Potter Party’ was organised by Tupton Hall’s Librarian, Mrs Pickering, whose team of wizards transformed the library into a grand sight of magic and mystery.

With floating candles and broomsticks galore, it wasn’t a surprise the room felt magical after school hours – and the students couldn’t wait to get involved. A total of 42 students came along, many with their own robes and wands, making the room truly feel like the Great Hall at Hogwarts.

One student said she was ‘simply loving it’, and so were the others judging by the smiling faces in the room. Another said: “It was the best night of the year.” Many activities took place throughout the evening, from the ‘sorting hat’ to musical wands and even a special Harry Potter treasure hunt. The fun-filled game saw students find clues which led them one by one on a trail around the library.

Like all good parties, the night could not end without a feast. The wizards gorged on sandwiches, snacks and child-friendly ‘Butterbeer’. Speaking afterwards, Mrs Pickering said it was a great success, and that she would ‘absolutely’ run it again next year.

By Bradley Roberts, Year 12

Politics fever gripped Tupton Hall Sixth Form in the run up to the election. Year 13s took part in a ‘politics day’ with parliamentary candidates for North East Derbyshire.

Natasha Engel (Labour); Conservative Lee Rowley and James Bush (UKIP) came to school to lead students in various workshops, focussing on current national issues.

They were later joined by NED’s Lib Dem Candidate David Batey, and Matthew Genn, of the Green Party, in a Question Time-esque debate. Students offered challenging questions on important topics like the NHS and the defecit.

Sixth Former Adam Hardy said: “At first I thought a day on politics would be a bore.” But his opinion

soon changed: “Ideas we raised in the workshops carried on as debates throughout the day. Everyone seemed to be actively involved in voicing their opinions and challenging the politicians on what their parties stood for.”

Having come away with greater knowledge of how our political system works, Adam added: “The event has enabled me to make an informed decision of who I am voting for this May.”

This election is a pivotal moment in British politics. It will determine the future of the NHS, education and Britain’s membership of the EU. It is as important as ever that young people get involved in politics - the decisions we make now will surely affect our future.

The Great DebateBy Nick Avis, Year 12

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Cartoons to make you go ‘Ahhh’By Frank Adlington-Stringer,Year 12

Who imagined that Chesterfield FC star Gboly Ariyibi eats a full English breakfast before every match? That’s what he told the Year 8 girls’ football team at Tupton Hall School who were treated to a visit from three Chesterfield FC players.

The visit was a reward for their remarkable achievements when they represented Chesterfield FC playing in the Kinder+Sport Football League Trust Girls Cup. The Tupton Hall team became area champions after a series of impressive performances which almost clinched them a day out at Wembley.

CFC winger Gboly Ariyibi, forward Emmanuel Dieseruvwe and midfielder Michael Onovwigun took part in a short question & answer session which saw the girls ask a range of questions including: ‘Which player had the worst personal hygiene?’. Needless to say, the players chose not to comment!

“It’s great for the girls to have won the trophy against good opposition – it shows the hard work they have put in,” said the players afterwards.

“There are a lot of good female footballers out there, women’s football is growing and teams are doing a lot better in international competitions.That’s really important for getting more publicity for women’s football and inspiring more kids involved in playing football.”

“Chesterfield FC invests in football for young people, providing footballs and other equipment, to enable as many young people as possible to play football.”

Tupton Hall’s Year 8s have done themselves proud, and who knows… they may one day get their chance to play at Wembley in a Three Lions shirt!

Football StarsBy Matt Atkins

IN THE BOXQuivering with anticipation, I take my press box place at the Proact Stadium, watching as the streams of blue and red clad footballers walk out onto the carpet of emerald and green, ready to do battle. My task was simple - I was charged with taking photographs of the match, a key skill which takes many years of study and

practise to perfect. We all have to start somewhere though.As a die-hard Spireite, this was an amazing opportunity for me to gain experience as a journalist whilst watching the club that I love. I felt the ebb and flow, the ups and downs of the game as any fan would, whilst working withDerbyshire Sport Scene to deliver comprehensive and

thorough coverage of the League One contest. I felt both the buzz of a Chesterfield win and the unique feeling of exclusivity that comes with a journalist’s job.I would like to thank Derbyshire Sport Scene for giving me this unique experience. I will never forget it, and hope that it will aid in my pursuit of a career in Journalism.

By Matt AtkinsAssistant Editor

Want To Get Involved?@StudentNewsTHS

newspaper@tuptonhall.derbyshire.sch.uk

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