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

The Standard
Cameron Spurr

Cameron Spurr, Editor-in-Chief

Cameron Spurr (’22) is the Editor-in-Chief of The Standard. He joined staff in Grade 9 as a staff writer and became News Editor: Print the following year. In Grade 11, Spurr was the Lead News Editor. He found a passion for journalism early in high school, and always strives to be a quality source of information for his readers.

All content by Cameron Spurr
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

March 15, 2022
Seth Friend (’22) and Baxter John (’22) bring in alternative methods of carrying school supplies on Anything But a Backpack Day Feb. 17. Students had the opportunity to dress up and win spirit points for their grade. To encourage participation, Cameo videos of public figures were posted on the StuCo instagram page.

[Photo] StuCo posts Instagram Cameos to encourage “Not Spirit Week” participation

February 18, 2022
Racism in football infographic

[Photo] Ways to kick out racism from soccer

February 17, 2022
City life facilitates top-notch food delivery services, each offering a range of cuisines fit to satisfy any craving. From popular classics to hidden gems, here are five takeout restaurants that give one a unique dining experience catered to their culinary desires.

Top 5 takeout restaurants

February 3, 2022
Former Head of School Coreen Hester poses for a photo in the Head of School’s office in 2017. She will take the role of interim Head of School from March 2022 through the 2022-23 school year.

Sacha McVean, Coreen Hester to fill interim Head of School position

December 17, 2021
Ethan Zazo (’22) celebrates his commitment to fence at Drew University Nov. 11 in the Mellon Library Conference Room. Zazo discussed his recruiting journey including his progression in fencing over the years.

[Photo] Ethan Zazo to fence at Drew University after lengthy recruiting process

December 2, 2021
Members of the graduating class of 2021 sit in their socially-distanced chairs on the lower floor of the Great Hall of Westminster Central Hall during the commencement ceremony June 12.

Class of 2021 Commencement in quotes, pictures

June 14, 2021
Ben Perrin (’19) plays basketball with kids at the St. John’s Wood Adventure Playground pre-pandemic. The community partnership, now at the site called the St. John’s Wood Adventure Playhub, is the first to return in person, running Monday through Friday.

Community partnerships return in person

April 28, 2021
In-person school reopened March 8, and campus life has picked up with more activities. The Student Council is hosting the NCAA March Madness bracket challenge that began last week and the PSAT will take place this Saturday.

[Photo] Weekly Briefing – March 22

March 22, 2021
The youngPOWER conference, which brings together students to talk about social justice issues, has happened in the past in person. However, this year, it will happen for the first time over Zoom March 19 to 20.

[Photo] youngPOWER conference to take place over zoom

March 18, 2021
After College Board set out three exam administration dates for APs, ASL has set out a plan for how it will hold the tests. The administration also made them non-compulsory.

Administration sets dates for AP exams, makes exams optional

March 13, 2021
Grade 12 graduation will take place at Central Hall Westminster with extra COVID-19 regulations and will be available to watch over livestream. Grade 12 students may only invite two guests and will be seated on the ground floor rather than the stage.

Off-campus lunch to extend to two grades per day

March 13, 2021
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 – March 12

March 12, 2021
The Future Leaders in Medicine Club will host a Zoom from 4 to 5 p.m. March 12. Medical students from universities will speak at the meeting.

[Photo] Future Leaders in Medicine Club to host Zoom with university medical students

March 11, 2021
After a meeting between the Sustainability Council and members of the Board, the school is considering making its own commitment to reducing carbon emissions to net-zero. A survey conducted by SusCo indicates such a commitment has the backing of the High School community. (Photo used with permission from Tick-Tock/GettyImages)

SusCo, Board set eyes on net-zero carbon emissions

March 9, 2021
To some, toxic masculinity may pose obstacles to those who want to step outside the masculine norm and fully express themselves, whether that be by wearing lipstick or exhibiting other effeminate behavior.

Confronting toxic masculinity

March 5, 2021
Plotner conducts at Yale University. After he graduated from university, he moved to Los Angeles to start a career in film and video composing.

Jordan Plotner’s brain damage cured his fear of darkness

March 4, 2021
With campus operations resuming March 8, this week the school started its initiative to identify asymptomatic cases via lateral flow testing.

Lateral flow testing begins ahead of return to campus

March 3, 2021
Infographic

[Photo] Toxic masculinity at ASL

February 28, 2021
Shirts cropped

[Photo] Impact on women

February 28, 2021
Student-parent-teacher conferences took place for the first time over Zoom Feb. 25 and 26, and will continue March 1. Students were given a chance to reflect on their progress in class with both their teachers and parents present.

[Photo] First Zoom student-parent-teacher conferences provide opportunities to reflect on learning

February 26, 2021
As decided by the administration, spring Alternative Trips will no longer be going forward. Instead, High School students will participate in grade-level “bonding” activities throughout the week, per Director of Student Life James Perry.

[Photo] Campus to reopen March 8

February 22, 2021
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. 12

February 12, 2021
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

February 9, 2021
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

February 2, 2021
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

January 29, 2021
Members of the public queue outside the Abbey Community Centre in Kilburn to receive the COVID-19 vaccine Jan. 21. The first phase of the vaccine rollout, taking place now, is composed of nine priority groups which include all of those over 50 years old, those with pre-existing conditions and frontline health and social care workers.

Vaccine rollout indicates pandemic end may be in sight

January 21, 2021
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. 15

January 15, 2021
Lead News Editor Cameron Spurr and News Editor: Online Sajah Ali break down the most important school events this week.

Weekly Briefing – Dec. 14

December 14, 2020
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 – Dec. 11

December 11, 2020
Lead News Editor Cameron Spurr and News Editor: Online Sajah Ali break down the most important school events this week.

[Photo] Weekly Briefing – Dec. 7

December 7, 2020
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 – Dec. 4

December 4, 2020
Choir students recorded pieces for a virtual cabaret performance screened Dec. 4. Students adapted to challenges set by COVID-19 restrictions such as wearing masks while singing.

HS Choir performs in virtual cabaret, adapting to COVID-19 restrictions

December 4, 2020
Students of color at the school now have an affinity group dedicated to providing a shared space specifically for their experiences. The group had its first meeting Nov. 19.

Students of color create affinity group to form shared space

November 20, 2020
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 – Nov. 20

November 20, 2020
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 – Nov. 11

November 13, 2020
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

November 9, 2020
The current electoral map shows President-elect Joe Biden above the 270 vote threshold required to be elected the next president. Biden’s running mate Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be the first woman of color elected to the vice presidency.

Biden wins presidency, community reacts

November 7, 2020
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 – Nov. 6

November 6, 2020
Sofia Michaelides (’22) checks the electoral map to see the state of the presidential race. The map is usually filled once students get to school, but results have been filtering in all day long and will continue into the coming days.

Missing key results in four states, ASL follows US election intently

November 4, 2020
Marylebone train station stands empty April 2. The U.K.’s new lockdown, effective Nov. 5, could return many places that are typically very busy to a scene like this.

U.K. to re-enter national lockdown, schools remain open

November 2, 2020
Seniors eligible to vote give their takes on the importance of their ballot and the importance of casting a vote this election.

Student voters reflect on casting ballots

October 30, 2020
With oversight currently lacking, U.S. elections have become purchasable by the ultra rich.

Financing exerts authority over election

October 30, 2020
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 – Oct. 27

October 27, 2020
Owen Humphries (’22), English Teacher Sean Linton and Cece Muecke (’21) join the Gender-Sexuality Alliance’s silent protest, wearing rainbow colors to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. After middle school students hung up a Trump-Pence campaign flag Oct. 19, GSA encouraged students to show up to school Oct. 26 wearing rainbows on masks, flags and stickers.

GSA silent protest, Trump-Pence campaign flag provoke debate among student body

October 26, 2020
With gloves on, Library Administrative Assistant Steve Reed retrieves a book from the shelves of the Mellon Library. The process for borrowing books follows a new quarantine protocol to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Mellon Library accommodates for unique challenges presented by COVID-19

October 19, 2020
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives a briefing on the U.K.’s COVID-19 outbreak. The government introduced a new plan to quell the spread of the virus based on local risk levels Oct. 12.

U.K. Government introduces new tiered lockdown system

October 14, 2020
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 – Oct. 13

October 13, 2020
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 – Oct. 2

October 2, 2020
Grade 12 graduation will take place at Central Hall Westminster with extra COVID-19 regulations and will be available to watch over livestream. Grade 12 students may only invite two guests and will be seated on the ground floor rather than the stage.

Grade 12 student tests positive for COVID-19 in second confirmed HS case

October 1, 2020
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 – Sept. 25

September 25, 2020
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 – Sept. 22

September 22, 2020
Signs around school remind students and staff to follow the schools COVID-19 guidelines. The school had its first positive test result Sept. 17.

Middle school faculty member tests positive for COVID-19, 53 self-isolating

September 18, 2020
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 – Sept. 11

September 11, 2020
Due to not being able to play instruments, students in band class are learning to use technology to compose music, and at the same time, are following safety precautions such as wearing masks and socially distancing.

Students return back to campus amidst COVID-19

September 3, 2020

Leaving faculty members reflect on time at ASL

June 12, 2020
Cameron Spurr (22)

Cameron Spurr (’22)

June 12, 2020
Photo of Canary Wharf tube station taken by AJ Laurienti (21).

NAHS transfers art to digital platform

June 10, 2020
Sofia Van MIerlo (20) accepts her diploma from Head of School Robin Appleby. Every Grade 12 student had an allotted 10 minutes to receive their diplomas on campus from Jun 3 to 5.

Graduation for class of 2020 takes place amid pandemic

June 10, 2020
Due to the closure of campus, the play You Cant Take it With You will be taking place in the form of a radio comedy.

Advanced Acting students perform ‘You Can’t Take it With You’ as radio comedy

May 29, 2020
The Standard Podcast: Episode 5, Understanding COVID-19 with Science Teacher David Partridge

The Standard Podcast: Episode 5, “Understanding COVID-19” with Science Teacher David Partridge

May 19, 2020
Bottom O stands vacant following the closure of campus March 13. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the senior class will now hold their graduation ceremony virtually.

Administration reveals plan for graduation

May 14, 2020
Fans have turned to esports to find some relief as leagues across the world have ground to a halt. Map used with permission from Wikimedia Commons.

Esports provide solace to fans

May 13, 2020
Academic advising and college counseling office is rebranded

Academic advising and college counseling office is rebranded

May 12, 2020
Grade 12 graduation will take place at Central Hall Westminster with extra COVID-19 regulations and will be available to watch over livestream. Grade 12 students may only invite two guests and will be seated on the ground floor rather than the stage.

Boris Johnson updates protective measures against COVID-19

May 10, 2020
Grade 12 graduation will take place at Central Hall Westminster with extra COVID-19 regulations and will be available to watch over livestream. Grade 12 students may only invite two guests and will be seated on the ground floor rather than the stage.

Campus closed for remainder of school year

May 4, 2020
The DLP has now been in place for two weeks, incorporating both synchronous and asynchronous aspects.

Students adapt to distance learning challenges

April 3, 2020
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, all winter ISSTs have been canceled. ASL hosted a swimming tournament with two visiting schools March 12.

ASL place second in replacement ISST swimming tournament

March 14, 2020

Video: boys varsity basketball vs. ACS Cobham

March 6, 2020

Video: girls varsity basketball vs. ACS Cobham

March 6, 2020
Grade 12 graduation will take place at Central Hall Westminster with extra COVID-19 regulations and will be available to watch over livestream. Grade 12 students may only invite two guests and will be seated on the ground floor rather than the stage.

[Photo] Swimming and basketball ISSTs canceled due to fears of Coronavirus

February 27, 2020
Tomas Belinky (20) makes his own ugly sweater. The lunch-time event, hosted by the Sustainability Council, offered a chance for students to get in the holiday spirit while combatting fast fashion and waste.

Sustainability Council hosts make your own sweater event

December 5, 2019
Debate Team Presidents Liam Hamama (‘20) and Max Praiser (‘20) celebrate after receiving the winning vote in the final match. The team of Hamama and Praiser didn’t lose any of their debates, and competed in a final that was spectated by all of the tournament competitors. The debate team will now debrief the tournament and continue to prepare for future competitions.

Debate team shines at tournament

November 21, 2019
Introducing the Innovator-in-Residence program

Introducing the Innovator-in-Residence program

September 18, 2019
Cameron Spurr

Cameron Spurr

September 11, 2019
Governments are polarizing at crucial moments

Governments are polarizing at crucial moments

June 7, 2019
Music Tour dates moved to coincide with Alternatives and Ecology trip

Music Tour dates moved to coincide with Alternatives and Ecology trip

May 29, 2019
Flood causes choir to relocate

Flood causes choir to relocate

May 8, 2019
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