What Impacts do ICT Games have on our Society?

Since computer games have been developed over the years it has certainly affected our society. There are many advantages and disadvantages to ICT games which I am going to discuss in this article.

Positive

There are many positive aspects of ICT games: 

Hand to Eye Coordination

Many games now involve hand to eye coordination ranging from virtual tennis to training real pilots to fly a plane but not risking lives.  Hand –eye coordination is a useful key in life and by playing games, some reports say that surgeons that play ICT games regally have become more skilled in their practice. Also sports players can simulate a real game through ICT games. An example of this is the Wii baseball game in which uses actual motion of the remote to hit the ball. Games are now also being used to train pilots and drivers in a simulation game as though it is real which reduces the risk of endangering the life of the learner or instructor.

Brain Training

There are now a range of games which include brain training but in a fun game format, making it much more fun than normal classroom learning. The brain training ranges from strategy, maths, logic, spellings and many more, improving the brain all round.  Because games have scores and a continuous tracking of your progress it can get the player to want to improve their score so improving their overall learning. Brain training does not just help children at school but also adults in general life.

Decision Making and Thinking Skills

Games such as war games are very helpful for thinking skills as you cannot just move the character, but it takes thinking time and making quick decisions to decide where to go next. This can link into real life as often you have to make quick hard decisions. Also games such as football games in which you have to be a manager require good thinking skills as it takes serious planning and thinking to make sure that you win matches, all the team is injury free, you have the right players on the pitch and so on. Again, these skills can come into real life as you may have to have team management at school or work.

Negative

Not only are there positive points for ICT games, but there are also lots of negative points that have bad impacts on society:

Addiction

Some games can become very addictive because the player begins to get obsessed with the game and wants to improve their score constantly. This could be a good point in small doses however it can become something that people do constantly.  This could lead to people missing important things such as school, work and meetings as they are playing ICT games.  Also it can make people tired as they have lost vital sleep through playing on them.

Social Isolation

Following from gamers playing ICT games for too long, this can lead to social isolation as if gamers play for hours and hours without communication with others humans they can become isolated from the outside world. Gamers could suffer from bad communication skills and social skills this could be bad on their life and people may not want to talk to the gamer as they can’t hold a very good conversation. However, game makers say that there are online friends but this cannot overrun real life humans as they can begin to believe that their life is actually in the virtual life. Also online friends could not be who they say they are, leading to trust issues.

Cost

As there is such a high demand in ICT games the costs are constantly going up and not everyone can afford to purchase the ‘latest’ games. There are new releases all of the time and gamers could like all of the new games and game consoles to keep up with other people so they don’t get bullied as they don’t have the latest edition. It can put great pressure on the parents to buy all of the games to keep their child happy.

ICT games have many different effects on society, both good and bad, but overall ICT games have positive impacts on society as long as they are not played excessively.  There is a great potential for ICT games to have even more positive in the future and technology is improving all of the time such as the Xbox having a remote control free game which makes the games even more realistic.

Nesta Baxter,

year 9

Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor

On the 23rd of November 1963 the whole world was reeling from the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Meanwhile, a small studio by the name of Lime Grove awaited in anticipation as at 5:16 the ethereal theme tune heralded the beginning of the phenomenon that has become Doctor Who.

A policeman strides down 76 totters lane where unbeknownst to him lies the vessel which has featured in children’s dreams and nightmares alike for fifty years, The TARDIS. Except now we’ve moved on fifty years and we’re outside Coal Hill Secondary School where any moment now Clara Oswald is about to leap onto her motorcycle after a mysterious summons from her doctor…

The story centres around the Time War which has been a recurring theme since the series return in 2005. John Hurt features as the hitherto unknown ninth incarnation of the doctor however he is no longer the doctor, he’s the one who broke the promise, a warrior. Every moment in time is burning, a decision must be made but first in Christmas Carol-esque style John Hurt is visited by a consciousness in the form of Billie Piper who shows him what he will become should he destroy the time lords, the man who regrets (David Tennant) and the man who forgets (Matt Smith).

After a wild combination of convoluted sub plots including shape shifting aliens, the not so good Queen Bess and a time travelling fez, fans are treated to an awe-inspiring ending which celebrates fifty years of doctor who heritage.  

Directed by Steven Moffat, successor to Russell T.Davies and co-creator of the BBC hit Sherlock, the special conveys the very essence of Doctor Who since it started 1963 when William Hartnell began the legacy of the Doctor. The Day of the Doctor was broadcast in 94 countries at the same time earning it a Guinness World Record as "the world's largest ever simulcast of a TV drama".

The mystery of the doctor is unveiled as audiences finally discover what it means to be the doctor, 
“We’ve got enough warriors, any old idiot can be hero”

“Then what do I do”, replies the Doctor to Clara.
“What you’ve always done, be a doctor.”

Caitlin Gallagher and Melody Rawlinson,

year 12

Friendly Seal Cuddles Young Diver

Jamie, 15, was learning to dive at The Isle of Man, when a mysterious seal appeared next to him hugging his leg.

Seals swim fast but they don’t hang around humans which is why it was surprising to see the wild grey seal having his fins wrapped around the diver’s legs. Jamie, the diver, said “The seal stayed around for about ten minutes”.

Michelle Haywood from the Discovery Divers said, “We were diving around the Calf of Man, a little islet situated on the southern tip of the Isle of Man”. It was Jamie’s first time diving off the boat and his first time near the Calf of Man.

Jamie even said “I was surprised to see it but after a while it wasn't scary or intimidating at all - even when it nipped me”.

A video of the seal encounter can be seen below.

Jade Lewis,

year 8

Watch your Windows

A clown appearing at your kitchen window is not what you expect when you are doing the washing up, but recently there has been a spate of clowns spotted roaming around Lincolnshire.

The first clown was originally seen in Scunthorpe, but in recent weeks people have decided to jump on the band wagon and re-enact the frightful antics. Police haven’t said that there will be any consequences as long as they don’t take it too far.

The mystery clown’s first appearance was on Friday 13^th of September and was mentioned on Facebook by Alex Doust. He put “There actually is a clown roaming around, he tried the locks on my mate's house near Ashby. She's pretty shook up.”

The Police have also issued a statement saying sightings of clowns, such as Lincoln clown, throughout the county should be “treated as a bit of fun at this stage.”
The Lincoln clowns have made up a little riddle to increase the scare factor:

Clowns frighten those who suffer from coulrophobia; fear of clowns or mimes. People with this phobia are usually scared of the exaggerated features of the face such as the painted eyes, mouth and nose.

“Beep beep - I’m the Lincoln clown. I only come round when the sun goes down. I never frown.”

If you hear this riddle lock your doors, shut your windows and close your curtains to avoid any unwanted frights.

Chloe Payling, year 8

Yonderland: A Review

Last Sunday Yonderland hit our screens. The new T.V. programme aired on Sky One and includes the cast of the famous CBBC children’s TV show Horrible Histories.

Yonderland follows 33-year old Mum Debbie Maddox who finds herself in a strange world inhabited by a collection of weird, and usually idiotic, characters with only an elf by her side. The story begins with Debbie thinking that she’s going mad. Perhaps she is, as an enthusiastic elf appears from a kitchen cupboard telling her that she is needed in another world for she is their saviour who they call ‘The Chosen One’.

Debbie is sure that there has been a mistake, but still decides that whatever the elf might need her to do can't be any worse than watching another episode of ‘What's in the Box?’, so she lets him drag her through a portal to the other world. As she does her best to help knights and monks who are incapable of lying and a race of people intent on firing the cleverest amongst them into the sun, the question is, can she fulfill the prophecy and save the world from the dark forces that are gathering to end it, and will she make it back to the real world in time for the school pick up?

The show is a real family favourite with plenty of humour for all ages. I loved when the gallants prepared to fight to the death over a point of politeness and the oracle who lived in an enormous mound of jelly. Yes, this does all sound rather bizarre but I recommend that you tune in and find out for yourself!

Olivia Haigh, year 8

They Came In Like Wrecking Boars!

Last week, Forest of Dean Football Club were struck for the third time by a bunch of destructive wild boars.



The current state of the pitch

The boars managed to break in through the surrounding fencing and left the pitch in a terrible state. The club estimates it will cost more than £1,000 to fix the mess which the boars created.

It's not the first time the pitch has been targeted; the boars made two visits to the club in just one week. 

“It could have happened to any club around here, but we’re the unlucky ones this time.” Ian Marfell, Soudley AFC chairman, told BBC news. But why do the boars choose this particular pitch? A wild boar expert suggests it’s down to the fact that the Forest of Dean Club has their grass cut regularly, which makes it easier for the boars to dig for what they’re looking for - worms and grubs to eat.



Wild boars

Five years ago, the boars came from the surrounding forest and damaged the pitch, but didn't leave the pitch in as bad of a mess as it is this time. It could take until Christmas for the pitch to return back to normal - or at least good enough to use!



Emily Bonner, year 8

The Day of The Doctor

With the 50^th anniversary of Doctor Who coming up, there are lots of talks about what will happen in the episode and who will be in it. It has already been confirmed that Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman will be joined by David Tennant, Billie Piper, and John Hurt.

People have been looking forward to this special episode for a very long time and the moment is almost here. Although Steven Moffat wanted to keep it a secret, the trailer was leaked but he knew that it would be very hard to keep from such excited fans. 

The Day of the Doctor will be aired on November 23^rd at 7:50pm and it will be the longest episode ever, lasting 75 minutes. It has been described at the Doctor’s ‘greatest adventure yet’ and the episode will show the Doctor’s own past which is coming back to haunt him.

After this tremendous event, there will be a Christmas special. We do not know much information about this apart from the fact that Matt Smith will regenerate into Peter Capaldi.

You can watch one of the trailers for the upcoming episode by clicking on the video below.

Shannan Smith and Anya Stacey,

year 9

It’s Question Time at BHS

Thursday 7^th November saw the arrival of BBC Political Debate show Question Time at Boston High School. 

Suggested as a venue to the BBC, they chose our privileged school to host the popular TV show ready to air at 10.30pm the very same night. Arriving at school in the morning, I saw an influx of vans with large aerials attached, obviously there to assist in the production of the filming. As an aspiring Media Production undergraduate this was something that I found extremely exciting and was thrilled when I, along with others, got the chance to take part in the setting up of the show and the rehearsal.

The BBC kindly allowed Boston High School students to engage in various activities throughout the day including getting to experience and see what the mobile studio, in which the floor manager referred to as a scanner, looks like inside. The LYJA team themselves got to interview the renowned Question Time host himself, David Dimbleby, something that was very fascinating for them as they were able to find out the nitty and gritty details of work within the media! You can watch the interview for yourself by clicking on the video at the end of this article.

Haydon Risbridger and I found ourselves extremely fortunate as we were not only part of the LYJA team but also part of the six A Level Media Studies students who were able to sit in during the rehearsal and witness the preparation of the opening and end credits to the show. Whilst I sat in the mock audience blissfully unaware of what to expect next, Haydon had a very lucky opportunity and did an interview on Radio 5 Live about his experience of the day so far… something that he is extremely proud of and excited about.

As a student of Boston High School, I would like to congratulate the school in organising such a wonderful event that inspired many students. I would also like to thank all of the students who took part and allowed the show to be such a success, Mrs Bell and Matt for arranging an interview with David for the LYJA team, Mr Paddison for giving myself and five others the wonderful chance of being on a real life TV studio and of course, the BBC for permitting all of this to happen and giving up their time as professionals to engage with the students at Boston High.

Molly Maddison, Year 13

Ghastly Ghouls and Monstrous Monsters

Halloween has come and gone, bringing out an array of terrifyingly brilliant, often gory and sinister costumes. This allegedly haunted day has manifested itself dramatically in recent years and despite many children and adults alike celebrating this annual tradition; they are ignorant of the true origins of All Hallows’ Eve.

Halloween derived from the ancient Celtic festival, Samhain, the Celtic celebration of the new year (November 1^st), the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of winter, a time often allied with death. Celts were of the belief that the night before the New Year (31^st October), the worlds of life and death were merged and spirits and ghosts would return to earth. Those spirits who were content on causing trouble and damaging crops were warded off by bonfires and costumes. This festival also allowed people to feel close to deceased relatives and friend, a feeling that for people dependent on the capricious natural world was of great comfort, especially in the imminent winter. For these spirits, places at the dinner table were left, treats were left at doorsteps and candles were lit along the road to aid loved ones travelling back to the spirit world. As this tradition has been established, it has developed into a secular event characterised by trick of treating, apple bobbing and pumpkins.

Speaking of pumpkins, what are the origins of these infamous carvings?

The practice of carving out pumpkins for Halloween was instigated from an Irish myth about a man dubbed ‘Stringy Jack’. As the story goes, Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him and true to his name, did not want to pay for his drink. Jack convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin in order to pay, but when he did so, Jack kept the money next to silver cross, preventing the Devil from morphing back to his original form. Eventually, the Devil was freed but under the condition that he would not bother Jack for another year and should Jack die, the Devil would not claim his soul. A year passed, and Jack once again tricked the Devil by getting him to climb up a tree to pick a piece of fruit. Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree’s bark so the Devil could not come down until the Devil vowed not to bother Jack for ten more years.

Jack died - and as the legend goes, God would not permit such a malevolent person into heaven and keeping true to his word, the Devil did not claim his soul nor did he allow Jack into hell. The Devil sent Jack off into the night merely with a burning piece  of coal , which Jack put into a carved – out turnip and has been rumoured to be roaming the Earth ever since. Thus, the Irish began to refer to him as ‘Jack of the Lantern’, which later developed to ‘Jack O’ Lantern’.

So, next Halloween, while you’re getting into costumes, covering yourself in fake blood or turning the house into a haunted graveyard, just remember the origins of Halloween. Perhaps you could incorporate these origins to create a unique and authentic All Hallows Eve.

Jenny Brown, year 12

Football Club goes Broccoli

The Spanish team La Hoya has a new football kit that is inspired by Broccoli; it has been given the name of ‘ugliest football kit ever’ by some people.

The team that play in Division B, the 3rd division in Spanish football, have a kit that is covered with broccoli on the back and front and the kit also has matching shorts. However, the shirt seems to be selling very well and drawing a lot of attention to the football team.

The coach of the football club, Jose Manuel Campos, told BBC News Round that the shirt is ugly, but argues that the club felt “familiar” with it and that it has drawn attention to them.

The team is based in an area of Murcia, Spain which famous for growing and selling the broccoli and is apparently the area’s most successful export in the last few years. Due to this, the team has the football shirt that it currently has. One player, Alfredo Ortuno, seems determined to see the positives. He chooses to see the shirt as ‘original’, rather than ugly.

What do you think about this rather unique kit?

Nesta Baxter, year 9

Question Time at School

Today is probably our biggest scoop since starting YJA this year!

The BBC One show Question Time has descended on our school, Boston High, to record the popular current affairs show with legendary broadcaster David Dimbleby.

The crew and their trucks full of cameras, mics, and set pieces arrived here on Wednesday to begin preparation for the show's broadcast this evening. 

Some of the Young Journalist Academy team were lucky enough to have an experience of a lifetime by going to see the set. Not only this, but we were also given the privilege to sit in Dimbleby’s seat. Dave, one of the shows camera men, let us have a go at using the huge broadcast cameras and talked about how every broadcast is different due to filming and recording sound in such a variety of locations.

Question Time is a debate programme and it is based on politics. The show features politicians from at least three major political parties as well as other public figures who answer pre-selected questions chosen by the audience. David Dimbleby presents the show and has presented it since 1994.

Word has it that we might even get to interview Dimbleby himself so check back here tomorrow to see how we got on.

Anya Stacey and Shannan Smith,

Year 9

Bale Shows Critics Just How It’s Done

Many have criticised Gareth Bale for being transferred to Real Madrid (with a record breaking transfer of €100 million) and then playing a disappointing match against Barcelona. However on the 30^th of October when Real played Sevilla, Bale scored two goals adding to the final score of Real’s win of 7-3.

Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti was delighted with the £85 million player’s performance telling the BBC "Everyone saw the real Gareth. He showed fantastic skills." Not only did Gareth score two goals, but he also played for a full 90 minutes. He was unable to in other games due to foot and thigh injuries have prevented him playing a full game.

Bale’s performance last weekend was disappointing and therefore Bale suffered lots and lots of criticism from Madrid’s press and other places all over the world, with fans feeling as though their club had made the wrong decision. Therefore it was very important that this game showed perfect performance from Bale and that is just what he did.

Real Madrid fan Taylor said “In the game against Barcelona last weekend I was expecting Bale to play a good game. However this didn’t happen and I felt as though Bale was a waste of money, but I knew that my club wouldn’t do that. So I knew that Bale would play a really good game on Wednesday and perform and impress me and that’s exactly what he did and I feel hope again.  I know we have a chance of beating Barcelona in the Primera Division as we are only 6 points behind.”

Bale's goals, a 15-yard strike and deflected free-kick, came in the first 27 minutes, and he also helped to set up other goals. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick while Benzema grabbed Real's other two goals.

The former Tottenham player now promises that his best is yet to come after scoring his first goals for his new club at the Bernabeu.

In quotes reported on realmadrid.com, Bale said: 
"I felt good and I completed the whole game.”
"I have to keep improving and working hard to be one hundred per cent as soon as possible.”
"It was a great night and important to my fitness.”
"We played very well and hopefully we will have more games like this in the future.”
"Now I continue to improve and work hard and as soon as possible try to be one hundred per cent."

It was by some way his best performance for the team who are now six points behind the leaders, Barcelona.

Bale added: "It was a great game and a great atmosphere. We played very well and we got a lot of goals but the important thing is to have got the three points and we have scored many goals which is very positive for us.” 
"The downside has been that we have received several goals, but we were good, it gives us confidence.”
"We have a lot of confidence and hopefully we can keep winning and producing performances like tonight."

Real Madrid are now six points behind leaders Barcelona after the win and two from second-placed Atletico Madrid.

Nesta Baxter, year 9

Matilda the Musical: Review

Based on Roald Dahl’s stunning children’s novel ‘Matilda’, Dennis Kelly (with the aid of Tim Minchin, the composer), has produced a striking and spectacular rendition that has previously sold out in Stratford – Upon – Avon and was the winner of numerous Olivier Awards in 2012. Incorporating a mixture of spine – tingling songs, such as ‘This Little Girl’ and songs that will have you singing all the way home, for instance ‘Naughty’, this musical depicts a life of child rebellion, rousing imagination and a girl with a will to change her destiny.

The musical portrays the story of a child (named Matilda), whose talents are dolefully neglected by her ball – dancing obsessed mother (portrayed by Kay Murphy) and her fraudulent car salesman father (James Clyde), who insists that books are unscrupulous to society. You may think that is all of Matilda’s troubles and she can surely resolve that, but you are mistaken. At school even the Headmistress, Miss Trunchball, a woman whose mission is to imprison all children in the infamous ‘Chokey’ despises Matilda’s aptitude to surpass her classmates. It appears only Miss Honey (Haley Flaherty), the reticent and timid teacher of Matilda, and coincidental niece of Miss Trunchball (Alex Gaumond) is the beacon of hope.  When Matilda is revealed to have talents above academic brilliance, it begs the question: can Matilda escape the world of unappreciative parents and teachers?

Unique to any other show playing in the West End and Broadway, this musical (some may say audaciously) relies on the infinite talents and enthusiasm of the children, who are able to deliver the brilliant and hilarious wordplay of Dennis Kelly. What I found most striking (in addition to the wonderful talents of the children), was the scenery. As soon as you walk into the theatre you are greeted with an alphabetical themed set that surrounds the seats. With library shelves that scale the entire stage and swings that glide over the audience in the stalls, you are guaranteed to be encapsulated simply by the set.

So, whether you are 9 or 109, you will be singing ‘Matilda’, it will have you chortling at the comic lines written by Kelly that are delivered with much conviction and expose by performers who are destined to have a fruitful career in the Performing Arts industry. If you haven’t already, I urge you to see it. Don’t be afraid to let the child rebel within you escape!  

Jenny Brown, year 12

Macbeth Performance at the Globe Theatre: Review

“Is that a dagger I see before me?” - The famous words uttered by Macbeth as he debates whether he should or should not follow through with his and Lady Macbeth’s plan to kill the King.

The play follows the story of Macbeth (Joseph Millson) after he is informed by three witches that his fate is to occupy the Crown of Scotland. Thus, he and his wife (Lady Macbeth, portrayed by Samantha Spiro) murder King Duncan, their obstacle to the throne of Scotland. Nevertheless, Macbeth must maintain his position by continuing to kill – initially Banquo, Macbeth’s former comrade – in – arms, and then anyone who is considered a menace to his crown as his paranoia is enhanced.

Along with enthralling monologues that stimulated the mind and left the Globe in silence, Eve Best, the director, audaciously incorporated an element of comedy and irony that juxtaposed with the tragic nature of the play. The performance was not without its music either, featuring pipe – and – drum music to mark the beginning of the performance, and ends with one of the witches playing a Scottish lament on the fiddle.

Employing authentic and quintessentially Renaissance costumes and staging, the Telegraph stated “Eve Best’s directorial debut is a cracking – at times, terrifying – production of Macbeth”. For anyone who watches this, it promises to be an illuminating and unique interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous works.

Jenny Brown, year 12

 

New-Born Sumatran Tiger Cub Dies at London Zoo

Officials at London Zoo were devastated when the new-born Sumatran tiger cub died after drowning in the enclosure’s pool.

The cub was born on 22^nd September after a six minute labour. The birth was caught on camera in the den for hundreds of thousands of people to witness and it was the first to be born at the zoo in seventeen years. The cub had not been named yet and they didn't know the sex of the cub as it was too early to determine.

Photo: Melati (The mother of the cub)

The keepers checked the enclosure on Saturday after the three week old cub couldn’t be located; later they found the cub at the bottom of the pool.  Post mortem tests were carried out and the zoo confirmed that the tiger cub died from drowning.

London Zoo's Malcolm Fitzpatrick said: "We're heartbroken by what's happened. To go from the excitement of the birth to this in three weeks is just devastating."

However it’s still unclear of how the tiger club actually died. It is thought that the cub’s mother carried it outside of the den early Saturday morning.

"We would do anything to turn back the clock and nobody could be more upset about what's happened than the keepers who work with the tigers every day.” Fitzpatrick commented.

 Kyra Balderstone, year 9

Not One, But Two New iPhones!

After months of rumours and seemingly endless speculation Apple have finally revealed what we have been anticipating to see, the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C.

The iPhone 5C is considered to be a ‘cheaper’, more affordable option compared to the previous iPhone’s. Having a body coated in colourful plastic Apple reassuringly state, ‘Colour. Yet another reason to love an iPhone’. Coming in five anything-but-shy colours, suitably labelling it as the most colourful iPhone yet. Demanding you to make a statement with their new iPhone 5C coming in colours such as, blue, green, pink, yellow and white. The ‘cheaper’ iPhone 5C ironically comes with a lavishly steep price tag being £469, still being twice as expensive as the Google Nexus 4- an Android smartphone with comparable features.

The iPhone 5S introduces the start of excitable futuristic technology with a fingerprint identity sensor that lets you unlock the phone without entering a password. “It simply makes more sense to teach iPhone how to take a great picture rather than teach people how to be expert photographers.” Apple daringly declares, as the world’s most popular camera gets even better. Ultra fast wireless is another thing Apple hasn’t hesitated to howl to the public, as the new Phone 5S supports more networks than ever before. So now, even more of us can experience fast download and upload speeds, that’s if you purchase one. As well as costing near enough £549 the iPhone 5S is available in three elegant expressions being gold, silver and space grey.

Apple hope that this ‘less expensive’ iPhone  5C could aid them in competing with other handset companies, such as, Samsung and Nokia, as more than half of all smartphones sold so far this year were Android handsets.

So do you think you’ll be investing in the new iPhones? 

Lolly Atherton, year 13
Columnist

The Fault in Our Stars

On Tuesday 8th October it was announced that the much anticipated film based on the New York Times #1 bestseller ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by John Green will be released on June 6th 2014.

Along with ‘The Fault in Our Stars’, John Green also wrote ‘Looking for Alaska’, ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Will Grayson, Will Grayson’. With a witty sense of humour, John Green cleverly structures his novels and craftily creates a whirlwind of events in each book which makes them in particularly so popular amongst the teenage audience.

Starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, the film will reflect the fluctuation of emotions presented throughout the book and the relationship between Hazel and Gus which readers have connected with and envisaged.

After meeting each other at a cancer support group, immediate sparks are released between Hazel and Augustus and the book gives a first person response of their relationship through the eyes of 17 year old Hazel. Suffering with terminal cancer, Hazel illustrates the pain and emotions which cancer survivors conjure with everyday as we follow her journey of fulfilling her life.

Many companions, along with Hazel’s accompanying oxygen tank, are introduced throughout the novel including Isaac, a friend from the support group. With a large following from internet fans, John Green’s readers may have concerns about the perception of the book when the film adaptation will be released however in one of the author’s Youtube vlogs on his channel ‘VlogBrothers’, Natt Wolf, who plays Isaac, reassured the viewers that the film is ‘realistic already’.

One of the heartfelt additions which the producers and team added to the film is a cast of some real teen cancer survivors which highlights a sense of reality within the book. Natt Wolf (Isaac) was asked about his experience of visiting them at a hospital and stated ‘It was overwhelming. You start off by asking them questions about their disease and how they cope with it and five minutes in you’re talking about movies and TV shows’. Likewise, despite suffering with cancer, Hazel is a normal teenage girl which intensifies the courage and normality of cancer survivors.

With having the idea of writing a book on the subject of cancer for ten years, it has undoubtedly been worth the wait for John Green. Following the success of the book, the movie is expected to be a huge hit and will capture the hearts of an even larger audience worldwide who will cry of both laughter and sorrow.

Jade Chadburn, year 13

Could American Football be the New Big Sport in the UK?

The NFL (National Football League) says that they want to continue to grow the American Football fan base in the UK.

On Sunday the 29th of September the Wembley Stadium hosted the Seventh International Series Game. The Vikings claimed a close and very tense win over the Steelers with a final score of 34- 27. With a crowd of 83,519 people, the Steelers nearly scored in the final seconds but luckily for the Vikings they did not.

Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel told the BBC "What an amazing experience".

The Jaguars will play San Francisco 49ers on the 27th of October also at the Wembley Stadium.

Chris Parsons of the NFL International told BBC London what they are doing to try to make this fascinating sport appealing to the British. "What we have been doing over the past six years, playing games here in the UK, is really about embedding the sport into the popular culture."

In 2012 the Jacksonville Jaguars signed a four year contract to play one regular-season match per year at Wembley. Popular teams like the Jaguars will hopefully soon get British people to begin to enjoy the sport.

Lin, a British fan of American football, said "It would be fantastic to see other people begin to appreciate my sport and become fans of such a great and interesting game".

Nesta Baxter, year 9

Sports Reporter

It's 'Simples'

Boys and their toys. Since the dawn of time, well machines anyway, men across the globe have found many things to indulge themselves in, rather than toiling away at work or trying to understand what their wives last rant was about. More often than not, and I’m guilty of this too, men would rather be tinkering away with their car or classic motorcycle that festoons their garages, leaving oil trails on the floor and has never seen a drop of rain.

Recently, in the summer holidays, I went away on holiday with the family. It wasn’t anything special, just to North Devon. But after a while of sitting in the cramped car with what appeared to be everything but the kitchen sink, I began to realise something. Before I could dwell on the thought I was asked to put a destination in the sat nav. But, really that’s my point. The amount of gadgets and gismos that are available in cars these days is just utterly bewildering. You can spec your motor with stuff like active body control, electronic brake force distribution, torque vectoring control and enough other pointless acronyms to sink a cruise ship. All of this means that when the humble gentlemen fancies a little tinker, he will go out to his car, lift the bonnet and find himself smacked straight in the face with complicated, unfathomable witchcraft.

Back in the day of my step granddad, the car was still in its infancy. But despite this, he took his first car, which happened to be a 1931 Austin 7, all the way from just south of London to Gretna Green, just over the Scottish border. After a day’s driving with a car full of mates, the little Austin rolled into Scotland with not one thing breaking or falling off. And above all, with no special computers, no special set ups, and none of those massive acronyms that no-one actually understands.

Most people wouldn’t even drive that journey today, even if they have the most luxurious executive limousine, packed full of enough computing power to launch a rocket to mars. Which begs the question, does all of the car bumph in the brochures actually help? Let’s face it, the more stuff there is, the more stuff can go wrong.

When I completed the last part of my Pass Plus, I had the great opportunity to drive a brand new Mercedes-Benz SL500. For a large luxurious car full of electronics, it has mind bending capabilities. Mash your foot onto the accelerator and the naturally aspirated five litre V8 bellows while firing all of its 432 rampant horsepower to the rear axle. The acceleration from 0-60 takes a mere 4.8 seconds, and topping out at 180mph if the limiter is lifted. The roof can be retracted electrically. It will even stop itself if someone suddenly decides that they want a rather closer look at the front end. All sounds great. But, it’s missing something. It doesn’t have a soul. The steering lacks feel, the power is diluted by the ESP and traction control, the acceleration, although blistering, feels almost automated. That’s probably due to the engine. Tuned for economy, it will never turn its exhausts into flamethrowers or tingle and vibrate as it speeds down the leafy B roads. Plus it turns itself off at traffic lights. There’s no theatre about it. 

All of this, I suspect, is why I prefer something with passion and soul. I would rather have something that actually feels like a car to drive, that pops and crackles on the overrun, spits flames during gear changes, makes your senses heighten and allows you to feel the road through your fingertips. This is why I prefer the older Aston Martins and Jaguars to BMW’s and Audi’s.

Land Rovers too are something that appeal to me. They are so simple to work on. This, after all, is what I’m trying to get at. It’s the simple things that keep us men amused, the simple things that let us tinker, and get us out of cooking the dinner.

By James Sivill, year 13

Columnist

Puritan Path

On Friday the 14^th of June, three sixth form students and I were accompanied by two YJA representatives to St Botolph’s church (Boston Stump) in order to film a documentary style video about the newly laid Puritan Walk. This project was recently completed and consists of thirteen stones, each marking a member of the voyage which took Puritan members across the Atlantic Ocean to the vast open land which was mostly undeveloped at that time. This land was then adapted to become Boston Massachusetts where it stands today. Our video consisted of a short interview with one of Boston’s leading historians who we asked multiple questions about the church, its surroundings and the stones themselves in order to gain further knowledge and to hopefully educate those from outside the area into the history which surrounds our town through our video.

As well as the interview we managed to gain access to the higher levels of the church for some stunning landscape shots of the town, as well as getting some shots of the church itself. The video consists of the interview questions being answered with scenic shots of Boston playing alongside the audio to keep the viewer interested. The video can be found on our Youtube channel and is to be uploaded to the new Historic Boston website which will be used not only here but also in America for people less knowledgeable about the town’s history to learn like we did.

Personally, I found the visit extremely interesting and the information that I learnt was useful to my understanding of the town’s background. It also inspired me to look into the Puritans and their history more deeply in my own time.

By Haydon Risbridger, year 13

Video Editor