WINTER 2020 | VOL. 6 - "Attitude Determines Altitude" - Platanos College
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WINTER 2020 | VOL. 6 "Attitude Determines Altitude"
PLATANOS COLLEGE
CONTENTS
Editor's Welcome Page 3 Crime and Conspiracy
Thank You Page 3 Killer From WIthin Page 39
19 Years On From The Nightmare Page 40
Learning Lounge of 9/11
Teachers Top Tips Page 4 Death at the Dyaltov Pass Page 41
Bullying Page 5-6
Guess the Teacher Page 7 Office of Opinion
Interview with a Past Pupil Page 8 Cotton, Children and Control- Page 42
Little Fires Everywhere: A Review Page 9 Uzbekistan's Secret
The Magic of Social Media Page 43
A Year Like No Other Remembering Black Mamba Page 44
Safety First Page 10 Racism- Just Skin Deep? Page 45
How Has Coronavirus Changed Page 11 The Future is Here Page 46
Our Lives? How is Tupac Remembered? Page 47
How Have Different Countries Page 12
Dealt With Coronavirus? Seasonal Specials
Lockdown Learning Page 13 Christmas Quiz Page 48
How Has Coronavirus Changed Page 14 A Corona Christmas Page 49
Our Lives As Pupils? Christmas Word Search Page 50
Living in Lockdown Page 15
Coronavirus: Clubs in Crisis Page 16 Meet The Staff! Page 51
Marcus' Marvellous Meals Page 17
Rising High Page 18-19
Coronavirus: The Good, The Bad Page 20
and The Government
History For Harris Page 21
The President and The Pandemic Page 22
Make America Great Again Page 23
Black Lives Matter: A Movement Page 24-25
Like No Other
Black Lives Matter: A Timeline Page 26-27
A Letter to The World Page 28
Community Corner
Astonishing Adele Page 29
Interview with a Platanos Parent: Page 30-31
The Power is Within You
Inspiration Station
LeBron the Legend Page 32
Getting Your Mojo Back For Page 33-34
2021!
The Magic Of Morant Page 35
Remarkable Ronaldo Page 36
Limitless Leonardo Page 37
Cacophony of Colours
Like Rivers Flowing Into The Page 38
Ocean
2020 Page 38
2 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6
PLATANOS COLLEGE
EDITOR'S WELCOME
WRITTEN BY SIHAN AHMED (EDITOR-IN-CHIEF)
Hello, and welcome to the Winter year? Do you remember the way
2020 Edition of the Platanos the year started, with the
College KS4 Newsletter! As we devastating Australian bushfires?
approach the end of a year like I don’t know about you, but those
none before it, we have decided to bushfires seem like they were at
bring you an array of views about least 5 years ago!
2020 - the positives, the negatives
and just a well-rounded, multi- Just because this year has been
perspective review of the year. different, we are sticking to what
previous KS4 Newsletter teams
We had a think about possible did best - focusing on the same
themes for our Specials section, topics, from Inspiration Station to
but decided that there could be no Crime And Conspiracy.
better topic than what we’ve all
been talking about in recent So why don’t you grab yourself a
months. So, we are really excited snack, take a seat and enjoy your
to present to you with the 6th Christmas holidays whilst you
installment of the KS4 Newsletter, read the Winter 2020 Edition of
with the very apt Specials theme the KS4 Newsletter?
‘2020- A Year Like No Other’. As On behalf of this year’s KS4
you have surely seen by now, Newsletter Team, we sincerely
2020 has been quite bizarre to say hope you enjoy reading this 2020
the least. BLM, Coronavirus and – a Year Like No Other Special
the USA election have dominated Edition!
our news feeds. Can you believe Kind regards,
that the Space X launch was this Sihan Ahmed (Editor-in-Chief)
THANK YOU
WRITTEN BY ASMAA OTMANI
To the... Ever comfortin’
Super lovin’
Life savin’ Advice givin’
Bleeper answerin’ Forever runnin’
Shift changin’ Hard workin’
Long nights survivin’ People supportin’
Emergency calmin’ Lunch forgettin’
Medicine prescribin’ Seriously believin’
Strong standin’ Optimistic thinkin’
Worry hidin’ NHS staff...
Smile showin’
Fatigue ignorin’ Thank You.
Always carin’
3 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6
PLATANOS COLLEGE
learning lounge
TEACHERS' TOP TIPS
WRITTEN BY KAELEE DALEY
All of us know just how important our work right away, we can help
our education is, to help us our minds to retain information.
develop new skills, knowledge and Mr Scott advises doing this 2-3
values as we mature into young times a week. In addition, using
adults. We decided to interview educational websites and videos
members of staff on their top will also aid us in consolidating our
learning tips. learning.
Ms Lopéz in the Spanish Lastly, Ms Amenedo advises
department advises that in order that in order to elevate our
to maximise our learning, we academic performance in Spanish
should revise in short bursts and and all other subjects, we ought to
take breaks so that we don't complete all homework set by our
overload our brains with teachers. Homework is another
information. Segments of learning form of revision. Furthermore, not
interspersed with breaks enable us only does it help us to reinforce
to retain key information. Ms and deepen our understanding, it
Lopéz also says that eating also encourages us to be more
healthily can enhance our independent.
academic performance as it is
proven that eating healthily So, why not take some of these
improves nutrition, so our bodies snippets of advice on board? After
get all they need to function well; all, having taught tens of
a healthy body helps us have a thousands of pupils between them,
healthy mind! these teachers probably know a
thing or two about how to make
English teacher Ms Anderson the most of our school years!
states that all pupils should read
regularly as “reading is the gateway
to knowledge.” By reading books
suitable for our age group, we
strengthen our vocabulary, spelling
and comprehension skills. Ms
Anderson advises us all to read
between 15-20 minutes a day. It is
also believed that reading
enhances our wellbeing by
reducing stress. So pick up a book
today and dive into a world of
wonder!
Mr Scott, who teaches in our
Science department, provides
some great advice; by reviewing
4 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6
PLATANOS COLLEGE
BULLYING
WRITTEN BY ANTHONY ALEXANDER LAGOAS DOS SANTOS
Bullying: it’s an ugly word. Yet The Bollywood actress, Priyanka
many of us have had to deal with Chopra Jonas revealed that she
this at some point in our lives. was bullied in High School - a
According to Ditch The Label, more traumatic experience that
than half of people under 25 have provoked her move back to India
experienced some form of bullying, from the USA.
whilst 24% of young people are
concerned about online bullying. “There was this girl who was a major bully. I
think she didn't like me because her boyfriend
And did you know that the
liked me, or some high school dynamic…she
Number 1 aspect that bullies
made my life hell. She used to call me names and
prefer to target is their victims'
would push me against the locker…I don't want
appearance?
any kid to feel the way I felt in school. I was
afraid of my bully. It made me feel like I'm less —
Furthermore, a BBC report from in my skin, in my identity, in my culture."
2019 reported that 20% of young Priyanka Chopra Jonas
people had been victims of
bullying in the previous year. Just The pop superstar Lady Gaga
imagine that: in an average revealed how memories of
classroom, approximately 6 of your being bullied helped her to
peers will have experienced portray the character Ally
bullying. Horrific to even consider, from the movie A Star Is
isn’t it? Born.
We found some true stories of "Well, what's different between
famous people who have Ally and [myself] is that when I
decided I was going to go for it
experienced bullying in their lives.
as a singer and songwriter, I just
hit the ground running," she
The pop star Kim Petras had to
said. "I really believed in myself.
deal with bullying because she was Ally is not this way. My
transgender. She underwent character in this film, she
gender-surgery when she was 16 doesn't believe in herself at all.
and talked to Glamour UK about She's very jaded by the music
how tough she found going to industry and she's given up on
school. herself…What I had to do was
go back further into my
childhood, into my high school
“I learned people will not like years, when I was bullied and
you or will like you that’s the made fun of for having big
reality… you cannot please dreams…That's where I went.”
everybody, and a lot of people Lady Gaga
bully people because they're
jealous or because they have
their own personal issue that
they project on you.
Sometimes it doesn't even
have to do with you,
sometimes people are just
bored." Kim Petras
5 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6
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Tom Holland
“There were times
when I was bullied Tom Holland is known for playing
about dancing and Spiderman in a series of Marvel
stuff…but you movies. When he was younger, he
couldn’t hit me hard played Billy Elliot in the Theatre
enough to stop me and had to deal with bullying from
from doing it." Tom others because of his somewhat
Holland unusual role as a young male
dancer
If you’re a victim of bullying, ChildLine: free, confidential Victim Support: support for young
please don’t ever forget that there helpline for children and young people affected by crime. Their
is always someone you can speak people. They offer advice and Children and Young People's (CYP)
with, whether that’s an anti- support, by phone and online, 24 Service also deals with cases of
bullying ambassador, teacher or hours a day. Call 0800 1111. bullying; offering advice and
Pastoral Manager. You can also working with professionals to
get support and advice from a Direct Gov: Information for young ensure young people get support:
number of Helplines, which we people on cyberbullying, bullying 08 08 16 89 111.
have listed below. on social networks, Internet and
email bullying, bullying on mobile
No one should ever have to face phones, bullying at school, what to
bullying of any sort: let’s all work do about bullying, and information
together to stamp it out. and advice for people who are
bullying others and want to stop.
What do we do at Platanos College
EACH: EACH has a freephone
to ensure we are a bullying-free
Helpline for children experiencing
zone?
homophobic, biphobic or
· Bullying comes under the
transphobic bullying or harassment:
umbrella of safeguarding
0808 1000 143. It’s open Monday
· We have anti-bullying
to Friday 10am-5pm.
champions across key stage 3 and
year 10 also known as ABA · The ABA have fortnightly
· This model is also available meetings and discuss the trends
in across the Platanos Trust. relating to bullying this is then
· We have a designated Anti- used has an assembly theme
bullying co-ordinator who · The ABA and co-ordinator
manages the anti-bullying organises and promotes anti-
ambassadors bullying week in the main school
· All anti-bullying champions and across the primary schools
are trained and then the seniors within the Trust
train our primary school ABAs. · Anti-bullying posters have
· There are different tiers been designed by pupils and has
when it comes to investigating been linked to house competitions
bullying – ABA, Co-ordinator, SLT – this is to ensure that ABA
and police involvement in most continue to raise awareness
serious cases. around bullying
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PLATANOS COLLEGE
GUESS THE TEACHER
WRITTEN BY SALIH KARKIN
Think you know the teachers at b) Mr Hobson
Platanos College? Let's see shall c) Ms Hall
we?
8.Which member of staff used to
1.Which member of staff used to make dresses?
do ballet? a) Mr Garry
a) Ms Williams b) Ms Mujawamaria
b) Ms McAteer c) Ms Anderson
c) Mr Boyles
9.Which member of staff grew up
2.Which member of staff on the island of Grenada?
represented Sri Lanka in front of a) Mr Swaby
the Queen when they were 12? b) Mr Rigby
a) Ms Damoo c) Mr Edwards
b) Mr Hall
c) Ms Thompson 10.Which member of staff has
gone bungee jumping and sky
3.Which member of staff has diving?
killed a cow? a) Ms Graham
a) Mr Kabaka b) Ms Bastero
b) Mr Edwards c) Ms Lopez
c) Mr Schardsmith
4.Which member of staff has
Heterochromia (one eye is a
different colour from the other)?
a) Ms Alam
b) Ms Daniels
c) Ms Hashim
5. Which member of staff has met
many celebrities including
Michael B Jordan and Michael
Jordan?
a) Mr Olaniran
b) Ms Simpson
c) Mr Klassen
6.Which member of staff has
been to every country in South
America except Paraguay?
a) Ms Stephenson
b) Ms McAteer
c) Ms Roso
7.Which member of staff is a
relative of Abraham Lincoln’s
wife?
a) Mr Scott
Answers 1)b 2)c 3)a 4)b 5)b 6)a 7)a 8)c 9)c 10)a
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INTERVIEW WITH A PAST PUPIL
WRITTEN BY SIHAN AHMED
Once you’re a pupil of Platanos communication and team
College, you’ll always be part of leadership. I also left with many
our community! invaluable connections with my
We interviewed Fadumo Ahmed, teachers who were more than
who attended Platanos College happy to offer me advice for any
from 2011-2016 and asked her aspect of Higher Education and life
about her time here. in general.
What was your favourite part of Did the social nature of the school
being a pupil of Platanos College? help you prosper and if so, how?
If I am being truly honest, my I loved different clubs during
favourite memories would be the different years. During my younger
times I had with my friends years, I did basketball, which kept
outside of lessons. I would look me fit and energised. After Year 9,
forward to seeing everyone at I focused on debating and Maths
break or lunch. I also enjoyed my club. Debating helped me with my
after-school extra-curricular confidence and oration skills and
sessions. They were less Maths was for pure enjoyment as it
demanding than my usual lessons was one of my strong suits. It was
and much more enjoyable to share just nice to be out of the pressures
with your friends who had similar of the classroom and doing what
interests. you enjoyed at your own pace.
What life skills did you learn Did you enjoy the
during your education here? educational/professional
relationship you had with your
I learnt a lot about time teachers?
management. It is hard to juggle
the 12 subjects that I studied at Yes, I enjoyed lessons with most of
GCSE. I also joined the Debating my teachers. I was lucky enough to
Team and become a much more have an inspirational tutor and a
confident and fluent orator. sensational Science teacher from
Certain subjects teach you certain Year 7-11 in Ms Alam and Ms
skills. In History, I honed my Browne. They kept my head down
analytical skills whereas in and focused and were always there
Chemistry, I focused on how to to help. I think they fuelled my
provide logical explanations in a desire to study Medicine at
simple manner. University. I definitely would not
be here without them! Mr Williams
What did you take away with you was also amazing. At one point, I
after graduating from Platanos think he was teaching Business,
College? ICT and Maths. You don’t find
teachers that talented often! I
I felt like I had very good would definitely say I was lucky to
foundations and qualifications have the teachers I had; they didn’t
with me when I left. I had want anything but to see us
developed all the basic skills succeed.
needed for life, such as
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PLATANOS COLLEGE
LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE: A REVIEW
WRITTEN BY JOSHUA ZACK
Little Fires Everywhere is an book or watching the series, but
Amazon Prime series starring we will tell you this: deception,
Reese Witherspoon and Kerry racism, classism, family feuds,
Washington that highlights some scandal and issues of morality are
very pertinent themes and issues woven throughout the text.
in society. As an adaptation of the
novel by Celeste Ng, it highlights Race. Class. Privilege. These three
how racial stereotypes can ravage words sum up Little Fires
through relationships and family Everywhere. The acting in the
life. series is outstanding. The
emotions feel realistic and draw
When Mia Warren and her the audience in; with each scene
daughter Pearl move to the town and every new, extreme plot twist,
Shaker Heights during the 90’s, we can’t help but cling to our seats
Elena Richardson lets her rental in anticipation of the next
home to them out of pity for their catastrophic event. Furthermore, it
nomadic lifestyle. Mia strangely opens our eyes to the hidden
relocates every couple of months prejudices that exist in our society
and has a car as old as her teenage today.
daughter who has little stability in
terms of friendships, family or If you do decide to watch or read
schooling. Elena, in contrast, owns Little Fires Everywhere, you
an exquisite, spacious house, is honestly won’t be disappointed.
seemingly happily married and
well respected in the
neighbourhood and has four
children.
When Pearl meets Moody
(Michael), she also meets the rest
of the Richardson family. Bill,
Lexie (Alexandra), Trip and Izzy
(Isabelle) Richardson. Izzy stands
out from the rest, as she refuses
to follow the perfectionist lifestyle
of her family. From the start, we
see Izzy’s troubled life exposed.
From the constant bullying from
peers, to the toxic relationship she
seems to have with her mother.
She finds comfort in Mia, who has
a secretive personality.
We learn that Mia’s brother
passed away in a car accident and
learn more secrets about her as
the series continues. Obviously
we don’t want to ruin it for you if
you’re considering reading the
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PLATANOS COLLEGE
a year like no other
SAFETY FIRST
WRITTEN BY ASMAA OTMANI
The year is coming to an end.
After plenty of money given to
lend.
Looking back, we had a fright
And now, we’re starting to see
some light.
Amongst all this darkness, loss and
pain,
Coronavirus still sadly remains.
It’s decided to return once more -
As if it hasn’t done enough before.
Just as we let a sigh of relief,
We were hit by even more grief.
The cases once more begin to rise,
Hence the government is forced to
compromise:
Finding a way to keep the public
safe.
They must also help the economy
to recover,
From this serious worldwide
shocker.
Keep schools open for students to
learn,
So knowledge can be effectively
earned.
This is a disaster for years to come
-
Certain, there are benefits for
some.
But that is a small minority;
Hit hard was the huge majority.
Emergency services have been put
under pressure
The NHS had to reach new
measures
Helping the nation face their fate
But did we react a little too late?
All we can do is help keep the
public safe.
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HOW HAS CORONAVIRUS CHANGED OUR
LIVES?
WRITTEN BY LEVAAN BAIDEN
If someone had told you this time contracted by people who were in *Statistics correct at time of going
last year that we would be going close contact with bats. It soon to print
into Lockdown, schools would be spread amongst the human
closed, holidays abroad would population both in China and
cease, millions of people’s jobs worldwide. As of September
would be at risk and people 2020, it has caused over 1.4*
around the world would die of a million deaths and over 59.2*
global pandemic, would you have million cases across the globe.
believed them? No, neither would
we. There is no doubt that 2020
has been a year like no other, one
in which things we took for
granted are now completely
different to how they once were.
As has been described in the news
many times, we are having to get
used to ‘a new normal.’
Did you know that Coronavirus
cases were first discovered almost
100 years ago in the 1920s in
birds and mammals? Coronavirus
strands can cause symptoms
similar to those of the common
cold: a fever, a runny nose and a
cough. In 2003, an outbreak in
Asia was caused by Coronavirus.
This type of Coronavirus was
called SARS and affected around
8000 people. It was estimated
that around 10 percent of people
who had been affected by the
virus died. More recently, in 2012,
there was another type of
Coronavirus that this time spread
around Saudi Arabia. This was
called MERS, which affected over
2500 people and had over 800
deaths in 2012.
However, the Coronavirus that we
all know was discovered in 2019
in Wuhan, China. It was initially
reported to be pneumonia and is
now thought to have been
11 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
HOW HAVE DIFFERENT COUNTRIES DEALT
WITH CORONAVIRUS?
WRITTEN BY RUQAYYA KHAN
All figures correct at time of
writing.
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LOCKDOWN LEARNING
WRITTEN BY ENIOLA OMONOJO, WITH A CONTRIBUTION FROM HAMZAH AHMED
We all know the incredible impact avoid contact amongst children.
that Coronavirus has had on our
education. The previous Year 11s At the time of this article being
(now Sixth Formers and College written, Japan has over 83,000
students) were not able to sit their Coronavirus cases and more than
GCSEs. Imagine that! 5 years of 1,500 deaths. The Japanese
Secondary education where government has also decided that
everything is leading to those all- schools should reopen. Face shields
important exams, only to end up must be worn in classrooms with no
not completing them. Year 13 exceptions. Japanese children must
students – many of whom are now maintain social distancing and are
at University – were also unable constantly reminded to stay at least
to sit their all-important A Levels. one metre away from their peers.
One of the challenges for Japanese
And what about the rest of us? schools is crowded classrooms: it’s
Although work was set online for not uncommon for 40 children to
all pupils across the UK, many of be in a classroom! According to
us struggled with concentrating on experts, this is double the
our online assignments and recommendation during a
actually completing the work. pandemic. The authorities believe
What did you find challenging that instead of keeping the children
about learning during lockdown? in constant fear, they should just
And how did the UK’s lockdown get the basic safeguarding correct
education system compare with first. Many parents and teachers
that of other countries? are on the edge of their seats
hoping that the logic the authorities
Covid-19 has affected schools are using works.
across the UK and the world in
many different ways. New So, what’s your view of how
regulations can be confusing, time- different countries have chosen to
consuming and arduous to follow. deal with the impact of Coronavirus
How are different schools dealing on their children’s education? What
around the world dealing with would you have done differently if
Coronavirus? you were the leader of one of these
countries?
Neighbouring Italy is doing
everything in their power to
prevent a second wave of
Coronavirus. This includes
constantly wearing face masks and
washing hands. Schools in Italy
decided to take matters into their
own hands, with some cutting up
furniture to avoid pupil contact.
Italian schools are having children
sit on benches to prevent cramped
classrooms. The Education
Ministry has planned to order
three million single seated desks to
13 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
HOW HAS CORONAVIRUS CHANGED OUR
LIVES AS PUPILS?
WRITTEN BY KARINA ROBERTS The good thing about the
schools’ COVID measures
is that now there are “One pro about the COVID
There is no doubt that measures is that social
fewer people in large
Coronavirus has changed the way distancing keeps us safe as
groups, there is a lower
we live our lives – and that goes well as keeping our loved
risk of the virus spreading.
for our lives at school too. The ones safe too. A con is sitting
However, it’s frustrating
staff have gone to great lengths in the same seat for a long
being separated from your
to ensure our safety and period of time, which can
friends.” – Melek
frequently make it clear that our make pupils restless and
health and safety are the school’s sore.” -Prudence
Number 1 priority. Of course, we
“The school is
know that was always the case;
trying their best to “I like that we are
but in the climate of Coronavirus,
prevent the limited to our year
prioritising our wellbeing is even
spread of group bubbles to
more heightened.
Coronavirus.” – help prevent the "I like that there are separate
Juan spread.”- eating tables at lunch to help
We were interested to find out
Houdayna reduce the likelihood of
how pupils across Key Stage 4 are
spreading the virus. I dislike
adapting to the new rules and
that we’re told to socially
procedures, including what
“The timetable and the distance even though in the
aspects of this new life they
constant supervision classroom this is quite
prefer and what they are not so
makes us feel like we’re challenging.” – Isaaq
keen on. Here’s what some of our
under pressure,
peers had to say…
however, it’s good that
this keeps us safe.” –
Victor “I like that the school
“I like that we’re keeping is trying to keep us
people who live with safe, however, I would
vulnerable relatives safe and like to be able to
are making sure that people socialise with people
“I like that we have the
who suffer from underlying more.” – Keiyana
option to wear our masks
health issues are kept safe
in the classroom. I dislike
from the virus as far as
the lunch lines and the
possible. I dislike the decrease
way the seats are put in
of socialising though!.”- “I dislike that being in a large
place, even though I
Leatiyah year group bubble isn’t
understand it’s for our
safety.” – Kayanna really the same as social
distancing when you’re
outside school. I like that we
“I think it’s good that the have to sanitise our hands
“I don’t like the fact that school are putting in “I’m not keen on the when handing out books/
we’re in a classroom for measures because it’s bubble system or equipment.” – Sofia
the whole day and barely keeping us safe but I having to sit in the
get to socialise, however, dislike not being able to same seat all day long,
I like that we get to start socialise normally with which can get So, having considered the
school later because I friends.” – Leisha extremely views of Key Stage 4 pupils
can sleep for longer.” – frustrating.”-Sofiane above, what is your opinion
Kayla of the pros and cons of our
new school life?
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LIVING IN LOCKDOWN
WRITTEN BY RIHANNA JOHN
Lockdown hasn’t been the easiest no such thing as a ‘normal’
for any of us. According to MIND, response towards the experience
more than 50% of adults and 2/3 of Lockdown; 2020 has been aa
of young people say that their challenging year for all of us and
mental health has deteriorated we will deal with this in different
during Lockdown. Boredom, being ways. Your feelings won’t always
prevented from seeing loved ones, stay the same and won’t always
lack of time outdoors and seem logical.
concerns about the health
implications of Coronavirus have So what can help us when we feel
all had an impact on mental health. our mental health is being
Loneliness is also a major factor on affected by the effects of
mental wellbeing. Coronavirus and Lockdown?
MIND carried out a survey of Here are some tips:
1917 young people aged 13-24;
their findings were startling. 46% - Talk to someone you trust
had used mental health services, - Check out online peer support
whilst 35% have family members - Express your feelings creatively,
with mental health problems. 4% such as through writing, music or
of young people surveyed are art.
carers to someone with mental - Make choices to control the
health problems. Worryingly, over things that you can and try not to
3/4 of young people had lower sweat the things you can’t control
than average wellbeing scores. - Practise self care
- Connect with friends and family
So what are the top 5 concerns of online
young people when it comes to - Get lost in films and TV
how Coronavirus has affected - But remember, too much screen
their mental health? time and social media can have a
1) Feeling bored negative effect
2) Not being able to see friends - Try to get outdoors if possible
3) Not being able to go outside
4) Feeling lonely Helplines:
5) Feeling worried about loved
ones contracting Coronavirus MIND: www.mind.org.uk Tel:
0300 123 3393
Lots of us will have experienced a Samaritans:
range of different feelings during www.samaritans.org.uk Tel:
Lockdown. You might feel 116 123
stressed, unprepared, anxious, Young Minds:
afraid or panicked. Or perhaps you www.youngminds.org.uk
get angry or frustrated, feel
confused or unmotivated. You
might feel isolated and like no-one
cares.
Everyone should remember there’s
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CORONAVIRUS: CLUBS IN CRISIS
WRITTEN BY ADAM ALI
Covid-19: there’s no doubt about position, bearing in mind that
it – 2020’s global pandemic has lower League players earnings are
changed our lives significantly. It significantly less than that of
has affected everything from plans Premier League footballers.
that we might've had to the world
of sports as we know it. A Back in April, when Coronavirus
favourite of Year 10 pupils – and Lockdown were in full swing
football - has been hit hard not in the UK, Matt Hancock the
only here in England, but Health Secretary urged Premier
worldwide. League footballers to “Take a pay
cut, play your part.” Some Premier
When you think of English League clubs such as Spurs and
football, one of the things that will Newcastle took advantage of the
surely come to mind is the Premier government’s Furlough scheme,
League and the controversial using taxpayer’s money to fund
wages that footballers are paid staff wages, which outraged many
weekly. The average weekly members of the public. Many
earnings of a Premier League leading figures in football were
footballer is £50,000. Just let that outraged at the criticism thrown
sink in for a second. Last year, a at Football, with former Premier
fully qualified nurse got paid about League player David Cotterill
£24,000 a year. The average salary arguing, “2.5 million millionaires in
in the UK is £36,000, meaning that the UK! 512 players in the Premier
in a week, the average Premier League! YOU all want footballers to
League footballer is paid £14,000 donate or take pay cuts during this?
more than many Brits will earn in a I agree. But there’s a lot more rich
whole year! people out there. Soon as anything
happens footballers become instant
This might make you think that targets.” The age-old argument
footballers getting paid these about footballers’ wages is even
types of wages are somewhat more intensified in the time of
immune to the financial Coronavirus; but who do you
implications of Covid-19 - but you agree with?
might be mistaken. Football Clubs
have been put under financial With games not being played or
strain because of Covid-19, forcing being played behind closed doors,
them to reconsider the wages of the money that spectators would
footballers during the Coronavirus normally contribute is at stake.
period. Footballers have been This is one of the many reasons
given a ‘take it or leave it’ choice, that professional Football is under
meaning Clubs have given players pressure. Will Lower League
a choice to accept lower wages or teams and even Premier League
to be kicked out of their Club. Clubs combat this and make the
Most - if not all - footballers have enormous effects of Covid-19 in
taken up the offer. Some lower Football a thing of the past?
League players have been outright
released from their clubs, leaving Well, we'll just have to wait and
them jobless and in a tough see...
16 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
MARCUS' MARVELLOUS MEALS
WRITTEN BY JESSICA FERREIRA
You may know Marcus Rashford heavily influenced by his own
as an English professional football upbringing. His mother worked
player, who plays as a Forward for full-time, earning minimum wage
Premier League club Manchester to make sure the family always “I don’t have the education of a
United and the English national had a decent evening meal on the politician, many on Twitter have made
team. Rashford started playing table, but this wasn’t enough; at that clear today, but I have a social
football for Fletcher Moss Rangers times he had to rely on breakfast education having lived through this
at the age of 5, beginning as a clubs and free school meals to and having spent time with the
goal keeper, and took inspiration receive nutritious meals. families and children most affected.
from Tim Howard, his goalkeeping These children matter.” Marcus
idol. His career blossomed in his On May 27th 2016 when he Rashford
youth and in 2012 he was part of broke the record for youngest
the Manchester United Under-15 player to score in his first senior
squad. Due to his success, he has international match, Rashford
gained attention from many reflected on the fact that without
people, with The Guardian naming the kindness and generosity of the
him as Manchester United’s best community he had had around
prospect in 2014. him growing up, he wouldn’t be
the famous 23-year-old English
Despite now being famous and football player he is today.
wealthy, Rashford did not grow
up in a family that had much It is estimated that around
money. During the first Lockdown 200,000 children have had to skip
of 2020, Rashford campaigned for meals during lockdown, and 5
the government to assist families million people live in families that
on low incomes by providing free have experienced struggles during
meals for children who would the Covid-19 epidemic. Over
normally access these at school. 2000 paediatricians supported
Rashford teamed up with a charity Rashford’s campaign whilst many
named FareShare, to help fight businesses offered free meals to
hunger and food waste, and has families in need as a result of
now raised more than £20 million. heightened awareness.
Determined to reduce hunger and There is no doubt that largely due
food waste, Rashford wrote a to Rashford’s campaign and
letter to MPs to ask them to passion on this matter, local
change their decision of ending communities, businesses and the
the voucher scheme in the government have started paying
holidays; within the letter he heed to the plight of those who
stated, “this is not about politics; have had to endure hardship
this is about humanity,” revealing during lockdown. The question is,
his belief that access to food is will his campaign be able to make
not a political matter but a basic permanent changes to the funding
human right. of free meals for those children
who need it?
Rashford’s passion to ensure all
children receive adequate meals,
17 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
RISING HIGH
WRITTEN BY ASMAA OTMANI
2020 - it has been a wild as that is its temporary name
rollercoaster ride for everyone. unofficially opened. Its
The start of this decade is one construction was meant to finish
that will never be forgotten. in 2020, however was cancelled
However, as time goes by, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
everything seems to advance: Built with a slim stem as its spine,
technology, medicine and even it will have an oval shaped bud
architecture! Here are some close to its top, which will most
buildings that we would have likely be used for observation
seen this year, had it not been for decks. The only thing preventing
the unique circumstances of this miraculous structure from
2020. being titled the World’s tallest
building is the fact that the
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban
Dubai Creek Tower
Habitat (CTBUH) only considers a
Dubai isn’t prepared to give up
skyscraper as a tall building if
their throne of having the
50% of it is habitable. The Dubai
‘World’s Tallest Tower’ so they
Creek Tower is only habitable in
decided to build another tower
30% of its structure (not as if it
instead. They did not confirm the
will matter to the public media,
height of the tower due to fear of
though).
having competition, but it is
believed that the tower will reach
1345 metres tall. This tower costs
around £777,675,000 ($1 billion)
to build. The building isn’t actually
called the Dubai Creek Tower Jeddah Tower
Believe it or not, Saudi Arabia
might become the home to the
world’s tallest building in the
world! Reaching as tall as 1
kilometre (3307 feet) above the
ground, its designer (Adrian
Smith) is the same person who
designed the Burj Khalifa itself.
Despite this tower being taller
that the Burj Khalifa, it cost less,
with the Jeddah Tower costing
£956,540,250 ($1.23 billion) and
the Burj Khalifa £1,166,512,500
($1.5 billion). The construction of
this giant started in 2013 and was
due to finish in 2020 / 2021,
however construction was
cancelled in 2017, when only one
third was built, due to labour
issues. The team have decided to
continue the construction of this
terrific tower in 2020 instead.
18 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
Dubai Dynamic Tower
The designer David Fisher was inspired by
New York’s Olympic Tower and decided to
create a building that turns 360 degrees.
Dubai then decided to take this idea and
turn it into a reality as a luxury hotel. It is
planned to have 80 floors reaching 420
metres above the ground. The building will
have a concrete base with each storey
created in a factory then taken to the
construction site to be assembled onto the
building - this will speed up the process of
it coming to life. Each floor will be able to
turn 360 degrees in the occupants’ desired
direction and speed and can be controlled
by their voice. There will be special
elevators in the concrete core so the
people staying in this wonder can park
their car on the same floor that they are
staying in. There will be solar panel
installed on the roof of the hotel and
smaller wind turbines on every two floors.
If you are already planning a trip to Dubai
and wish to live this dream, then you might
want to take a look at the price first; per
night these range between £3 million - £30
million ($4 - 40 million). If that wasn’t
enough to put you off staying at the
Dynamic Tower Hotel, then here’s
something else: it hasn’t even been built
yet! What a shame.
Something Closer To Home
Enough about new buildings way out
of our budget range and all the way
in the Middle East! Here's a place
closer to home and instantly
recognisable all over the world: Big
Ben! It has been covered up since
2017 for maintenance reasons and its
British glory is finally going to be
returned to London. Crumbling walls,
leaks and 3343 cast iron tiles have
been removed and repaired over this
time period, however the total repairs
cost has been increased by a third to
£79.7 million as asbestos and bomb
damages from the Second World War
were found and had to be repaired as
well. The removal of all the
scaffolding may take around an
estimated 6 weeks to remove, but at
least beautiful Big Ben will be
returned to our Capital’s iconic
scenery!
19 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
CORONAVIRUS- THE GOOD, THE BAD AND
THE GOVERNMENT
WRITTEN BY SIHAN AHMED
Coronavirus was completely good decision, even with the “In the UK, not many schools used
unprecedented, and let’s admit, all backlash.” online video conference apps, so I
of us - from your average citizens, think that schools should use that
to the government, to the WHO – On May 10th we saw Mr. Johnson and stay closed a bit longer.”
were taken by surprise. In this laying out how he wanted to re-
article, we will discuss one of the open the hospitality, retail and “My opinion is divided because on
most important questions of this other non-essential industries. one hand it is easier for children to
pandemic - Did the UK Once again, the nation’s views focus and receive help rather than
government handle the crisis were divided. during online classes. However,
well? there is a risk as it could spread to
“I wouldn’t have minded staying vulnerable people easier.”
To answer this question, we’ll home longer so the cases could
have to look at countless really lower to a point where “I think it’s good to be back at school
decisions the government has everyone felt safe, than re-opening because we are actually learning
made the past half-year, so why the economy so soon.” more.”
don’t we start with one of the
earliest decisions they made - the “I think that even though it wasn’t “I want pupils to be back in school
nationwide lockdown? particularly good for the R number, but if one child gets COVID-19, it is
it did really help with people’s hard to stop the spread. I wish the
On March 23rd, Mr Johnson sat mental health. government had waited a bit longer
at his desk at 10 Downing Street before sending the children back to
and delivered a critical speech to “It wasn’t a good decision; it school.”
the nation. He spoke about the happened too early”
entire population having to pull In November the Government
together (in our own households, “It was structured with achievable announced a new phase of
of course), to stop the spread of goals. I thought it was quite good” Lockdown lasting to the start of
this deadly virus, how the rules December. Time will tell if these
would work, and, well, you know As we all know, schools were restrictions will be successful and
the story from there. This allowed to open for Nursery, by the time you read this, you will
lockdown was one of the Reception and Years 1, 6, 10 and have a better idea of this than we
strangest experiences the UK had 12 during June, with remaining do at the time of writing this
endured in decades, and for some, year groups returning in article!
it wasn’t what they thought was September. However, school life is
right from the country. Let’s see now markedly different. The Clearly everyone seems to have
what various people had to say government introduced a “bubble an opinion on the Government’s
about the government’s lockdown system” where each class/ year decisions from the start of
strategy. group would form a “bubble” or a lockdown to now. But to what
group that would not have to be extent have these decisions been
“It would have been better to distanced where not possible. Of a success? What do you think?
implement lockdown earlier, maybe course, we try to distance when
closer to the start of March, we can, but in classroom settings
because that’s when the cases this is not always possible. Rows,
started to go up.” outdoor breaks, and PPE being
available are just a few changes to
“Apart from the fact that it could the schooling system. Many of us
have been done earlier, it was a have different opinions on this.
20 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
HISTORY FOR HARRIS
WRITTEN BY SHANI JOHNSON
By the time you read this, we will
Kamala’s motto comes from her
be about a month away from the
mother: “You may be the first, but make
official inauguration of Joe Biden
sure you’re not the last.”
as America’s 46th President. But
why exactly is his chosen Vice
President, Kamala Harris making
Harris does not like being called the
history? Well, not only will she be
“female Obama.” When a reporter
the United States’ first female
commented that Harris would be
Vice President, but she will also
continuing Obama’s legacy during her
be the first Asian-American and
run for President, she stated, “I have my
the first African-American Vice
own legacy.”
President.
Here are some facts about the Kamala has 2 step-children who call her
current Vice-President Elect. “Momala.”
Kamala Devi Harris was born on
the 20th October, 1964. After In 2013, President Barack Obama called
graduating from Howard Harris the “best-looking attorney general
University, she began her career in the country.” He apologised later after
in an Attorney’s office in being accused of sexism.
Alameda county,
In first grade, Kamala
Her favourite books include The Kite Runner by had to travel by bus
Khaled Hosseini, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and to Thousand Oaks
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Elementary School,
which was in its
second year of
n 2003, she was recruited to the City Attorney of integration. The bus
San Francisco. In 2016, Harris defeated Loretta transported her from
Sanchez to become the first South Asian-American her mainly black,
and the second African-American to serve on the lower-middle-class
United States Senate. neighbourhood
where the school
Her mother chose Kamala’s name as a reflection of was situated -
both her Indian roots and female empowerment; prosperous white
Kamala means “lotus” and is another name for the district.
Hindu goddess Lakshmi.
So, will the 2020 Elections herald
As a child, Kamala was heavily influenced
a new start in US politics? Time
by her grandfather on a visit to India. He
will tell. In achieving what she has
was a high-ranking government official
done so already, Kamala Harris has
who fought for Indian independence. Her
certainly made history. Time will
grandmother was also a key influence on
tell if her policies and actions over
Kamala, as she was an activist who
the next 4 years will help pave the
travelled the countryside teaching women
way for future history makers.
from poor backgrounds about birth control.
21 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
WRITTEN BY KAYLA ALVIS
As you may well be aware, the received much criticism not only
USA is one of the most affected for refusing to quarantine after
countries in the world with leaving hospital, but also for not
regards to Coronavirus/COVID- wearing a mask in The White
19. Unfortunately, their House; indeed, it was revealed
President, Donald Trump, seems that both his wife and son also
to have done very little to stop contracted the virus. Could this
the spread. have been as a result of the
President’s own carelessness?
At the time of this article being What message does this send to
written, there have been 12.5 the American people about how
million confirmed cases and to deal with the potentially
tragically, 258,000 confirmed deadly effects of Coronavirus?
deaths in America. The spread of
COVID-19 has rapidly increased
Many would argue that under
throughout America and yet few
Trump’s leadership, America has
extreme measures have been put
dealt with Coronavirus very
in place. Compared with other
poorly and has not taken the
countries that have gone on
pandemic seriously enough to
extreme lockdowns and have
protect his citizens. But what do
closed workplaces and schools in
you think? Is Trump being unfairly
an effort to prevent the virus
targeted or is he to blame for the
spreading further, America’s
deaths of his own citizens?
strategies have varied from State
and State.
Earlier this year, President Trump
tested positive for Coronavirus
and seemed to have a swift
recovery. However, many people
think that Trump exaggerated his
own recovery from Covid-19.
Some of the treatment used for
Trump was not available to the
American public, but he promised
that they would receive the same Some of Donald Trump's tweets on Coronavirus:
medical intervention at no cost to
themselves, despite America not
"HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN, taken
having a free Healthcare system. together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest
The President declared on game changers in the history of medicine, The FDA have
Twitter "I feel better than I did 20 moved mountains - Thank You! Hopefully they will
BOTH (H works better with A, International Journal of
years ago!"
Antimicrobial Agents)..."
Whilst President Trump claimed
he had a “positive glow” following "The United States will be powerfully supporting those
his contracting of COVID-19, he industries, like Airlines, and others, that are particularly
affected by the Chinese Virus. We will be stronger than
ever before!"
22 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN
WRITTEN BY REUBEN BOWES
‘Make America Great Again’ has promotion of capitalism. Such enter a new golden age with
been the long-standing motto of things were promoted in Trump’s Biden’s Presidency, one in which
Donald Trump, from his run: his talks of “building a wall” is Trump’s old-fashioned, prejudiced
Presidential campaign in 2016 to a clear indication of his extreme views can be countered with
his recent defeat to Joe Biden. At views. empathy, respect and tolerance.
times, Trump’s antics have Maybe 2021 will be the start of a
seemed like a form of strange The Democrat ideals are more new golden age for the USA- a
entertainment to us in the UK. liberal: protecting the time to truly make America great
However, it might be quite environment, LBGTQ+ rights, again.
dangerous to dismiss his Twitter minority representation and
tirades and bumbling Press egalitarianism, or the belief that all
Conferences as the words and people are equal. Biden is also a
actions of a clown. man of great understanding and
experience; however, with Biden
Despite his obviously racist being the oldest President-Elect
tendencies and countless faults, to date, some argue that his views
he still earned seventy-seven are dated. However, surely it
more electoral votes than his could be argued that Joe Biden’s
2016 opponent Hillary Clinton, long life has allowed him a range
despite her winning the popular of experiences, including of great
vote. More recently, as his loss? His wife and one-year-old
Presidential reign drew to an end, daughter died just weeks after his
we all waited, the world over, 30th birthday. This loss and
with bated breath to see the tragedy gives him a greater level
result. And what an explosive of sympathy for those who lose
finale it was! Trump was defeated, loved ones – surely this is an
floored by Biden’s 279 electoral important quality in a leader who
votes and nearly 76 million total is running a country so drastically
votes. It is important however, to affected by Coronavirus?
recognise that Biden’s victory was
not as extensive as some had Trump, in contrast, seems to have
predicted; in a race that was no such understanding or even
relatively close to call in the end, empathy - his brief scare with
what does this tell us about how Covid-19 did little but increase his
popular Trump and his divisive arrogance - after all, he’s
views still are? “immune” now, and feeling better
than he has in years…
Of course, some don’t understand
the impact that Biden’s victory is Whilst Trump stubbornly clung to
now having upon the USA. One of his Presidency as the results came
the clearest differences between in, Biden delivered a balanced and
these two candidates are their more generously toned speech, in
political parties: Trump is a which he called for unity between
Republican and Biden stands for Democrats and Republicans,
the Democrats. Trump sums up calling them all Americans with a
the Republican ideals almost shared purpose.
perfectly: restrictions upon
immigration, relaxed gun laws, It is the view of many across the
increased military funding and the world that America can expect to
23 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
BLACK LIVES MATTER: A MOVEMENT LIKE
NO OTHER
WRITTEN BY JOSHUA ZACK
George Floyd: you’ve heard his charities. Meanwhile, Harry Styles
name. In May 2020, he was killed committed to paying off prison
by a white police officer who knelt bails for protestors. Drake also
on his neck for 8 minutes. This contributed, donating $100,000 to
sparked worldwide protests, most a charity dedicated to bailing out
notably in the United States, black mothers.
United Kingdom and Australia.
The message? Black Lives Matter. But what does our school
community think of the BLM
Rewind to February 2012. Movement?
Trayvon Martin, a black teenager,
was shot by a Hispanic police Reuben in Year 10 says that the
officer when he was returning message of the Black Lives Matter
from buying sweets at a local Movement “shouldn’t have to be
shop. 15 months later, the Black repeated every time someone is
Lives Matter movement began killed’.
with the #BlackLivesMatter
hashtag on social media. The Ms Cooke thinks the movement is
movement became recognised in ‘incredibly necessary’, and ‘‘it’s
the United States after protests in frustrating and extremely
2014, when Michael Brown was damaging when the issue is
shot by a white police officer. You dismissed’..
may also have heard of Breonna
Taylor, shot on 13th March of this Mr Carroll even went to the
year when plainclothes police protests himself, telling us it’s a
officers returned fire on her ‘very important Movement’.
boyfriend, though Taylor was Mr Edwards thought long and hard
unarmed. The needless brutality of when we asked him what the Black
such stories indicate that Lives Matter means to him. Here is
something very sinister is going what he had to say:
on, that many have felt the need
to protest about. “The image of George Floyd death
and him uttering those words "I can't
The impact Black Lives Matter has breathe" will forever haunt me. But
had on today’s society is this image also shocked the world
unprecedented. No longer can and was the main catalyst that
police brutality be ignored. This inspired a new generation of
movement has highlighted how in protesters and campaigners. It also
the 21st century, like a lingering invigorated the Black Lives Matter
stench, racism in some aspects of movement.
society - including some parts of
the police - still exist. However, despite the tragedy of
George Floyd's death and the global
Many celebrities have supported outrage it caused, what was
the movement. The Weeknd important was the dialogue that
donated $500,000 to a number of followed regarding racial
24 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
racial inequalities; especially here in levels of government to refocus their
the UK. efforts on those recurring issues of
racial inequality.”
In the UK, protesters and
campaigners highlighted our own
issues and experiences of racial There is little doubt that we are
violence and discrimination. This living at a time when people
prompted our government to have a should no longer have to worry
open and frank discussion about about being targeted for the
some of those issues and attention colour of their skin, especially not
was drawn to key issues such as: by those who ought to be serving
and protecting the community.
The Windrush scandal whereby But tragically, as the names
hundreds of black Commonwealth George Floyd, Breonna Taylor,
citizens and their children were Eric Garner and Michael Brown
wrongly detained, deported and remind us, there is still a very long
denied legal right. way to go.
The disproportionate rate of Covid-
19 death among Black, Asian and
minority ethnic groups and factors
that made those groups more
vulnerable, such as employment and
housing.
The over-policing of the Black
community and how black males are
systematically labelled as
dangerous, hostile and threatening.
The focus on the education system
and its curriculum, such as the
teaching of the UK’s colonial past in
schools and universities.
The appropriateness of statues and
monuments associated with slave
owners or those involved in
atrocities and oppression of other
races and cultures.
To conclude, whilst the issues of
racial disadvantage and inequalities
have been the theme of previous
government appraisals, the lack of
progress in implementing
sustainable long term change has
become a cause for concern and
frustration to many. Therefore, the
Black Lives Matter movement and
protest response serves to pressure
officials and institutions at all
25 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE
BLACK LIVES MATTER: A TIMELINE
CREATED BY HONOUR BAILEY
26 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6PLATANOS COLLEGE 27 | "Attitude Determines Altitude" | VOL. 6
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