Thursday, 16 March 2017

London Marathon Press Conference

As part of BBC School Report Day, a group of year 7 students interviewed the RSG marathon team. The team are running the London Marathon on 23rd April 2017. Proceeds raised are going to The Shaw Trust, NSPCC and Demelza House.


Colour Run at RSG

We interviewed some students and teachers about the Colour Run that is taking place here at Rainham School for Girls.


How bullying emotionally hurts you

Bullying can emotionally and physically hurt you. Both can be just as painful. The reason people bully is that they have problems that they deal with by hurting others physically and emotionally. This can include punching, name calling, hitting, threatening and much more. Bullying is wrong, immature and needs to be stopped. This has become a big problem worldwide which is why I am writing about how to deal with bullying and who to go to for help. Loads of people are bullied each and every day so if you are being bullied you’re not alone as every second someone is bullied for the most ridiculous reasons. After all at the end of the day we are all human.
Racism
Racism is acting against someone of a different race based on the belief that their own race is superior. Racism is a massive problem which also needs to be stopped. It is wrong yet people still are racist. Racism is constantly happing and urgently needs to be stopped. People in society are being treating differently and bullied because of their race. If you are a victim of racism then you must tell someone you can trust e.g. parents, guardians, friends, teachers/teacher at your school and family members. I know that it’ll be hard but you must tell someone you trust and know. These sorts of things can also be bad for your health. Please tell someone if you are a victim of this and help fight racism.
Bullying because of your religion/culture
This is yet another massive problem and also needs to be stopped. To deal with this you have to tell someone as I have said in the previous topic. I know people who have had this happen and you have to not let it get to you. I know it’s hard but you have to try. As I’ve said before at the end of the day we are all human. We all have to help fight against any type of bullying or being treated differently. Never let people treating you differently or bullying because of your religion or culture get to you.
Name Calling
You cannot let name calling get to you. I know that its hard and that bullies can get under your skin but please don’t become the bully. Don’t be mean to the bully because that makes you the bully. Name calling is a massive problem as well. All of these things need to be dealt with and stopped. Please tell someone if you are being bullied and called names. Make sure that it’s someone that you trust, know and can help you e.g. parents, guardians, aunts, uncles, family member, friends and teacher/teachers from your school. 
By Umamah


IS MENTAL HEALTH IMPORTANT?

Mental health affects 1 in 10 children and young adults. These disorders can include: OCD, depression, anxiety, conduct disorder and are usually caused due to their personal lives. Mental health issue can start from an early stage in their lives; this can lead to self – harm. Unfortunately people are no getting the proper treatment for their conditions.
 Mrs Moon, who is currently the head of Rainham School for Girls Library and computing room (IRC). She said that if you have a mental health disorder then rather than going to your school about your problem you should also consider going to your local GP about your problem and asking for professional help. However, schools can help with stress problems and can assist once they have been given direct orders from your doctor.
We also asked a sixth former about her views on the subject. Tilly said “mental health is very important and should be taken care of in the correct way with professional help. A way to improve mental health problems is by implementing a certain system that tests people to see if they have hidden disorders or a possibility that they can get it.”
70% of young adults experience mental problems and many haven’t had the right treatment. I believe that many of these problems are caused by being stuck in a problem that happened in the past. This includes problems such as being bullied in the past or family deaths.
People are forced to live a life unhealthy because of their mental problems and many hospitals aren’t able to give people the help that they need.
Some of our participants have said that these services should be free but some disagree. Some others think that there should be as much help as possible and more local mental health services.
Mental health disorders are extremely important if they are not treated with the correct care then they could be severely hurt or have unfixable problems for a very long time. I personally think that there should be more workers or volunteers to make sure that these issues are attended to in the right manner.
By Tifaine, Patricia and Grace

Save the Snow Leopards

The snow Leopard is on the 5 big cats nevertheless, they are almost extinct, there are around 4000 left and the number is going down at a quick pace.
The snow leopard is a 4 legged animal and is known as a beautiful, thick, soft, white and grey coat, paws covered in fur with heavy fur lined tail. Would you really want them to leave the world for good?
Poachers shoot adult leopards and leave the cubs to die; they want the fur to sell to others and use for extra clothing.
Some poachers have killed these beautiful creatures as they are being threatened and trying to protect their babies.
 Many people around the world are against this and think it should be banned for every species. Whereas, a male poacher thinks otherwise, here is a quote from one of them: “I think this should be allowed! Because we need money to support families and other homes”
Many leopards have lost their habitat and have been disappearing in the last 16 years.
There is one other big risk: climate change has been happening and the future of their homes could be disappearing, as the mountains could be coming more warmer for the snow leopards which they could lose.
What do you think about this case? Will you help the leopards?
By Ellie and Eleanor 

The new beauty, the feminist Emma Watson, good or bad?

The press is reacting to the new Beauty and the Beast film starring Emma Watson playing the spectacular part of Belle.

The premiere of the new Beauty and the Beast film came out yesterday and it shocked the press with its similarities to the 1991 beauty and the beast.
The film is a realistic blast of entertainment packed with songs from the and the scenery brings it to life.
Description: http://i.onionstatic.com/avclub/6249/91/16x9/1200.jpgThe feminist Emma Watson said it was a pleasure to play the part of the main character Belle and working with Disney, becoming a princess was an astonishing experience and a childhood dream come true.
 
 
 
This is the princess herself in action.
The remarkable movie stunned all the viewers with Emma Watson's originality to Belle's striking appearance.
As a feminist , just like Belle, Disney thought Emma was a perfect candidate to play the role, although others thought different. Overall, many people thought Emma was perfect and she quoted ‘ although people do not agree with me being Belle I will try my best to accomplish Belle’s high standards.’

By Jessica and Evie

International Women's Day

International Women’s day was held on Wednesday 8th March 2017. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. International Women’s Day started in 1908 when 15,000 Women marched through New York demanding voting rights and better pay, however the actual International Women’s Day wasn’t officially recognised until 1911. It is an official holiday in 15 different countries.
Emma Watson is a very powerful feminist; here is a quote from her speech, “I am from Britain and think it is right that as a woman I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country. I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men. But sadly I can say that there is no one country in the world where all women can expect to receive these rights.”
After Emma Watson gave her speech in September, a website was put up threatening Emma saying that they were going to put embarrassing and private pictures of her online. Her response was “If they are trying to put me off they did the opposite!”
The United Nations observance on the 8th March will call upon all actors to Step It Up for Gender Equality towards a Planet 50-50 by 2030 by ensuring that the world of work works for all women.
Only 50 per cent of working age women are represented in the labour force globally, compared to 76 per cent of men. Many social groups are women are making awareness of this!
Even with buying everyday products women still don’t get the same rights. Here is an example, When a female goes to buy a pack of 7 razors it is £2.50, However when a male goes to buy a pack of 8 razors it is only £1. How is this fair?
By Madison and Dulcie

OCD OVERLOAD

Resent results show that 1 in 100 children suffer from a type of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). Recent studies have shown that more than 15% of children suffer from a type of anxiety. Although many children in the UK have a type of OCD or anxiety, some cases can lead to stress and depression witch can destroy a child’s life and can eventually lead extreme mental health issues.
However this can be prevented by making sure staff have proper training when dealing with children with mental health issues. OCD can happen in many different circumstances. One of the most common syndromes is worries about germs. A girl in Year 10 (who shall stay unnamed) said, “I have had OCD for most of my life and one day hope to overcome it although, sometimes it’s difficult to live with!”
One of the most devastating types of OCD to have is vivid images of cruelty or in some way seeing a loved family member being abused. A girl in Year 8 cried in the interview as she knew someone who had this.
People with an anxiety disorder are 3 to 5 more times likely to need to see a doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those without anxiety disorders. This shows that anxiety is a terrible mental health disorder. Treatment is out there but sadly only one-third of the people suffering receive treatment!
It's not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Anyone can help stop OCD and Anxiety by donating to children charities. We believe that mental health awareness should be increased!
 
By Grace and Olivia

PEPA: Are Dance and Drama student numbers falling?



In the PEPA department (PE and Performing arts), teachers such as Mrs Iles- Holliday and Miss Cook are finding that their subject is falling down the list of academic importance.

Suddenly, more and more students are dropping out of dance and drama because other teacher and their parents are advising them to do more core subjects. The PEPA department are finding this unfair. On the other hand sixth formers are finding it a good way to express themselves through different characters. They also think it is a fun way to escape boredom.

A teacher at Rainham School for Girls’ by the name of Mrs Jackson explained to our interviewers that she loves dance and drama as it is a nice way to see and celebrate the students in the school.

However, the hardest thing about dance is remembering the routines and trying to portray emotion through dance. Students like physical theatre and different types of dance styles such as lyrical, contemporary and street.

Mrs Iles-Holliday said ‘I think that performing arts should be the highest subject. I became a dance teacher because it was the only thing I am passionate about. I don’t like meeting girls who doubt themselves by thinking they’re bad at dancing.’

What is your opinion?

Why is PEPA important at Rainham School for Girls?


Why is PEPA important at Rainham School for Girls??





PEPA stands for Physical Education & Performing Arts my group and I have asked people (teachers, students and sixth-formers)

 

 

We interviewed a sixth-former called Sara who studies dance and drama, we asked her what is her passion in performing arts and she quoted “I enjoy Performing arts because in both dance and drama I get to show what I can do and throughout my years in RSG it has boosted my confidence.” This shows how Performing arts are for sixth-formers.

 

 
Miss Holiday (The HEAD of PEPA) was what asked her biggest challenge was as head of PEPA and her favourite things about being head of PEPA and she replied “ The benefits are when she see’s students learning new skills that they've never seen or dreamt of before but the disadvantages are when students say that they cant be bothered or cant dance because everyone can dance so if they listened to my lessons then they could potentially get the hang of dance but they don’t and  they just go on and sometimes don’t put in as much effort as other girls do and she should.”



She has also been a teacher at RSG for 15 years now and she also did her training here!

 

 

 

Written by Grace

Is PEPA popular and important?


Is PEPA popular and important?
PEPA stands for Performing Arts and Physical Education as well as including dance. We have investigated in this topic and how popular it really is and why it is important!
At Rainham School for Girls, we have interviewed many students and teachers. Mrs Cook ( a dance and PE teacher ) quoted “I personally think students should learn PEPA as it is fundamental to express your-self become more confident.” This shows us a teacher thinks it is important to learn and to have as a skill. She also told us it should be a core subject like Mathematics, Science and English.
Another teacher we interviewed said similar as Mrs Cook. Mrs Harris-Boag ( an ICT teacher and Head of Sixth Form ) told us that she enjoyed watching the performances and said her pupils loved it as they could relax and be another person. Some of her students told us they disliked it as they had to be really energetic and were shy.
The head of PEPA ( Mrs Iles- Holiday ) was overjoyed  to tell us that she thought PEPA was a key skill to have throughout life. In conclusion, the teachers thought it was very important to learn. It also helps with social skills and help to build your confidence to perform to each other, she happily told us.
After, we questioned some sixth formers about this topic, these are the results. Rachel told us she enjoyed dance and drama it, whilst Sara said it was her favourite subject.  Rachel exclaimed the hardest thing was to portray loads of emotion plus she loved contemporary dance. Sara recited that she loved it and is doing it in A levels. She also added she loves it so she can express herself in an easier way.
Some year sevens squealed that they loved dance and drama as they could have a fun time and just really and not sit in a class room, bored in a stuffy room. They also retorted that it is something to look forward to in that week.
In conclusion, PEPA is important as well as educational. Most people have told us that they enjoy these subjects as they as simple, fun and a way to express yourself, in addition you can show your emotions through acting and dancing. You are also active so it’s good for you as well as a fun, friendly activity.
By Rose F, Rainham School for Girls
 

The Colour Run at RSG!





This year at Rainham School for girls, 2017, are holding a colour run once again. It will take place on the 24th of March 2017.  The RSG colour run was founded in 2014 by Miss T Stelfox, who is the head of KS4. Everyone finds the event exciting and memorable.



This year we have interviewed a variety of people who currently attend Rainham School for Girls' about their view on the colour run. We have asked teachers, students and sixth formers. All participants have positive views on the subject. They all comment that they always do it or want to do it.

Miss Hughes, who is currently supervising the BBC news school report, said “I have never taken part in the colour run but I would love to do it this year.” She has been teaching at Rainham School for Girls' since the colour run was first founded.

Mr McCoy also stated that he has never participated in a colour run as he lived in Australia when it took place. He would love to participate in this event if the opportunity came around.

Some of the year 10s comment that “Everyone gets involved and it brings everyone closer together.” They have done it since year 7 and loved to take part.

 Some year 7s say they are really excited to do it because it is there first year doing it. They are trying really hard to fundraise for the event. Megan commented that “the event looked ‘cool’ and is very colourful.”

 Sophie said “That she will be rising over £30 and it will be the most she has ever. Raised for any event she has ever done. It is her biggest achievement ever.”

We also asked some sixth formers who said that when they took part in the colour run they loved it. They thought that it was really memorable and they would love to do it again. Polly is a sixth former and she said that she did in year 10 and absolutely loved it.

But the real question is whether the colour run will be just as good as last year? Let's hope for sunshine!

 

By Tifainé, Megan and Grace.

The Colour Run: What do the students think?





We went to sixth form to ask about the upcoming colour run. We went to sixth from common room to see what they think. This is what they said...

 “It’s a good experience and a lot of fun.”

“Really good atmosphere and I would do it again.”

“My friends did it and had lots of fun.”

 

We also talked to some teachers about the topic

 “We are proud to have the colour run as not many schools have this opportunity.”

“I have never done the colour run because I’m normally teaching but I see the girls past my window having fun.”

“I have done the colour run as a paint thrower and runner but I cant do it this year.”

So its clear to see the students and teachers love this event to raise money for charity every year.

 

COLOUR RUN CAPTIVATES CROUDS AT RSG!


The Colour Run, which takes place on the 24th of March, is said to be one of the most mesmerizingly memorable days ever to take place at Rainham School for Girls. The Colour Run was founded in 2013 by Miss T Stellfox the head of KS4. This year, a group of high striding year 7`s have been carefully selected to interview both teachers and students about their experiences/views on the colour run. The money raised from the run will be going to amazing charity’s and some to the marathon team running the London marathon later this year.

Former students and teachers have left RSG saying that the colour run was possibly one of their favourite activities during their time here. Polly, a six former, said “I really enjoyed the colour run however; the paint simply wouldn’t wash out!” It's such a great event that some teachers said that they were extremely disappointed that they couldn’t participate as they were teaching lessons. Mr Ice, a science teacher said, “I have never taken part as I have just joined the school however I would love to take part!”

Where the colour run will begin next week
Although a few students say the Colour Run is a waste of money and paint most disagree and say it’s a way to bring people together and get everyone involved in a fun way to do sports. A group of year 7`s said “it’s a great way to raise money for the chosen charities and also a good way to spent time to your friends.”

Many said that if they were to summarise it in three words they would call it fun, energetic and memorable.

Will it be as successful as last year?

We will soon find out!



 

By Grace, Eleanor and Maddie

A day in the life of a sixth former at Rainham School for Girls


What is day in the life of a sixth former like?

To start off, they usually go straight to the bunker or the common room to either get some food or to do a little bit of studying before form. They have a similar day to the rest of the school but they usually have 3-4 periods a day. The other periods that they have are free periods and they use them to study.
Most sixth formers say “It is very stressful due to a lot more work in 6 form.” They also say "It is even more stressful due to a lot more tests.” They are allowed to go away to get lunch at lunch time but they have to come back for their last lesson of the day.
However, in some ways it is quite relaxing because they are allowed to be more independent.

Rainham School for Girls' Borneo Trip


RSG Borneo Trip- What is it for?


“We built a house for disabled women. It was a bit different because we used mud instead of bricks. It was hard but worth it.”
Sixth formers are going to Borneo to do charity work. This will help people immensely and will let people have a better life for them and their family. This would help many people and not many schools would do something like this.  This will be a really good for the community of Borneo. This will also make the people taking part feel better about themselves for helping out for such a worthy cause.

Rainham School for Girls' Colour Run


The colour run is rising rapidly to our expectations!

The colour run takes place on the 24th March during period 5. It is an event that encourages hundreds of students to keep fit and spend quality time with their teachers and peers.

The colour run is a time for all students to enjoy a sunny afternoon throwing paint at each other. Before the colour run starts the students always perform the colour run dance. After the dance is performed, the students will begin their colourful journey around our school grounds.

The colour run warm up dance is said to be a motivating start to an incredible run which surrounds you with a colourful rainbow of paints. The colour run dance this year is being danced to the popular song ‘Castle on the Hill’ and it is said by the teacher Miss Iles- Holiday and Miss Cook this song unites everyone and brings through warming emotions.

Many people have mentioned that the colour run dance is extremely enjoyable and they would do it every year. Everyone gets involved to have fun and get covered in brightly coloured paints.  The colour run dance is a necessary dance which warms everyone up and gets them ready for a huge, fun-filled, entertaining, incredibly colourful packed hour.

The colour run is the main event that raises money for the London Marathon Team.

In the past the colour run has been unbelievably successful raising thousands of pounds. This year our goal is to raise an outstanding total of £10,000.

A grand number of students attend each year, increasing the numbers as it gets more popular.

Multiple pupils agree that the colour run is undoubtedly fun and magnificent to take part of. Already, this year many people are determined to take part and to see the students having a marvellous time.

Miss Plummer gave us a detailed explanation of what the colour run was like previously. She stated that "It was colourful and very noisy but looked great fun and enjoyable however, it is going to be 10x better this year!”      

By Aimee,  Dulcie, Ellie, Evie, Jess and Poppy