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

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

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Garnering roughly 1.45 billion dollars in box office earnings worldwide, “Barbie” is the biggest debut in history for a film directed by a woman, according to Statista. However, Margot Robbie, playing Barbie, and director Greta Gerwig were not nominated for the upcoming Oscars in the Best Leading Actress or Best Director categories announced Jan. 23.

‘Barbie’ leaves indelible mark on movie industry despite absence of award nominations

Meher Sareen, Reporter February 28, 2024

Since 1959, children worldwide have been receiving the famous blonde-haired, blue-eyed Barbie doll. While many consider styling and dressing these dolls as some of the most memorable parts of their childhoods,...

The science department’s grading system is not aligned with other standards-based departments like English and social studies. Therefore, science classes must integrate the Marzano Scale to restore consistency across the curriculum.

Science department must integrate Marzano Scale into grading method

Inez Stephenson, Media Team February 22, 2024

A few months ago, I received my first test back in my Science 10 class. My eyes spotted three “meetings” where I had demonstrated proficiency in each standard, and I immediately felt at ease. Upon...

Businesses are exploiting tipped workers, by making them rely on customer tips. Tipping culture has gradually increased throughout the U.S. for countless years, which has negatively impacted workers’ financial and social well-being.

Tipping culture perpetuates harm for workers, consumers

Ailish Herrmann, Media Team February 7, 2024

After my friends and I finished our meals, having budgeted for what used to be a typical service tip of 15%, we were shocked by the bright light of the payment screen with percentages above what was customary...

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s goal to phase out smoking will save millions of lives and help reduce pressure on the NHS in the long run. Sunak announced the plans Oct. 4.

Rishi Sunak’s plan to phase out smoking must be passed

Biraj Khadka, Reporter February 6, 2024

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans Oct. 4 to phase out cigarette smoking for the next generation, according to the BBC. If Members of Parliament pass the measure, the legal smoking age will be...

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who was a former Republican candidate, shakes hands with supporters at a rally in Iowa Jan. 14. He dropped out of the presidential race following a dramatic loss to former President Donald Trump in the Iowa caucus.

On the trail and in trial: Trump overpowers Republican nomination from afar

Clara Martinez, Editor-in-Chief February 2, 2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis likes to make an appearance, but he doesn’t like to do it alone. This became clear to me the day before the Iowa caucus Jan. 15 when Republicans voted in the nation’s first nomination...

Creativity can help reduce feelings of depression or anxiety and strengthen essential brain functions for learning. Students who have incorporated creative activities into daily life are likely to find an increase in academic performance and overall happiness.

Practicing creativity boosts mental health, academic performance

Ruby Rogers, Media Team February 1, 2024

I have never thought of myself as a creative person. I always assumed that the creative arts were reserved for those naturally talented or professionally studying the discipline.  This past summer,...

Commuters are avoiding sitting on tubes with good reason. Videos have gone viral showing bugs climbing up passengers legs, according to the The Guardian.

London transport requires improved cleanliness standards

Sophia Hsu, Media Team January 24, 2024

Empty seats don't stay vacant for long on the London Underground. Bustling crowds of Londoners rush into the tube, fighting for a place to sit with no second thought. Recently, however, I have noticed...

According to the National Library of Medicine, students all work at different paces. Timed writing assessments have served as a barrier for some students to demonstrate their writing ability but have also taught students important skills.

Point Counterpoint: Should timed writing tests be discontinued?

Tara Behbehani and Inez Stephenson January 23, 2024

Yes - Inez Stephenson "Two minutes left," my teacher called out. To my dismay, the 20-minute window allotted for writing a paragraph on the Industrial Revolution had quickly disappeared. The stress...

Foundations of Visual Arts students Elise Eddy (’27) and Maddie Kotsen (’27) create a collage as part of the class’s Observing and Responding unit. The course was made a mandatory prerequisite for students who would like to take any other visual arts classes.

New compulsory prerequisite art class enriches curriculum

Maya Janssens, Reporter December 15, 2023

Students are given a long list of art classes to choose from when they enter High School. In order to meet graduation requirements, students must obtain two art credits through completing four semesters...

The overconsumption of social media is often to blame for students’ decreasing attention spans. As a result, many students have been struggling to stay focused and on task.

Social media causes attention spans to drop

Tessa Nussenbaum, Reporter December 14, 2023

I am sitting at my desk, trying to finish an assignment due tomorrow. When my phone buzzes, I force myself to look away, fighting the urge to pick it up. It always fails. I tell myself it's just a quick...

Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook are the primary causes of the increase in fast fashion. According to the United Nations, the fashion industry produces over 10% of global carbon emissions, making it a significant contributor to the climate change crisis.

Social media trends exacerbate consequences of fast fashion

Ayla Rafiq, Reporter December 13, 2023

In the summer of 2019, I solely wore baggy t-shirts and short denim shorts, fitting into the trends that were popular on TikTok. In 2020, I wore patchwork jeans, then biker shorts in 2021, followed by...

The restaurant industry is one of the most significant contributors to food waste in the U.K. Restaurants have thrown away tons of edible foods, negatively impacting our environment and society.

Restaurant industry must minimize food waste

Ailish Herrmann, Media Team December 6, 2023

At the end of my meal at my local pizza restaurant, I got up from my chair and watched as the kitchen door revealed a worker throwing away cartons of milk, slightly bruised fruits, and loaves of bread....

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