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
Grace Hamilton

Grace Hamilton, Editor-in-Chief

Grace Hamilton (’23) is the Editor-in-Chief of The Standard. Her love for writing stemmed into a passion for journalism, and she became involved with The Standard in Grade 9. Journalism provides her a powerful platform to inform the ASL community and learn more about local and global perspectives, issues and events. Outside of journalism, Hamilton leads the Sustainability Council, writes creatively and sails competitively.

All content by Grace Hamilton
“Better than the Movies” by Lynn Painter follows protagonist Liz Bauxbaum in her final year of high school, whenthe return of her childhood sweetheart leaves her to navigate the balance between who she wants to be and who she thinks she has to be. Painter takes the reader through an emotional and uplifting journey with likable characters and an intriguing plot.

[Photo] ‘Better than the Movies’ exhilarates the internal hopeless romantic

November 30, 2022
Matthew Horvat will assume the Head of School position for the 2023-24 school year, effective July 1. The Board of Trustees worked in tandem with the Head of School Search Committee to select a final candidate after a search process spanning nine months.

Matthew Horvat to fill Head of School position following extensive search process

October 27, 2022
Posters outlining the Fundamental British Values are pasted to the walls in every High School classroom. With the commencement of the 2022-23 school year, the school introduced a series of changes regarding pedagogy, student life and curriculum to adhere to requirements outlined by Ofsted.

School implements pedagogical, organizational changes adhering to Ofsted requirements

September 30, 2022
Two hours after the public announcement of the Queen’s death Sept. 8, crowds gather in front of Buckingham Palace backdropped by a flag lowered to half-mast. The official notice from the Royal administration consisted of two sentences posted on the gates as a double rainbow framed the Palace.

Death of Queen Elizabeth II ripples through community

September 9, 2022
Grade 12 students engage in a tug of war competition May 31. Finalists in the tug of war competition – Grades 11 and 12 – will face off to determine the winner June 10 at the Bangers and Bash event.

Students compete in Spirit Assembly games, earn spirit points

June 6, 2022
Computer science students and teachers provide suggestions for summer opportunities through both their past experiences and plans for future accomplishments.

[Photo] Guest submission: Computer science students, teachers reflect on skill-building opportunities

June 1, 2022
Copy of Online Featured Image

[Photo] Standard publishes Commitment to Diversity

May 27, 2022
Grade 11 and 12 students dance at the prom event at Church House, Westminster May 14. Due to previous COVID-19 restrictions, prom was held for the first time in three years.

[Photo] Prom takes place after two years of COVID-19 cancellations

May 16, 2022
High School students raise their hands in response to a question posed exploring cancel culture and social media activism March 3 during the workshop “The Great ‘Awokening.’” Workshop participants responded to a series of questions evaluating their own relationship with cancel culture and its presence on social media.

[Photo] Community participates in student-led Aequitas workshops

March 10, 2022
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri chronicles the heartbreaking story of a Syrian family fleeing their home in search of refuge. Unearthing what truly constitutes privilege, the novel challenges perspective until ones sense of self swivels.

‘The Beekeeper of Aleppo’ by Christy Lefteri transcends social boundaries

February 11, 2022
Standard staff bookshelf: Collection of book reviews

Standard staff bookshelf: Collection of book reviews

February 11, 2022
Amid excruciatingly long work weeks and life and death decisions, This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay reveals the ins and outs of the healthcare industry. Balancing humor with heartbreak, this novel embodies the human spirit and its role in one of the most challenging careers.

[Photo] ‘This Is Going to Hurt’ by Adam Kay explores power of self in face of death

February 11, 2022
A coming-of-age story, Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah divulges the pains of childhood growing up in a wealthy Chinese family in the 1940s. The autobiography epitomizes prevailing in the face of adversity.

[Photo] ‘Chinese Cinderella’ by Adeline Yen Mah depicts cultural differences

February 11, 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
Standard staff bookshelf: Collection of book reviews

Standard staff bookshelf: Collection of book reviews

December 10, 2021
“Everything I Never Told You” details the unexpected death of young Chinese American Lydia Lee in 1970s Ohio. Through tragedy, chaos ensues within the Lee family, forcing them to grapple with the fragile foundations of family, race and belonging.

[Photo] ‘Everything I Never Told You’ navigates complex family dynamics through tragedy

December 10, 2021
Bonfire Night commemorates the 1605 event in which Guy Fawkes led a group of English Catholics in an attempted demolition of the Houses of Parliament. This historical event is annually celebrated the weekend of Nov. 5 across the U.K. with fireworks, parades and bonfires.

Top 5 must-visit Bonfire Night firework displays

November 5, 2021
Attendees of the Global Works “Costa Rica: Children and Community” service trip congregate at Playa Chaman on the penultimate day of their excursion. The trip explored the multifaceted culture of Costa Rica, partaking in work at a rainforest biology station, volunteering at a local school and surfing with locals.

Costa Rican culture spurs personal reflection, gratitude

October 6, 2021
British Literature students congregate outside the Kiln Theatre after viewing a performance of the play “NW Trilogy” Sept. 29. The play consisted of three acts with a total duration of two hours.

British Literature students attend ‘NW Trilogy’ performance

September 29, 2021
The effects of climate change – natural disasters, heat waves, pollution – remain perceptible in every facet of our lives. Here are five sustainable practices imperative to curtailing the worsening climate crisis.

Top 5 sustainable practices to mitigate climate crisis

September 24, 2021
Adnan Bseisu (’22) and Lily Bernhard (’22), members of the “Amazing Avocados” team, discuss potential answers to a trivia question during the third round of Quiz Night. “Amazing Avocados” placed second overall after points accumulated by each team were tallied.

Photo Gallery: Students compete in Quiz Night

September 13, 2021
Faculty members reflect upon 9/11

Faculty members reflect upon 9/11

September 13, 2021
Documentaries are quintessential to a well-rounded film experience, tackling numerous themes – deconstructing the science behind natural disasters, downfalls of the education system, scientific phenomenons. Here are five must-watch documentaries that may deepen one’s perception of the world or simply stimulate diversity of thought.

Top 5 documentaries

September 10, 2021
With summer weather comes a number of seasonal foods, from popsicles to corn on the cob to grilled vegetables. Here are five recipes perfect for summer.

Top 5 summer recipes

June 16, 2021
Reese Laurienti (’23) holds Holi powder used to decorate T-shirts worn by Concert Choir members while recording “Balleilakka” at Canons Park May 4. The choir’s spring concert went live June 6, showcasing “Balleilakka” alongside other parts of their repertoire.

[Photo] End of year performing arts concerts take place amid COVID-19 restrictions

June 11, 2021
For many people, having their name mispronounced can be damaging to their identity and wellbeing. Mispronouncing someone’s name, or assigning an unwanted nickname are considered by some to be name-based microaggressions.

[Photo] Name mispronunciations leave lasting impact on individuals

June 10, 2021
As finals week approaches and workload ramps up, end-of-year stress is undeniable. Here are five ways to reduce stress, increase motivation and persevere through the last stretch of the school year.

Top 5 tips to manage finals week

June 4, 2021
A poster encouraging students to donate to organizations supporting those suffering in India hangs in the Theater Foyer. Members of the Community Action Committee organized a fundraiser to help provide vaccines, medical supplies and treatment facilities for Indian relief.

India battles worsening COVID-19 crisis

May 20, 2021
London offers countless tourist attractions that provide the quintessential city experience as a resident. Lead Culture Editor Grace Hamilton shares five tourist attractions to capitalize on all the city has to offer.

Top 5 tourist attractions to visit as a London resident

May 28, 2021
London is home to a copious selection of lunch restaurants, from classic pubs to casual cafés to fine diners. Whether it be popular classics or more novel game-changers, Lead Culture Editor Grace Hamilton shares must-visit restaurants that provide the quintessential dining experience.

Top 5 lunch restaurants

May 21, 2021
Netflix, the popular streaming platform, offers a variety of programs from a variety of genres. Whether it be documentaries, comedies or action-adventure, Lead Culture Editor Grace Hamilton shares lesser-known Netflix programs.

Top 5 Netflix must-sees

May 14, 2021

[Video] Sexual harassment at ASL

May 12, 2021

[Video] Defining sexual harassment

May 12, 2021
For many across the globe, sexual harassment permeates every aspect of life, often inducing silence and instilling negative emotions in those who experience it.

Sexual harassment: Shattering the silence

May 12, 2021

[Video] Experiences and reactions

May 12, 2021

[Photo] Consequences

May 12, 2021
1-3

[Photo] Combatting complicity

May 12, 2021
2-1

[Photo] Next steps

May 12, 2021
Spending an evening at a West End theater is impossible given COVID-19 restrictions, yet streaming platforms have made enjoying these musicals possible from the comfort of home. From dance numbers to show tunes, Lead Culture Editor Grace Hamilton shares the best movie musicals to mimic the classic theater experience at home. (Photos used with permission from Netflix and Disney Plus.)

Top 5 movie musicals to enjoy at home

May 7, 2021
Whether it be love stories entailing simple picnics in the park or writing poetic love letters, indulging in a rom-com from time to time is the perfect way to destress and have fun. Culture Editor: Online Grace Hamilton shares the best rom-coms of all time.

Top 5 romantic comedies of all time

April 30, 2021
London’s ever-growing coffee culture offers countless artisan roasters, independent shops and chains. Whether you need an early morning caffeine boost or simply an afternoon latte, these are the best cafes to get your coffee fix.

Top 5 London coffee shops

April 23, 2021
Podcasts are a convenient and engaging method of igniting curiosity, expanding knowledge and learning about new perspectives. Culture Editor: Online Grace Hamilton shares the best podcasts for every genre.

Top 5 podcasts for every genre

April 16, 2021
Math Teacher Tony Bracht and Alexis Gerwe (23) participate in a discussion during the workshop Its Time to Put Woke to Sleep. Workshop participants engaged in a conversation about cancel culture and the role of social media in activism.

[Photo] Photo Gallery: Students participate in Aequitas workshops

April 2, 2021
Procrastination comes in many forms, and every student has their favorite method. Although procrastinating is often seen as a bad habit, prolonging work and having moments of low motivation are inevitable, and these are the best ways to take a much-needed break from work.

Top 5 ways to procrastinate

April 1, 2021
Model UN delegates raise their country plaques in the 2020 West London Conference. This year, the conference was hosted virtually via Zoom March 27, and it provided participants the opportunity to practice debate skills and gain additional experience with conference preparation and structure.

Model UN attends virtual West London Conference

March 29, 2021
COVID-19 restrictions have thwarted the spring break plans of many. Culture Editor: Online Grace Hamilton shares the best ways to relax, refresh and make use of the week off.

Top 5 spring break activities

March 26, 2021
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