Perkin Post
Fifth Edition
26/05/2016
Intelligent engagement with the wider world.
Warm Words
Hello! My name is Eesa and I am the editor for this Perkin Post. We have put some
special events into this edition. Look out for the Little Shop Of Horrors article and
Levi’s return with another comic strip for you. I hope you enjoy this edition. Have a
fun half term!
Eesa (8N)
Founders’ Day was Out of This World!
Following on from the Imperial Festival, this has been a big term for Science at William Perkin. The love
we have for all things scientific was also demonstrated in the energy and anticipation which was shown
at Founders’ Day on Friday 13th. This was William Perkin’s second annual founders’ day. Or third if you
include the year the school was actually opened! The science department spent weeks planning the day
which included a whole range of workshops culminating in a lecture from Monica Grady who we were
extremely lucky to be able to welcome to the school once again. Visitors from other schools as
well as governors came to join us to be a part of the action. The day began with all students
taking part in a range of workshops which all had a space theme. The workshops included
planting seeds which have been into space, making and firing rockets made out of plastic bottles
and creating planets with poems on them. Some lucky pupils also got to visit the planetarium
which was set up in the LRC. In the lecture which took place at the
end of the morning helped up to get to grips with the fascinating
science of space. Monica Grady talked us through a number of
discoveries scientists have made about space and
explained how these discoveries can be made without
even leaving the laboratory. She also managed to convince
Mr Smith that American astronauts did land on the moon
by explaining that the dust they brought back has been
proven to be the same as that which is found on asteroids
which come to Earth after bouncing off the moon. The day
was interactive and fun but also taught us a lot about
space. Additionally, it was fun to see teachers from all
subjects getting involved in science. A huge thank you to
the whole science department and ‘Mr Science’ himself,
Mr Miall, who organised such a great day for us. You can read more about Monica Grady’s work
with the Elite Scientists on page 4 of this edition.
Spirits not Dampened by Rain at NewtFest
The addition of the fresh brains of the Year 7s to Newton Enterprise day, held on 29th April 2016, meant a whole host of new
events were added to this year’s bill. NewtFest had been planned to be a sunny event taking place on the grass outside
school. Unfortunately, the sudden downpour meant that was not to be and the event was moved to the LRC. However, spirits
were not dampened and all the events still went off with a bang. Students were able to relax inside and eat their lunch while
sitting on beanbags. Lush! There were also delicious sweet treats to buy, beautiful face-painting and even a stall where you
could suggest a future word of the week (well done to Charbel in 7N – we will all be using ‘cataclysmic’ in
Q4)! The day was rounded off with the event everyone had been waiting for; the dunking! The 9E girls
raised so much money for their sponsored silence that they managed to save
themselves and the boys. Which meant that the Year 7 and 8 Newtons were dunked
along with their tutors, Miss Main and Mr
Bhardwaj. It seemed that the
majority of the water was
saved for the teachers who
were absolutely soaked, to
the delight of the crowd
which had gathered. Well
done Newton, and thank you
for a fun-packed day!
Terrific Teachers!
This week we have two terrific teacher interviews for you.
Miss O’Connor, Maths Teacher
How have you found your first few weeks at WP?
“They have been very enjoyable. The students and staff are
lovely!”
Would you like to have your own form next year?
“I would love to have my own form next year. In my last
school, I had a form for 3 years.”
Can you say anything in Irish Gaelic?
“Ispίnί agus subh.” (Maybe you can look this one up!)
Do you know any bad maths jokes?
“What do you call friends who love maths? Algebros!”
What is your favourite equation?
“
What is your favourite thing about teaching maths?
“My favourite thing about teaching maths is definitely that I
get to do maths all day!”
What is your favourite word and why?
My favourite word is ‘lush’ because it describes
positive things in a short succinct manner. Unlike
me, ha!
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
I would be a journalist working and travelling to
different parts of the world exploring and learning
new things.
And finally, what’s your favourite song?
My favourite song is ‘Nothing Really Matters’ by
Madonna because nothing except school really
matters!
Miss Hamid, English Teacher
What’s it like being a teacher at William Perkin?
Rewarding, fulfilling and thoroughly enjoyable! I
love being able to teach new and different topics
which transcend myriad subjects. For example, in
Year 8 our Gothic Adventure unit explores Science
and Religion through our reading stories, such as,
Frankenstein and The Tell Tale Heart. In addition,
being able to create wonderful relationships with
my classes is just lovely!
What first attracted you to William Perkin?
First and foremost it was WP's excellent
reputation in the area. I could not believe that
within two years of opening WP had become such
a brilliant school. Secondly, the building (both
inside and out) was outstanding. I'm certainly
more used to it now, however, sometimes I do
sneak out and have a quick wander to remind
myself of how lucky I am.
Why did you choose to teach English?
I just love it. I love reading. I love writing. And so, I
love teaching.
What is your favourite book and why?
‘A Little Piece of the Ground ‘by Elizabeth Laird is
one of my favourites. It's a story of three
boys amidst the Palestinian Israeli conflict and
despite being from different parts of the land and
of different religions, they come together to
become the best of friends. It's a beautiful story of
courage and hope.
Elite Scientists
Ever wondered what those Elite Scientist we hear so much about actually get up to? Here’s your chance to find out with a
first hand account.
This year, elite scientists have been working with Professor Monica Grady.
She has a PhD from the University of Durham and is the professor of
planetary sciences at the Open University. Our work with her has been
extremely exciting and has also helped us to understand a lot of complicated
concepts. Our first meeting with her was very exciting for all of the students
as we got to touch real rocks which had travelled to Earth from space.
Our sessions were made up of a variety of different activities. For example,
in our first session we were introduced to Ms. Kapila and given our books,
she also told us what the essential items for our trip to Ivanhoe Beacon
would be. Our second session was when we got to meet Monica Grady for
the first time. We also looked at gases that were charged up with electrons
and used diffraction grated spectacles to look at them. It was really
interesting to learn how this is done.
During one of our sessions with Monica Grady, we made a comet from some sand/soil mixed with brown sugar and liquid
nitrogen to make it freeze and turn solid. This created the effect of a trail (just like a real comet), because the dry ice (solid
carbon dioxide) quickly turned to gas at room temperature. We then did
things like blowing on it and tried mimicking the effects of a binary star
system.
Royal Society Trip
At the Carlton House Terrace (The
Royal Society) there were a number of
events including the project
presentations. We were one of 12
schools who had been invited. Before
our presentation, we were able to
rehearse in a big room with lots of
paintings of famous scientists. When
we were ready, we went through to
another room full of students from other high schools who had been working on
projects of their own. All of the projects were really interesting; there was even one
about robots! We were very nervous about having all those eyes watching us but it was
a great environment and we completed our presentation without a hitch. There was a
panel of five scientists at the front who talked to us about their lives and what had
inspired them to become scientists. It was very interesting and we all listened intently
to their stories. Afterwards we got to ask them questions and they answered all of
them. The president of the Royal Society also gave an interesting talk.
After the extremely educational and scientific presentations, we went into separate
rooms, where each of our posters were held up on a stand for all to see. Our job was to explain the poster to interested
spectators who wanted to know more about our project. At first, we were hesitant to walk up to people wanting to know
more about the meteorites, however, Ms Kapila’s encouragement gave us the
confidence to approach eager students and adults, explaining cheerfully how we
achieved the aims of our project, and how we overcame the problems we faced. Thank
you to Ms Kapila for this experience which we will benefit from for years to come.
WP Loves Literacy is Language Week
We all know how much we love literacy at WP. But we also love lots of other subjects too. Like
MFL! To celebrate our love of MFL, the Summer term kicked off with Literacy is Language
week; just like last year, there was loads going on. Over the course of the week, tutor groups
were invited to take part in an MFL challenge which was organised by the fantastic MFL reps.
Additionally, each day, there was a different word of the day which was a word we have
adopted from another language. We now know what it means to eat your chilli con carne al
fresco en route home. There was also a literacy focus each day which reminded us of the
different classes of words like nouns, over the week, the examples built up to a full complex
sentence. Additionally, we got the opportunity to watch a French film at lunch time each day –
it was called ‘The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec’ and told an exciting fantasy
story while also helping us to improve our French. You can also see some of the amazing bakes
which were brought in for the MFL and Literacy cake competition on
the next page. The week was rounded off with the incredible speeches
given by the Year 8s which were both persuasive and inventive.
Khadija’s word, ‘slazing’ really epitomised a situation we have all been
in. Surely you can think of a time you’ve been peckish but just too lazy
to feed yourself; that’s when you’re slazing! The quality of the speeches was higher than ever, but in
the end there could only be one winner. You can read the hugely impressive speeches of winner,
Brahim and runner up, Veronica, below.
Who Hasn’t Felt Pangs of ‘Hurtoon’?
Weary. I’m exhausted as I’ve just arrived home from school and completed the mountains and mountains of prep I got today.
As I’m flipping through the oodles of channels on the TV thinking ‘boring, boring, boring’, suddenly I see a show I haven’t
watched since I was 6; Spongebob! So I put it on thinking ‘This should be nostalgic’. After
laughing hysterically at Spongebob’s insane laugh, he pulls something out of his pocket
and...bam! It hits me out if nowhere, everything I’ve wanted since I was a kid a ‘krabby patty’.
I’m excited, amazed, horrified. I-I’m horrified. There isn’t a word for it. I spent ages searching
for a word for it on google but I had no luck. I’m scared. What if the English language was
made by aliens? Thankfully the word comes to me; ‘hurtoon’. When you are hungry for
something in a cartoon. I feel that I have just saved the Earth from World War 3. I think at
least 50% of the world needs this word. Don’t you believe me?
- By Brahim Chedid, 8K
The Exceptionally Useable ‘FMM’
Don’t you remember? This morning: it’s roughly 6:30am and you’re exhausted from last night’s ‘phone time’. You’re just so,
extremely comfortable in your bed. The feelings of laziness, relaxation and complete comfort. A few vibrant rays of light peep
from the curtains. You’re feeling warm and tingly from the very tip of your toes to the ends of your hairs.
True heaven…
But suddenly, your mum storms up the stairs shouting and calling your name, roughly a hundred...a million times. You hear the
echoing, booming sound gradually moving closer. You know what’s coming!
The covers: the only thing that’s keeping you from freezing to death. It’s something that you
cling on to for dear life. And what does your mum do? She takes that away from you as well!
Surely you don’t actually want to get out of bed? Can you really be bothered to go to school?
However, what can you say? Wait, I’ve got it...F double M!
Over 90% of people experience this traumatic scene. This simple phrase means ‘five more
minutes’ and can be used in multiple situations. For example, if you’re texting your friends but
then suddenly have to do something else. Simply text ‘F double M’ and they’ll understand. This
flawless, impeccable word should definitely be in the dictionary, don’t you think so too?
- By Veronica Ng, 8R
Literacy is Language Week Bake Sale!
The bake sale is always a highlight of Literacy is Language week and this year was no
exception. In fact, the high standard was raised even further by the introduction of
the element of competition. This year, students were challenged to bring in Literacy
and Language themed cakes as part of a competition. Miss
Neelands and Miss Hewett had a difficult time choosing the
winners from the wide selection of beautiful and delicious
bakes (no ‘soggy bottoms’ here!). In the end, it was so
difficult to make a decision, that two winners were decided
upon. Anjana in Year 7 and Katya in Year 8 were both
deserving winners. You can admire their cakes in the picture.
Watson Victorious at Year 8 Rounders Interform
After heavy showers meant that Year 8 rounders interform had to be put on
hold, it finally took place on sunny Friday 13th May 2016. It was a beautifully
sunny day and everyone was in a good mood. Lots of teachers came out to
support their forms and spirits were high going into the first round. However,
after a couple of huge hits and some near misses with the catching, things
were tense. All the teams put in their all; hitting the ball as hard as they
could, running as fast as possible and (mostly) remembering not to drop the
bat. However, Friday 13th proved unlucky for Einstein who were knocked out
by Rutherford in round 1. Pascal also failed to last long as the mighty Watson
stormed to victory. Nevertheless, a sunny afternoon on the field did no-one
any harm and even those who were knocked out early enjoyed hanging out
in the warmth with their friends. Well done, Watson, and thank you to the PE
teachers for organising the event.
Year 7 Rounders Interform
A week after Watson reigned victorious in the Year 8 rounders interform,
Year 7 rounders interform was held. The day was overcast and everyone
was eager to grab a win for their house. Would Year 7 Watson live up to the
high standards set by their Year 8 counterparts? Unfortunately it was not to
be. Watson, Pascal, Rutherford and Kelvin had a great time but were
quickly knocked out by the skilled teams of Newton, Isambard and Einstein.
It then became a little complicated as the final consisted of three teams,
luckily we had the experienced PE teachers to guide us through the final
battle. While it was unclear who emerged victorious, all three played with
dedication and are winners in our eyes.
Little Shop of Horrors Review
Little Shop of Horrors is a horror-comedy-rock-musical in which an
employee of a failing florists creates a new plant which is not as benign as it
first appears. While the new plant brings fame and fortune to the shop and
its employees, it also results in a number of suspicious disappearances. The
heroine, Audrey, was played brilliantly by the talented Sophia, who’s solos
caused a collective shiver to run through the audience. The bumbling and
likeable Seymour was portrayed by Kiran who’s comedy touches had the
audience in stitches. Ethan made an extremely sinister villain and really got
into character during the performances, incorporating new tics for his
character in each. Bhaskar played the owner of the shop itself and was able
to show us the full range of his acting ability in this varied role. There was
also an extended cast of talented singers and actors supporting the key
characters; the girls in the red dresses sang beautifully, the plants
absolutely nailed the blood-thirsty smiles and the agents were convincingly
efficient. Clearly Miss Cryer’s acting coaching and the musical direction of
Miss Cooper were exceptional. The staff band also provided the perfect
backing for the vocal talents of the cast. Everyone who watched this sell-out
show agreed that it was a phenomenal success.
Little Shop of Horrors
Anticipation Grips WP!
On 18th and 19th May, William Perkin’s first school play
was opened to the public. After months of rehearsing
and memorising of lines the big night finally arrived.
Everyone agreed that is was an enormous success.
Having seen the bulletin notices and assembly videos,
we were all intrigued to see the actors themselves in
character. That opportunity arrived the week before the
play when the actors themselves came round during
tutor time to sell tickets. They did an impressive job of
remaining in character and giving us a taste of what was
to come in the play itself. Ethan stomped around as
Orin, barging other characters out of the way in the
corridor. The lead up to the opening night also saw miss
Cryer organise the first ‘Great WP Bake Off’. There was
so much delicious cake that we were eating for two
days! The standard was also so high
that Mr Sangha and Miss Smith had
a tough time choosing winners and
needed to create new categories. In
the end, Zahra in 7P won the
overall award for the student
category and Miss Hewett won it
for the teacher category.
By Levi Gordon-O’Halloran 9I