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

Expedition Leader for the National Geographic Pristine Seas Paul Rose is among the most experienced scuba divers in the world. Rose shared his experiences traveling on scuba diving expeditions and researching marine life in his webinar held on Feb. 1, part of a series of webinars hosted by Innovator-in-Residence Daniel Raven-Ellison.

Daniel Raven-Ellison hosts ‘How to Save the World’ webinars

Gabrielle Meidar, News Editor: Print February 9, 2021

Innovator-in-Residence Daniel Raven-Ellison is hosting eight 30-minute webinars between Feb. 1 and Feb. 11 surrounding the theme “How to Save the World.” In each session, Raven-Ellison interviews conservationists...

Every year it is estimated that Americans spend over $2 billion on flowers during the week of Valentine’s Day. This is due to increasing materialistic values in today’s society and the total commercialisation of the holiday.

Cupid should be cancelled

Eden Leavey, Staff Writer February 9, 2021

It’s that time of year again, the one that obligates people to make grand romantic gestures for their partner while simultaneously bringing out the desperation of singles. That’s right, it’s Valentine’s...

Opinions Editor: Print Daniel de Beer and Lead Opinions Editor Mia George break down the most important political stories of the past week.

Politics Update – Feb. 9

Sal Cerrell and Cameron Spurr February 9, 2021

Biden eyes bipartisan compromise In a moment of intense polarization, rare discussion between two political caucuses is refreshing, especially in Washington. But we forget that discussion is simply...

As Biden takes on his role as president, the rest of the world is watching his every move. The Middle East specifically will be a region that the Biden Administration will have to prioritize and address carefully, especially because of its complicated past with the U.S.

Foreign Affairs: Biden’s first move on the Middle East

Mia George, Features Editor: Online February 5, 2021

Hello! Welcome to my first foreign affairs column. Every two weeks, I will be looking at how a certain current event or global issue has affected the relations between sovereign nations.    President...

A distance learning workspace is set up with a laptop showcasing a to-do list and a work timer. While in the midst of distance learning, it is imperative to take steps to increase focus and productivity levels to maximize the learning experience.

Top 5 ways to increase focus during distance learning

Grace Hamilton, Culture Editor: Online February 5, 2021

Leave phone in a separate room  Online school makes it too easy to simply pick up one’s phone during class without giving it a second thought. While scrolling through social media during class may...

 In U.S. presidential elections, the Electoral College, composed of electors from each state, decides who becomes president. Voters in each state will vote for president, and each state awards its electoral votes to the winning candidate. However, this system is flawed and can lead to disenfranchisement, as seen in the map above of the 2016 election.

Electoral college infringes upon democracy

Daniel De Beer, Opinions Editor: Online February 2, 2021

The multitude of global issues that have put the world in distress, paired with the U.S.’s international influence, means that countless lives were at stake in the 2020 presidential election. Every U.S....

Former student Evan Emery discusses with Computer Science Teacher Livia Piloto Feb. 6, 2020. Semester two conferences will be virtual this year, with the extension of COVID-19 regulations meaning the date remains uncertain.

Semester two conference dates may see changes

Cameron Spurr, Lead News Editor February 2, 2021

The dates for semester two conferences are uncertain after the U.K. Government announced the earliest potential date for schools to reopen is March 8. Initially, Principal Devan Ganeshananthan said the...

Opinions Editor: Print Daniel de Beer and Lead Opinions Editor Mia George break down the most important political stories of the past week.

Politics Update – Jan. 29

Sal Cerrell and Cameron Spurr January 29, 2021

Biden starts with a bang Van Jones said it best. On CNN, former President Obama’s senior advisor, gave a refreshing take on the new administration's adherence to normality: “It's mesmerizing just...

Aequitas Week is an annual event organized by the Social Justice Council. Due to COVID-19, the week has been moved to March, during which students will attend split sessions with opportunities for activism on the second day of workshops.

Aequitas Committee changes date to March, adapts sessions to COVID-19 restrictions

Clara Martinez, Staff Writer January 26, 2021

Every year, the Social Justice Council hosts Aequitas Week starting on the third Monday of January in correspondence with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Aequitas is a week-long event that allows students...

Vice President Kamala Harris speaking with attendees at the 2019 Iowa Democratic Wing Ding at Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Harris has made history by becoming the first female, black and south Asian vice president in the U.S.

Harris triumphs over sexism in politics

Amber de Saint-Exupéry, Staff Writer January 22, 2021

As the 2020 Presidential Election results were announced Nov. 7, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris emerged as the next executive leaders of the U.S. Harris, who is the daughter of Indian...

“If Anything Happens I Love You” was released to Netflix Nov. 20 and tells the story of a school shooting, spreading awareness of the dangers of gun violence. It has since reached hundreds of families who have experienced the same grief, heartache and anguish, helping them to heal.

‘If Anything Happens I Love You’ recognizes the perils of gun violence

Eden Leavey, Staff Writer January 19, 2021

Michael Govier and Will McCormack’s 12 minute short film “If Anything Happens I Love You” portrays the heartache, grief and pain that two parents endure when a school shooting takes their daughter’s...

Owen Steege (’22), Aren Turhan (’22) and William Iorio (’22) queue to pay for their lunches in the cafeteria Nov. 9. Grades 10, 11 and 12 ate lunch on campus as the administration modified the open campus policy to permit just one grade level to leave campus each day.

Open campus modification takes effect

Cameron Spurr and Sajah Ali November 9, 2020

The administration has restricted open campus privileges to maintain accordance with the U.K. COVID-19 restrictions. Now, students are only allowed to leave the building for lunch once a week: Grade 9...

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