October/November Movie Preview

The summer blockbuster season is over and the September dry patch is done so now we find ourselves at the teasing period as we move into Oscar season. Films always risk crossing a fine line in this season, blending in with all the other dry contenders for the academies attention and trying to hard, delivering a forced and boring final picture or being mindless and silly in comparison to the relatively high bar everyone else is trying to hit. This is the season for filmmakers to get noticed in and there is a mixture of films that want your attention this year.

Arguably the most prominent of them all is The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (20th November) but talking to in depth about this is probably a waste of time as anyone that will watch this movie probably already knows they want to. The Hunger Games is a massive franchise with a huge fan base and films that seem to be raising their game with each instalment and while it’ll probably end up being good is it going to be great? We’ll have to wait and see, though it is based on the dullest time in the books so that doesn’t raise much hope.

On the opposite end of the addition to a franchise scale Michael Bay’s new movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (17th October) isn’t one that seems like it would appeal to anyone really. The turtles are too gritty and serious looking to appeal to the young kids that the ninja turtles are meant to appeal to but the pure concept is to silly to be taking as a gritty and serious movie by anyone. It’ll probably end up somehow doing well in box offices, mainly down to Megan Fox playing the role of “girl” and the big name in the title but this one looks to be mindless and boring trash and you’d probably get more excitement investing your money into an actual turtle. And they’re dull pets.

It’s difficult to pin David Ayer’s Fury (24th October) down. It’s coming fresh from the director of last year’s excellent cop action flick End Of Watch so it’s in capable hands but the tone of the film is difficult to grasp from the trailers. On one hand it could be an attempt at bringing something gritty to Oscar season, maybe even a best supporting actor grab for Logan Lerman who until now has put on talented performances but not really found his footing as an actor. However, it could also end up being a mindless war flick that’s trying a little bit too hard to feed morals to it’s audience. The film will have to find out what message it’s trying to convey, war flick or powerful story of friendship between soldiers, if it’s going to succeed. Brad Pitt is currently having an unstoppable career so it can probably be predicted that he will put on a show as the man in charge of this platoon, a role that undeniably suits him. The weakness in the main cast is love him or hate him Shia Lebouf who could be using this as a comeback after all the press against him recently. It’s still difficult to argue against the idea of him playing a religious soldier in a tank squadron, especially after all his stuttering school boy roles he seems to have been grabbing, is an odd one.

Death seems to be a bit of a running theme this season with Book of Life (24th October) and Life After Beth (1st October) both addressing it. The former is an animation by filmmaking legend Guaellmo Del Toro about the Mexican festival of death and the latter being an addition to the zomromcom genre starring up and coming talents Dane Dehann and Aubrey Plaza. To be honest the animation seems the more appealing of the two with the trailers showing so much stunning content and giving off a similar vibe to movies such as Coraline and the Box Trolls, that genre of kids films that can mess a child up, teach them some important lessons and show them enough fun imagery to entertain them. Those are the best kids movies for the Halloween season and Book of Life looks set to deliver just that. Life After Beth on the other hand is this seasons Halloween date movie for the couples that don’t want to see an actual horror film and it could probably go either way. The cast are really good but the plot seems very dejavu, the idea of a girlfriend coming back from the date feeling like it’s been done before even if it hasn’t. For zomromcoms Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland are out on dvd people and they’re probably better investments.

A quick run through of other films coming out this season would include Interstellar (7th November), Christopher Nolan’s new movie. This is a man who always delivers something unique and interesting when he directs though the film does appear to be shooting for crazy heights in terms of plot and it’s a struggle to work out how all the content promised by trailers is going to fit in. Nevertheless Nolan will undoubtedly give it his best shot. The Judge (17th October) is a father son bonding story starring Robert Downy Jr, a man who’s career right now can do no wrong. It’s unclear as to whether the film will focus more on the parent/child relationship or the lawyer story that it’s based around but it’s definitely going to be well acted, that much is true. There’s also The Drop (14th November) starring Tom Hardy. This film is an old fashioned crime noir that has received nothing but positive press from the film festivals it’s showcased at so if crime is your thing it’ll probably be worth checking out.
Finally Gone Girl (3rd October) is the film to watch this season. It’s a psychological thriller of epic proportions based on the best selling book and nothing but good things have been said about it. The plot is still shadowed in mystery and intrigue and in that way it’ll keep you guessing until the final second. See this movie and then encourage your friends to see it just so you can talk to them about it, Gone Girl is this movie seasons must watch.

Book Review: A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire

A Game of Thrones is the first in A Song of Ice and Fire series. It’s an epic journey told by author George R.R Martin. The first series alone has captured the hearts of 24 million. Will it capture yours? Read the review of, ‘A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire’ by Violet Daniels.

It was a cold, dark Sunday evening when I picked up ‘A Game of Thrones.’ It had been lying on my ‘to read’ pile for weeks but I hadn’t felt the need to dive into it before then. The rain continued to pour and the wind battled the delicate glass of my windows and it was then that I thought it would be the right moment to pick it up.

A Game of Thrones hit our TV screens with lust, blood, war and drama since April 2011. TV critics have either loved or hated the infinite series that continues to provide us with bloodthirsty battles and various raunchy love affairs. However have you ever considered tearing your eyes away from the screen just for a moment to pick up the book? Who knows, maybe you will after this article.

A Game Of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire has dominated the bestseller section of our high street booksellers for years. The story is the first in a major series by George R.R Martin and it in captures the heart of the War of the Roses whilst maintaining its original set of characters and families. The story revolves mainly around one family in particular, this family is named the ‘Stark’ family. The narrative of the novel is told through various characters in the story but it features the family of the Starks heavily throughout the tale. Eddard Stark is the head of the family who is King Roberts right hand man. Being best friends with the King obviously has its virtues, however we soon find out that it can land Eddard Stark and the rest of his family in a lot of trouble.

As the story unfolds the battle for the Iron Throne commences and with this comes family feuds and intense violence on the battlefield. The feature of the Iron Throne bestows acts of treachery amongst Ned and a split in his family emerges–  they are torn apart and no longer have their father for protection. His many children now have to fend for themselves in a corrupt kingdom without their claim to the King for protection. 

Whilst the Stark family is torn apart by the various feuds at court we also meet other characters in different houses along the way. 

You will also be captured by the enthralling, steamy romance between Daenerys and Khal Drogo; a couple that are joined together for marriage in the beginning go the book. Husband, Khal Drogo is of Dothraki and Daenerys is of the house of Targaryens. Their marriage is a lusty romance which ends in tragedy, however I know it will grip you throughout the whole novel as it certainly never failed to grip me. With the Dothraki we enter a completely different world; a world of passion, culture, intense romance and unfortunately, tragedy.

Martin manages to capture eloquently the lives of many families in the times of the Wars of the Roses and thus this makes it an intriguing read from a historical point of view. It’s hard not to fall in love with the complexity of the novel and I found myself emotionally invested in the fate of the Stark family. I was enchanted by the words from Martin as he pinpoints all the intoxicating aspects of the Wars of the Roses. If you are thrilled by action, drama, by history or by romance then get yourself a copy of this book!

Overall rating: 4/5

Autumnal Make-Up Tutorial

3 different ways to wear this season’s autumn make-up trends! 
By Chloe Dench and Lauren Moon

Look 1– Big Lashes

Start with applying a nude eye shadow all over your eyelids, to even your skin tone. I used the MUA Undress Me Too palette. 

Next, add a thin line of eyeliner if you wish. I used a thin liner of black eyeshadow to add definition. 

The most important step in this look is the mascara. I used Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express mascara for the first two coats then I finished off with a coat of Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam mascara.

Look 2– Plum Lips

Start by lining your lips with a plum coloured lip liner– this will help to stop your lipstick from bleeding. For this look, I used the Sleek Eau La La Liner in Raisin 293.

Next, apply your lipstick all over your lips. I used Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Dark Night Waterl-oops!. This lipstick is quite moisturising, so you don’t really need a lip balm underneath. If you’re out and about take it with you though, as it does tend to come off quite easily when you eat!

Look 3 -Bronze and Purple Eyes

Start by applying a bronze cream eyeshadow, such as Maybelline Color Tattoo in On and On Bronze, all over the lid.

Add a touch of gold eyeshadow to the centre of the lid, and a lighter shade to highlight in the inner corner. 

Blend a dark purple eye shadow into the outer corners and along the lashline, then finish with mascara and eyeliner. This look works well with bronzed skin.

10 Best Beauty Buys

Giving you an up to date guide of the top must-have beauty buys of the season, with products from your most loved brands!

1.Daisy Dream, by Marc Jacobs (pictured above):

A light fragrance with a floral and fruity scent, in an array of sized bottles. This 

perfume has a 

faultless balanced blend of blackberry, 

grapefruit, and 

jasmine, amongst 

other infusions.

-Priced from £39

2.Mini hand creams, by the Body Shop:

These 30ml 

hand-creams are 

perfectly purse sized, and come in a range of scents 

including mango, 

coconut and 

strawberry. A 

method of ‘on the go 

hydration’, which 

softens and protects your skin.

-£3.50 each

3.Color drama in Berry Much, by Maybelline: 

This lipstick shade is a new season trend: high end, but not high priced! With a creamy velvety texture, it 

couldn’t be better… it even comes in eight other shimmering shades too!

-£4.99

4.Wonder’ Full  

mascara, by Rimmel:

This feather light 

mascara , gives added length and volume, and is 

perfect for day to day wear. The 

argon oil leaves lashes feeling soft and conditioned, 

giving added 

definition from root to tip.

-£7.99

5.Pro-Base prime and conceal 

Palette, by MUA:

This new ‘complexion 

corrector’ gives you an even skin tone to brighten and 

illuminate your 

facial features. With five fabulous shades, different skin tone problems can now be easily resolved! 

-£4 at Boots

6.Baby Skin 

Instant Fatigue Blur Primer, by Maybelline:

This water based pore-eraser product refreshes skin, 

creating a smooth and silky finish, along with leaving a hydrated glow! It comes in a choice of colours: either cool rose, or warm 

apricot.

-£7.99

7.Colour crush nail varnish, by the Body Shop:

This new deluxe nail range offers a 

selection of twenty-six nature related shades, including Rosy Cheeks, 

Almond Kiss and Oh Petal. With a quick drying time, and high gloss

finish, there’s 

nothing more you could ask for!

-£5 (6.8ml)

8.Naked 3 Palette, by Urban Decay:

This palette is a 

follow up from the 

Naked and Naked 2 selection. It is packed with never before seen shades, and finishes

including: ultra-smooth mattes, pretty pearls and unimaginable 

metallics!

-£37

9.Baked Box Collection, by Beauty UK:

This blush comes in a choice of four lustrous shades: popsicle pink, rose rouge, halo and goddess, all of which are guaranteed to 

highlight and define 

facial features, leaving you with a healthy glow. For easy 

application, there is even a compact mirror built in to the box!

-£3.99

10.They’re real! Push up liner, by Benefit:

The first ever gel-liner, in a pen form! This specific 

formula promises not to smudge, but instead hug your lash-line. This eye-liner also has an AccuFlex™ Tip, which is custom 

angled to help draw an easy line, and a wide base for stable application. Perfect for those that want bigger looking eyes!

-£18.50

Movie Review: If I Stay

Chloe Moretz and Jamie Blackley have recently starred in the new movie ‘If I Stay’ based on the 2009 novel written by Gayle Forman.

Mia Hall (Chloe Moretz) is a young, shy teenager in high school with a passion for musical instruments—especially the cello, whilst   Adam (Jamie Blackley) is an up and coming Rock Star, in love with himself and music. When the two teenagers meet, a strong connection is made, and they begin to realise that despite their differences, they are well suited to each other.

The time frame of the film moves quickly and soon it becomes apparent that a year has passed since the two lovers have begun dating, although their awkward encounters would lead us to believe     otherwise.

Mia decides reluctantly to go on a family trip for a few days, but tragically, whilst  driving along the icy roads, her father is not concentrating fully and by the time he realises a truck is speeding towards their car, it is too late. The horrific accident leaves Mia, her parents and her brother comatose.

Most of If I Stay is based around an out-of-body experience with Mia watching herself lie motionless day after day. She also begins to have flashbacks to her time with Adam.

She is told by the nurse (whilst she is still in a coma) that it is up to her whether she lives or dies. This means that she has to decide  whether to die and be with the rest of her family (who have since been declared dead) or to live and carry on her life with her boyfriend and friends without her family.

The fantastic acting from the two main characters as well as the rest of the cast portrays to the viewer how fast things you love can be torn away from “Today.” Although it is cheesy, it feels like life which contrasts the tone of the rest of the film.

Like most films created from books, it doesn’t measure up to the story as well as fans of the book may have hoped. 

Nevertheless, it’s a great film and highly recommended to anyone who is thinking about going to see it.

The movie received a 7/10 and managed to stay at number one in the box office for  4 weeks before dropping 1 space to number 2. 

By Franki Dean.

Top Halloween Films

October is upon us and with October comes Halloween: next to results day, the scariest day of the year! And we here at Pulse believe that the best way to celebrate this holiday is to stuff yourself with chocolate and watch some good ol’ horror movies. But which ones look most promising? Well, to save you the trouble, we’ve compiled a list of our picks for the Top 21 Halloween Films. Be advised, though, many of the films on this list contain mature content.

21. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
One of the sillier entries on this list (which is saying something when you see some of the other stuff we’ve got on here). Rodriguez; brings his usual, fun shtick to the table, and Tarantino, who always has some great one-liners up his sleeve, both deliver a totally ridiculous take on the vampire genre, set almost entirely in a…err…gentleman’s establishment. Fast-talking, blood-spattered hijinks ensue.

20. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
This seminal horror film may have lost its edge as an actively scary film, however the danger and uneasiness that Roman Polanski’s direction conveys still feels very real, with Farrow shining as the naïve title character. As a piece of storytelling, it still remains on that top notch that it was on way back when.

19. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Also known as the one that started all those other found footage films, most of which no one asked for, Blair Witch has some terrible acting from its lead star, but with a bone-shaking premise and finale, it’s a satisfying film and upholds the theory that films made on a ham-sandwich-sized budget can actually be a lot better than some of the stuff that mainstream horror films are peddling.

18. Blade 2 (2002)
The first film left much to be desired. However with its sequel, director Guillermo Del Toro presents a much sleeker, better-looking and more fast-paced film, which realises that you can’t take this kind of stuff seriously and just goes for stupid, über-violent fun. Popcorn nonsense, for sure, but popcorn nonsense of the highest order starring Wesley Snipes and Ron Perlman.

17. 28 Days Later (2002)
Director Danny Boyle brought us this fantastic little horror gem at a time when zombie films were at their weakest. This breath of fresh air not only gave us some terrifyingly fast ‘rage mutants’ (oh, who are we kidding, they’re zombies) but also very often opted for scaring us with its startlingly-realised social commentary and ideas of what would happen in a social collapse instead, which was often much more effective.

16. The Haunting (1963)
You’d think that the man behind The Sound of Music, West Side Story, The Sand Pebbles and The Day the Earth Stood Still could deliver on a satisfying film. And, you’d be right. Relying more on the psychosis of its characters rather than flashy jump-scares, the film doesn’t date itself and only becomes cleverer with every repeat view. Maybe not something to watch for a laugh, but a thoroughly well-made piece of cinema nonetheless.

15. Nosferatu (1922)
This iconic silent film is still a marvel even by today’s standards, despite the absence of sound. Director F.W. Murnau blends the disturbing with the scale of the true Dracula story to great effect and the design of the vampire was a revolution. You can keep your True Blood and Hammer horror, this is still the best vampire movie ever made.

14. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Often mistaken for a gross-out slasher flick, there is in fact so much more to Chainsaw Massacre. True, at its heart it’s pure gross-out (perfect for a night in with friends), but around that is a cinema gem with stellar-performances and masterful technical execution, pun intended. Watch it and enjoy, you sick, sick person.

13. The Fly (1986)
I think we’re better off not knowing what goes on in David Cronenberg’s head when I tell you that this is his idea of a romantic story. With that being said, though, this really is something special, and even manages to function pretty well as a romantic tragedy. Come for the character driven narrative, and stay for the glorious prosthetics that capture the physical decay of the main character (whose insect half is slowly taking over) perfectly.

12. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
John Landis’ take on the fish (or should we say ‘wolf’)-out-of-water genre is every bit as bizarre and comic as you’d expect from the man who made The Blues Brothers and the Thriller music video. Going all-out to make something truly unique, Landis swaps out silver bullets for an ironic moon-themed soundtrack, mutant Nazis, Brits from an American’s point of view and a climax in a…errr…another gentleman’s establishment. If that doesn’t sell it to you, then nothing will.

11. Shaun of the Dead (2003)
Fresh off the Spaced wagon, Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg bring us arguably their most popular film. A film that contains so many nods to pop-culture and their previous work, that people have actually written essays and created drinking games because of them. Spend a joyous evening laughing your head off and quoting the glorious dialogue. I just have to ask, ‘want anything from the shop?’

10. The Wicker Man (1973)
For the record, we’re not talking about the remake starring Nicolas Cage (however, listening to him screaming about bees is very funny; treat yourself and watch it on YouTube). The original starring Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee still remains superior: a fantastically scary tale of human sacrifice and what people will do in the name of religion. It’s withstood the test of time so far, and won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

09. Night of the Living Dead/Dawn of the Dead/Day of the Dead (1968-1985)
Boyle may have rejuvenated the zombie genre and Wright may have offered a nice throwback, but the true kudos has to go to the George A Romero originals. Night provides us with terror of the unknown through the use of TV broadcasts and the threat of a group of stragglers killing anyone they come across; Dawn throws genius consumerist satire at us; while Day just opts for all-out gore. Watching a colourful roster of characters blasting their way through undead hordes has never been more fun.

08. Halloween (1978)
How often can you say that you inadvertently created a new genre, huh? HUH!? By the time you’ve finished watching it first time round, I guarantee you that this will have almost as big an impact as it did on horror movies. Stunning score and direction from John Carpenter and turns from Donald Pleasance and Jamie Lee Curtis all work up to make this jarring concept of suburban invasion the best of the best, slasher-wise.

07. The Exorcist (1973)
The so-called scariest film ever made sadly doesn’t live up to its title anymore. But that’s not to say that it doesn’t a) retain some of its horror and shock value b) continue to be an astonishing feat. Stellar performances and groundbreaking effects make this definitive take on the sub-genre of demon possession thoroughly eerie. Watched best at night, on your own with the lights out. Actually, er…lights on…Mummy!!!!

06. The Thing (1982)
After Halloween there was the question of where John Carpenter was going to go next with horror. Answer: The Thing. And listen, when I say that Kurt Russell and a soundtrack by film-score composing legend Ennio Morricone are some of this film’s minor accolades, you know that this is going to be good one. As the film progresses, Carpenter amps up the suspense to nail-biting levels and every so often chucks groundbreaking practical effects at us with every reveal of the newly-formed creature. The Thing is truly the definitive monster movie.

05. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Adorable and friendly doesn’t seem to be a recurring theme on this list, but because this film brought back stop-motion, we thought we’d make an exception. Combining the creative zeal of both Tim Burton (fresh off the Batman wagon) and Henry Selick, the film is a creative powerhouse combining fantastic musical numbers and iconic designs with a bittersweet story of curiosity and love.

04. Psycho (1960)
You’d expect nothing less from the master of suspense, Hitchcock. Shot on a microscopic budget, with the cast of his TV series, it seemed like it was going to be a doomed project. But one chronicle of young-secretary-meets-timid-little-mother’s-boy, set to Bernard Hermann’s iconic soundtrack, later and audiences were enthralled by one of the greatest directors’ best work. If you haven’t seen this film, you don’t like cinema, and you can immediately declare yourself totally cut off from society if you haven’t heard of the shower scene.

03. Alien (1979)
Offering nothing fancy (other than the sensationally realised and detailed sets), Alien relies  much more on sound design, score and just the notion that there’s something out there to generate scares from its audience - oh yeah, and when you do catch little glimpses of HR Geiger’s brainchild, you know straight away that it was fully worth the wait. Not only a great horror film, but also a great work of science fiction, which deserved mention in the same breath as Blade Runner and 2001.

02. The Evil Dead Trilogy (1981-1992)
Horror icon Sam Raimi entered the spotlight with his great feature debut, The Evil Dead, before turning the franchise round and opting for a more silly take on his version of the ‘demon possession’ genre. With the help of brother, Ted and college buddy, Bruce Campbell (sorry, BRUCE CAMPBELL!!!!!!), the sequels offered tenfold what the original did, with glorious slapstick and hyperkinetic camerawork. Hail to the king, baby.

01. The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s peerless horror epic not only looks and sounds exquisite, but also functions as the best horror film ever made. Kubrick’s gorgeous trademark cinematography at work makes this something to behold in and of itself and his near-obsessive quest for perfection led to many weird and wonderful things (not least, making Jack Nicholson eat his least favourite food: cheese sandwiches). It’ll make you jump even after the seventeenth viewing, as it builds a perfect level of suspense and chills throughout, before dumping an elevator full of blood on you.

What is there to look forward to in Autumn?

There is so much to look forward to in Autumn; cold nights and Halloween included! 

Autumn is cosy jumper and boots season, so now you can stay warm all day no matter what the weather.

Warm drinks are a must, especially hot chocolate! The cold weather can sometimes be harsh so a warm drink is always a good thing to cheer you up.

Autumn is definitely the season as well where you have to cuddle up and have a movie night with friends in the warm while it’s horrible weather outside.

However when you do venture outside, make sure you look at how beautiful the leaves look with their astonishing array of colours.

Not everyone is a fan of baking but it definitely improves when you feel less guilty for cooking warm cookies and pies all the time.  

Obviously, Halloween is a huge part of Autumn, it’s always fun to get sweets and have parties with your friends—even when you don’t know whether to 

seriously dress up or not.

There is so much to appreciate in Autumn and it shouldn’t be regarded as ‘that season’ between 

Summer and Winter since it holds its own significance. It’s the season for fireworks, bonfires and carving pumpkins, all of which would not be the same in any other season.  

Charlotte Osment

The IB Decline

First year IB student Madeleine Bishop discusses this year’s (rather pathetic) IB intake numbers—and the course’s girl-dominated demographic.

Worldwide, the number of schools offering the IB Diploma has increased by 7.85% this year. According to the Guardian, last year’s IB students made up about 1.2 per cent of pending qualifications for university applications – up from 0.8 per cent in 2008. Both the number of institutions offering IB, and the number of students taking it is increasing. Why, then, did the number of students who enrolled for it at the college this August drop so drastically?

Like, seriously. We have one boy (“We’re devastated,” says Jess, first year IB student) and a grand total of 27 students altogether. As an IB student I’m pretty concerned. Is there some secret, previously unknown flaw that’s come to light, that I’m somehow not party to? Our classes are unprecedentedly small this year - only one person enrolled in IB Physics. (Alright, it’s Physics. But .)

Okay, the IB’s not for everyone. I’ve heard the horror stories about the second year workload. We have compulsory DofE. The classes are pretty small anyway. But there’s more to it than that!

• No external exams in the first year

• It’s really well recognised, especially in the US

• The average IB student at the college achieves a point score of 34, equivalent to a UCAS of more than 4 A grades at A Level

• The grade boundaries for IB are managed centrally from Geneva - not by the British government, who (let’s face it) very much have a political agenda. As a result, grading etc, has remained consistent for nearly 20 years! 

Beyond the more surface level, academic type stuff, the IB has a really cool community of generally lovely, motivated people. One misconception is that everybody in IB has genius-level smarts, but in reality, you just have to be prepared to put a bit of work in - work which actually pays off.
Maybe people are put off by the forced language/maths/science option. The thing is, there’s basically some cop-out options for all of those if they’re not your forte.

• Taking an ab initio in Spanish or Italian is like taking language back to year 7 - while it’s useful and worthwhile, the courses aren’t advanced. It’s conversational. 

• Maths Studies Standard is the most popular maths option among IB students - the Higher is only for the Einstein inclined and is notoriously closer to a university level than A Level. Studies is much more manageable, and focuses more on statistics and uses of maths. 

• Environmental Systems and Societies is the Standard level for the un-sciencey. A mix of Geography and Biology, it’s still science, and interesting, but less full on. 

Beyond the curriculum (and I have to say, I’m an advocate of the well-rounded approach), there’s an early advantage for IBers… Making friends! I guess a lot of people come to the college with a fully formed friendship group, but that wasn’t really the case for me. Just one close friend came here with me, and we only share one free a week. Being in the IB meant that there was a consistent overlap of students between classes, so everyone was acquainted really quickly. With frees here, there and everywhere, it’s great to have a large group of people you immediately know and can have lunch with. It’s a way to find a niche within the wider (very wide) community of the college at large.
I would like to point out at this point that although there’s a reputation for IB having a lot of drop outs - thus far, only one student went over to the Dark Side, and, get this… She came back!


"At the start I found IB quite overwhelming,” says Megan Kiddy, our resident re-enrolled student (and former traitor). “But actually you get used to it really quickly. I found the IB had a wider range of subjects and more of a family vibe - my short stay in A Levels was far less friendly.”

See? Megan loves it. So it’s still a bit unclear to me why the numbers in-college have gone down while they’re increasing everywhere else. This year was a 50% drop and (forgive me for going on about it) but a boy-girl ratio of approximately 1:10 has soared to… 1:26. Seriously, we’re boy-starved.

I wonder why the IB demographic is so girl-dominated? Are we girls more prepared to take up something that screams “hard work”? Or is it because boys are still, somehow, generally more inclined to science-based subject choices, which perhaps work better at A Level than IB? 

  

“Because of its innate structure,” says Mike Flower, personal tutor for an IB form this year, “The IB is non-specialist. In my experience, boys are more prone to specialising earlier on, taking a route specifically tailored towards science or language, for instance. Why are they doing this? And are they doing it too early? It’s hard to say. 

  

“As for the IB decline this year, I wonder whether transport costs  are a factor. We used to get a lot of IB students travelling in from long distances for the course, but due to the recession those in that situation may hesitate to do so now. Also, A Levels did go through a period of bad press which may have encouraged more IB subscription for a short time. 

  

“I think that the IB suffers from a lack of publicity - it’s an amazing educational experience, but is it being endorsed enough at the secondary school level? In particular, there’s a lingering misconception that it’s for high achievers only, when in fact middle achievers may benefit the most.”

  

Basically, A Level students, if you work out that someone’s from first year IB, be our friends! We’d appreciate a little diversity in our society. Boys welcome. 

The Truth Behind The E-Cigarette Ban

After the slightly controversial (and nonsensical seeming) ban in college, Madeleine Bishop investigates the risks attributed to the increasingly popular e-cigarette

A recent notice in the student bulletin has banned all e-cigarettes from college  - “in the light of advice from the World Health Organisation and other medical professionals concerning the long 

term harm caused to the user.” 

When this notice was read out during registration recently, there was uproar in my form. Despite there being only one smoker present, most people found the ban ridiculous (mostly as actual cigarettes haven’t been banned) and I was inclined to agree. Everything that we’ve seen in the media has given us the impression that e-cigarettes are the harmless alternative to smoking. 

In fact, this isn’t quite true. While the e-cigarette is largely considered to be an effective means for smokers to kick the habit (by maintaining/weaning themselves off current nicotine levels while eliminating all of the nasty tar/carbon monoxide/rat poison stuff) it isn’t actually harmless. Just less harmless than smoking. The worrying thing is that the e-cigarette is increasing in popularity drastically among teenagers - including those who didn’t smoke to begin with. 

Some e-cigarettes have been found to give off formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Silicate particles, a cause of lung disease, are also present in some e-cigarette vapour. The nicotine itself can lead to circulation problems and heart disease. 

This misconception of the e-cigarette as completely harmless is pervasive, and has started to re-glamorise (or at least de-sensitise young people to) the cigarettes which have been so declining in popularity among teenagers, mostly due to better education and more powerful campaigning. The Health Department is likely to at least ban the sale of the e-cigarettes to under-18s in the light of WHO’s report. 

One of the other risks is passive smoking - the e-cigarettes that give off formaldehyde do so at a higher level than ordinary cigarettes, thus increasing the risk to passive smokers of consequences such as lung cancer. 

All in all, e-cigarettes aren’t so terrible - but they aren’t completely safe either. 

However, it still seems odd that the college would ban them while tolerating ordinary smoking, when, in fact, e-cigarettes still may be the answer to weaning current young smokers off of cigarettes. 

We just need to be careful to remember that the electronic substitute still comes with risks, even to those not directly smoking them - and to bear in mind that as a relatively new innovation, we don’t know everything about them. It isn’t clear what other drawbacks they may currently have, or the long term effects of perhaps more intense use of nicotine. Only time will tell.