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