The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard

The High School Student News Site of The American School in London

The Standard

With digitization rising in the global economy, community members reflect on a world progressing without physical money.

Prospect of cashless society prompts contemplation

Rahil Punshi, Staff Writer April 21, 2022

COVID-19 has accelerated the world’s economy going digital, per McKinsey. During 2020, cash was used for only 17% of payments in the U.K., down from 52% in 2019, according to UK Finance. Furthermore,...

Exploring the lives of Mariam and Laila – two women in Kabul, Afghanistan – “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini tells a harrowing story of struggling to survive under the control of the Soviets and the Taliban. Despite being published 15 years ago, the book resurged  in popularity with more than five million views under its TikTok hashtag.

#BookTok Review: ‘One of Us is Lying’ makes up for stereotypical characters with captivating plot

Clara Martinez, News Editor: Print April 6, 2022

One phrase continually used is the claim that “the book was better than the movie.” As I only compelled myself to experience this story through literature, I cannot be sure whether this rings true...

Staff Writer Rahil Punshi recaps the past few weeks major events in the sporting world.

The Standard Sports Recap: Lights out on the Formula 1 season

Rahil Punshi, Staff Writer March 31, 2022

Music used with permission of Scott Holmes Music/Free Music Archives

Computer science will officially become its own department as of the 2022-23 school year. The new department will receive additional funding from the administration and be able to host its own meetings, per Computer Science Teacher Livia Piloto.

Computer science to become its own department in 2022-23 school year

Nick Zirinis, News Editor: Online March 28, 2022

As of the 2022-23 school year, computer science classes will no longer be a part of the science department, according to Computer Science Teacher Livia Piloto. Instead, computer science will become its...

“Family Guy,” an adult animated sitcom, narrates the story of the Griffins, a white, middle-class family and their talking dog, Brian. The show’s self-referential humor ultimately exposes many of the prejudices of American society.

‘Family Guy’ critically examines American society

Antoine Warnery, Staff Writer March 25, 2022

"Family Guy," the adult animated sitcom, returned for its 20th season in September 2021. The first episode of this landmark season aired on Fox and can be streamed on demand exclusively on Hulu. Premiered...

As the world reflects on this years Beijing Winter Olympics, it is important for us to recognize its damaging effects. Every two years, the Olympics generates unnecessary amounts of waste that could be lessened by awarding the Games to countries that can pass eco-friendly checkpoints.

Artificial Olympic venues impede sustainability

Annika Skorski, Staff Writer March 24, 2022

The Olympics is a modern symbol of humanity’s triumphs and perseverance, deep-seated in the glory of its founding city, ancient Olympia. This global spectacle nurtures peace and tolerance by providing...

Innovator in Residence James Reeves presents to The Standard staff March 16. Both Reeves and Candy Chang, a creative duo who design multi-disciplinary artwork around the world, will work as the new Innovators in Residence at ASL for six weeks from February break to Spring break. According to Chang, they want to spend time with “various classes and programs” to unite the community.

New Innovators in Residence strive for artistic change within community

Nassef Sawiris, Staff Writer March 21, 2022

The new Innovators in Residence, Candy Chang and James Reeves, who assumed their roles March 8, introduced themselves to the High School student body by holding two assemblies – one for Grades 9 and...

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine Feb. 24. As Ukraine fights back and NATO countries impose sanctions, uncertainty surrounding the impact the conflict will pose on the global order and non-NATO countries has arisen.

Foreign Affairs: Russia-Ukraine conflict signals international response

Mia George, Lead Opinions Editor March 18, 2022

Hello, and welcome back to my Foreign Affairs column. Since my last post, the geopolitical climate of the world has certainly not remained quiet. I’m sure that you have seen and read the plethora of...

Asian American students reflect on their backgrounds and experiences that formulate the lives they live today. From moving through different cultures to facing pandemic discrimination, students said the Asian American community is extremely close-knit even with a smaller population in any given place.

Asian American students reflect on life in and out of the pandemic

Mika Kobayashi, Staff Writer March 16, 2022

The evolving COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the globe has been making headlines for over two years. From canceling plans with friends to being unable to contact family, there have been many detrimental...

Ofsted, the government’s education authority, has downgraded the school in its grading system after an inspection in December 2021 that the school claims was “unusual in scope and substance.”

Ofsted downgrades school’s rating to “Requires Improvement,” citing focus on social justice, suppression of student opinions, community polarization

Cameron Spurr, Editor-in-Chief March 15, 2022

Following its standard inspection of ASL in December 2021, the Office for Standards in Education downgraded the school by two overall ratings from “Outstanding” to “Requires Improvement” in a report...

Leadenhall Market displays empty halls lined with lit shops. London’s charm meets modern-day shopping in this market where the historic architecture is combined with contemporary clothing stores, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Top 5 hidden gems in London

Abby Dichter, Staff Writer March 14, 2022

Everyone knows the classic must-see tourist destinations in London: the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern, Big Ben. But, lesser-known attractions may bring a more traditional London feel, providing...

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