1 The Gaza Strip is a Palestinian territory with a population of around 2 million people. The exclave has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007, with only basic necessities allowed through the borders. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has long been the subject of condemnation, with Human Rights Watch describing the Strip as an “openair prison” in 2022. On October 7th, 2023, the militant group Hamas launched an attack from Gaza against Israel that killed around 1,200 people and took 253 as hostages, supposedly in retaliation for the continued occupation of Palestinian lands. Israel has since launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the besieged territory, which has killed at least 30,000 people, over 12,150 of whom are children. South Africa has opened a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the judicial organ of the United Nations, which alleges that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians – genocide is defined by the UN as a crime which seeks the destruction of an ethnic, national or religious group, in whole or in part. The State of Israel has strongly refuted the allegations, claiming that Hamas has operated in areas of civilian population and is responsible for the high death toll. The case is not a criminal trial, and will instead deliver an opinion on whether Israel is committing genocide or not. South Africa has argued that Israel’s failure to reduce civilian casualties and obstruction of essential supplies is genocidal, since this affects the entire population of Gaza indiscriminately. Statements from South Africa's Pursuit of Justice Genocide Claims at the ICJ Aydin AslamDenn (Year 12) examines the ongoing case brought against the State of Israel over claims it is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip South Africa's delegation before the ICJ hearing (2024) EditorinChief: Oscar Panayi The RGS Gazette Issue 11 April 2024 Editors: Aydın AslamDenn, Umair Editors: Krish Siddhartha, Aayan Editor: Henry Day Editors: Dara Olowoloba, Emad In this Issue News Features The Arts Sports 33 Maximum Impact: What is the Hardest Sport? 35 Ask Max Photos Ashraf, Orlando Thompson Hussain, Adam Yousuf Haroon 36 A Term in Photos 28 VAR: Vital or Valueless 27 Klopp's Departure: A Striking Legacy 24 Frutiger Aero: The Millenial Future We Were Promised 23 Orwell: A Modern Reality? 21 Reviewing 'The Creator' 20 Has the Empire of Marvel Studios Come Crashing Down? 19 Was Tolkien's Epic an expression of his personal ringobsession? 14 Should Designer Babies Be Allowed? 13 Fish Fingers: Food of the Future? 12 Inside the Apple Vision Pro 11 Space Travel and a Home Away from Home 10 Mount Everest: Herculean to Harmless? 8 Is Oxbridge Overrated? 8 Are You My Teacher? 7 Madrid Trip 2024 6 Has Pluto Been Misjudged 5 Ochlocracy or Democracy? 4 George Galloway's Surprise Win 3 Borders: An Outdated Concept? 2 Gaza: The Situation on the Ground 1 South Africa's Pursuit of Justice: Genocide Claims at the ICJ Editor: Daniel Ressell 9 Gaming: Winners or Losers? 15 The Impact of Chemical Warfare on the Modern Age 16 AI and Investment Banking 17 AI and The Herculaneum Scrolls 17 GCSEs: Time to Go? 25 Is Too Much Spent on Music Shows? 25 Skullduggery Pleasant: Review 26 Fast Fashion: The Cost of Standing Out 28 Breaking the Cycle of Exclusion in Sport 30 Hamilton: 8 Time World Champion? 31 It's Not Just Cricket 32 How Good is Lamine Yamal?
2 The News The RGS Gazette Israeli politicians, including the prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have been used as evidence of genocidal intent against Palestinians. The final verdict is likely to take years, but due to the urgency of the situation, South Africa also introduced some interim measures in January, including the request for Israel to immediately halt all military operations in Gaza. This request was not upheld by the ICJ, but the court did order Israel to refrain from acts that could be considered genocidal. The ICJ cannot physically enforce the legallybinding decisions it makes this is the responsibility of each individual state and Israel itself has already rejected the ruling. However, the word of the ICJ is respected by organisations such as the UN and has increased the diplomatic and economic pressure faced by Israeli interests worldwide. South Africa's case has received the support of many states across the world. The 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation welcomed the ICJ case, as did the AfricanUnion and Arab League. Some countries in South America, including Colombia, had already cut ties with Israel over its actions in Gaza, and pledged full support for South Africa. Several other nations, including France, have stated they will respect the outcome of the case, whether Israel is found guilty in the end or not. With a few notable exceptions, including Ireland, Spain and Belgium, the West has largely not supported South Africa's efforts. The US Secretary of State labelled the allegations of genocide as "meritless", with Rishi Sunak of the UK calling the case "unjustified and baseless." The government of Germany, who strongly rejected the claims of genocide against Israel, went as far as offering to intercede in the case as a third party, although this was vehemently condemned by Namibia, who swiftly reminded Germany of its own genocidal past against the Herero and Nama people in South West Africa. There are several reasons why South Africa has come to the defence of Palestine, rather than another member of the Arab or wider Muslim world. The longstanding solidarity of southern African nations with the Palestinian cause can be traced back to their own struggles against apartheid and colonialism in the 20th Century. The treatment of Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank, including the forcible displacement of villages, widespread extrajudicial killings and restrictions on freedom of movement, has been likened to the plight of the Black and Coloured population within apartheidera South Africa. The ruling ANC party has long regarded the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as an ally, with the former president Nelson Mandela stating that “our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” The late PLO leader, Yasser Arafat, was hosted alongside Mandela in Zambia immediately after the latter’s release from prison in 1990. Several other former apartheid states, including Zambia itself and Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia), have also pledged their commitment to Palestinian statehood. As such, it is perhaps unsurprising that the call for Israel to be held accountable for its latest actions in Gaza have emanated so strongly from this region of the world. . A Call for Help from Gaza: What is the Situation on the Ground? Farhaan Ahmed (Year 9) assesses the humanitarian situation in the besieged territory and examines its impact on the wider region In the heart of the Middle East, the Gaza Strip stands as a testament to a decadeslong conflict that has left its people yearning for a life free from the shackles of occupation. The turbulent relationship between Gaza and Israel has been a source of ongoing international debate, sparking discussions on the need for a just and lasting solution to ensure the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people. Gaza, a densely populated exclave on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, has been at the centre of political unrest since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Over the years, the region has witnessed numerous conflicts and struggles, with its people enduring the hardships of war, economic blockade and a persistent lack of basic amenities. The occupation of Gaza by Israel has been a major point of contention in the international arena, drawing criticism for human rights violations and disproportionate use of force. Calls for the liberation of Gaza from Israeli control have grown louder, resonating with those who advocate for justice, peace and the right to selfdetermination. One of the primary concerns is the impact of the longstanding blockade on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The blockade, enforced since 2007, has severely restricted the movement of people and goods, hindering the exclave’s economic development and leaving its residents struggling to access essential services such as healthcare and education. Moreover, the periodic conflicts and military operations have resulted in the loss of countless lives and widespread destruction. The toll on "The blockade, enforced since 2007, has restricted the movement of people and goods"
3 The News Issue 11 April 2024 . Over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed (2024) Borders: An Outdated Concept? Kristof Kormany (Year 10) evaluates the impact of borders on the modern world Borders. An outdated relic of our world's territorial and imperial past or a necessity for maintaining order and the rights of varying ethnic groups? Over centuries, even millennia, the boundaries dictated by borders have fluctuated from simply natural barriers to vehicles of manipulation by military forces for wealth and resources. Now, in our time, they serve as a near absolute limit to migration, restricting the capabilities of individuals and even the Arts. Though, there are of course issues with immigration; with migrants accounting for 3.6% of the world's population, there is a huge economic strain on the countries to which they are fleeing. Although it is often perceived to have the inverse effect, the opening of borders and the permitting of immigration has been observed to be beneficial. For example, in 2015, when Germany opened its borders to refugees fleeing from conflict in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, the nation's labour shortage was somewhat alleviated, leading to a boost in the economy. Additionally, with the opening of borders, businesses can spread internationally, leading to Foreign Direct Investment, as can be seen in India in which FDI accounts for $51.5 billion of the economy. Moreover, in countries such as Japan, where immigrants count for only 2.29% of the population, there is an everdecreasing birthrate, having fallen 5.1% since last year, along with an ageing population. this has contributed to the decline in the Japanese economy. Overall, immigration clearly helps to stimulate economic growth through providing a working population as well as the development of business. The inflexibility of borders can also harm the development of culture. Worldrenowned Russian pianist Grigory Sokolov was forced to cancel performances in the UK in 2008 due to increased restrictions and changes in visa regulations for nonEU citizens. Ever since, he has refused to play in the UK. Jazz music itself originated from the boilingpoint of varied migrant ethnic groups in the 1920s in New Orleans. Before the Louisiana purchase, Spaniards and Frenchmen had control of the city, followed by English, Italians and Germans, as well as the descendants of the countless African slaves. This convergence of a British folk song, Spanish dances, French ballet, Christian hymns and traditional western harmony merged with African rhythms birthed the foundations of modern jazz, which has since evolved over a century into one of the most influential genres of music. This was possible due to the presence of all these ethnic groups, and its consequential widespread cultural revolution cannot be denied to be anything other than a miracle of migration. Evidently, hindering the interaction of the perspectives of people can only cause stagnation in the development of the Arts. Despite this, the disadvantages of immigration can be seen in how it has been weaponised. Since 2022, Belarus' prime minister has flooded Polish borders with thousands of immigrants in retaliation for EU restrictions. Thus, Poland has to receive this sudden influx of refugees on claims of seeking asylum and will have to devote resources to housing and temporary support. An increased proportion of lowskilled workers will drive down wages, decreasing the standard of living for everyone. In conclusion, though openborders could strain a country's economy, immigration has also led to the reduction of labour shortages and historically, the development of culture, such as jazz music. civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and homes, has been devastating, perpetuating a cycle of despair and instability, Proponents of Gaza’s liberation argue that a peaceful resolution to the conflict is imperative for the overall stability of the region. They stress the need for a meaningful dialogue between the parties involved, with a focus on finding common ground and addressing the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people. The international community has a crucial role to play in facilitating a just and lasting solution. Diplomatic efforts, mediated by neutral parties, should aim to bring both sides to the negotiating table and encourage compromises that ensure the dignity, security and wellbeing of all involved. They call for an end to the occupation, a lifting of the blockade, and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. In conclusion, the plight of Gaza has demanded global attention and action. The quest for freedom, justice and the right to selfdetermination for the people of Gaza is a cause that transcends political, religious and cultural boundaries. It is a call to build a future where the people of Gaza can live in peace and prosperity, free from the shadows of conflict and occupation. The world must unite to ensure that the aspirations of the Palestinian people are realised, paving the way for a just and sustainable resolution to one of the most enduring conflicts in modern history.
4 The News The RGS Gazette Galloway Defeats Labour in ByElection Shock Controversial figure George Galloway has returned to Parliament by beating the major parties in a chaotic byelection. Labour had been expected to hold the seat, but after a messy and contentious campaign, this result will deeply trouble the party. A byelection, an election in one constituency that takes place when its MP dies or leaves Parliament, is often a litmus test for how a government is faring, and an indicator as to what may happen at a general election. But it is also a test of the readiness of the opposition. Labour have largely passed these tests, winning several seats at byelections by overturning Tory majorities of as much as 25,000. Most recently in February, they won byelections in Kingswood and Wellingborough, two seats held by the Conservatives for nearly two decades. But things weren’t so cheery for Labour in Rochdale. The seat has been safely theirs since 1997 and, when a byelection was triggered by the death of its MP Sir Tony Lloyd, it was expected that they’d hold onto the seat. But two weeks prior, the party’s candidate in Rochdale, Azhar Ali was criticised for perceived antiSemitic comments. Ali had suggested that Israel allowed the 7th October Hamas attack to occur, as a pretext to launch war in Gaza. Labour withdrew support for him and suspended him from the party after this and other comments emerged. Due to the proximity to the election, it was too late for the party to find another candidate or remove Ali from the ballot. This meant that he was still the official Labour candidate on the ballot in Rochdale, but didn’t have the support from his party, leaving Labour with essentially no candidate and no chance of winning the seat. Complicating matters further was the candidacy of former Labour MP George Galloway. Galloway is a prominent antiwar and proPalestine campaigner, who was expelled from the Labour Party over his stance on the Iraq War in 2003. He later defeated Labour in a byelection in Bradford in 2013. Galloway has previously served in Orlando Thompson (Year 12) discusses the recent byelection in Rochdale and the impact of its surprise result George Galloway, MP for Rochdale (2023) “Galloway took a resounding victory, winning by 6000 votes”
5 The News Issue 11 April 2024 three different constituencies from Glasgow to London, and is often popular with Muslims. He based his campaign in Rochdale over the IsraelGaza War, advocating for a ceasefire and promising to challenge the major parties in Westminster. Rochdale saw another party – the Greens – suspend their candidate, and saw another divisive former Labour MP in Reform UK’s Simon Danczuk. But through the chaos, George Galloway, representing the Workers’ Party which he founded, took a resounding victory, winning by 6000 votes. Curiously, second place went to independent David Tully, a political newcomer. This meant that the three major political parties won just roughly a quarter of the vote. Rishi Sunak called the result “beyond alarming”, condemning Galloway for “dismissing” the 7th October Hamas attack. Galloway was quick to shrug this off as evidence of his ability to challenge and unsettle mainstream politicians. “This is for Gaza” he declared as he celebrated victory. Indeed, his election indicates just how important the conflict is becoming in British politics. This is just the latest case of debate around Gaza causing divisions and fury. Galloway’s victory is in part due to Labour withdrawing their candidate, which in of itself was down to controversy regarding Gaza. It’s becoming increasing clear that the situation in Gaza is a powerful issue on which people will vote and Galloway’s election illustrates that, for many, the major parties’ outlook is not satisfactory. For Labour, this also demonstrates that they are far from invincible. While they’re on track for victory at the general election, to be held later this year, this saga serves as a reminder that nothing is assured yet. Ochlocracy or Functioning Democracy? Adam Yousuf (Year 12) examines recent protests and if they are as dangerous as politicians make out Parliament in midlate February was nothing short of chaotic. A vote on whether to call for a ceasefire in Gaza was upended and disrupted when the Speaker of the House of Commons broke with convention. In the fury that resulted from this, many blamed extremism and threats to MPs as the reason for this chaos. Much of the discourse was focused on protests held in recent months advocating for a ceasefire, but is it fair to label protesters as a threat? In February, Parliament voted on motions surrounding whether and how to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The SNP, Labour and the Conservatives all tabled versions of what type of ceasefire they should call for. It was the SNP’s opposition day, so they should have been able to introduce motions. However, the Speaker changed this so that the Labour amendment would be heard before the SNP one, a move that favoured Labour and allowed them to avoid a rebellion. This unprecedented move was taken, in the Speaker’s view, to protect our MPs: “I never, ever want to go through a situation where I pick up a phone to find a friend, on whatever side, has been murdered by a terrorist. I also do not want another attack on this house”. While it is undoubtedly true that MPs fear for their safety, with a recent rise in extremist behaviour, this explanation from the Speaker should be met with a degree of scepticism. It evokes the memory of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, MPs who were both murdered, but the extent to which this threat exists, and is related to proPalestine activism is questionable. More so, the notion that recent protests have anything to do with extremism. Recently, MPs, especially government ministers, have increasingly criticised proPalestine protests. Suella Braverman, last November, described them as “mobs” and “hate marches”. The Prime Minister, in a recent speech on extremism, said that protesters had “hijacked our speeches” and that protests have “descended into intimidation, threats and planned acts of violence”. However, the evidence provided for this view is sparse at best. Police Scotland stated that it was “not aware of anyone storming in or threatening Labour staff”, and that it was made aware of a “peaceful protest” that officers attended with no issues because the protesters involved left of their own accord." If any evidence does exist, it must be given to the A ProPalestinian Protest in Parliament Square on 21 February, 2024 (AFP) “It’s becoming increasingly clear that the situation in Gaza is a powerful issue on which people will vote” “This unprecedented move was taken, in our Speaker's view, to protect our MPs”
6 The News The RGS Gazette police so that a proper investigation can be made. But this is unlikley to be the case. Open Democracy reported that protests have a lower arrest rate than Glastonbury. Of the 153 arrests between October and December, 117 were released without charge. This suggests that it was not an angry mob that is threatening democracy or intimidating MPs, but rather a large group merely seeking to uphold a democratic right and attempting to influence government policy. A vital function of democracy is the right to protest. Contrary to what politicians are attempting to purport to the general public, a radical mob outside Parliament did not appear to exist and has not existed. There is no evidence for it. Of course, verbal and physical intimidation are crimes, and if evidence for such claims is found, those individuals must be prosecuted. Nevertheless, the infringements on the fundamental right to protest from the government resemble the very threats to democracy that they warn of. As the Labour MP Zara Sultana tweeted, “we must resist conflating threats of safety and unacceptable abuse with robust criticism and accountability.” Rishi Sunak speaking about extremism (2023) Pluto: Has the Solar System's Most Famous Dwarf Planet Been Misjudged? For many decades, Pluto has been considered by many people to be an insignificant planet and has not been widely discussed since it was reclassified from being a planet that is part of the solar system. Now, it floats around in our solar system as a dwarf planet. Although, in this article, the reasons as to why Pluto should be a subject of particular interest will be discussed. The first reason as to why Pluto is captivating is because of its history. It began when the dwarf planet was considered for a long time to be the solar system’s 9th planet, but a recent discovery in 2006 showed that it did not follow the same orbiting process as the other planets in the solar system did and had to be renamed into a 'dwarf planet', showing its small size compared to other planets. The second reason is because of what is within the planet itself a mixture of frozen nitrogen and methane can be found upon the planet. It should be noted that both nitrogen and methane can be found in everyday life on Earth itself. If even a little bit was learned about these elements and compounds on Pluto, it could potentially be of use to us on Earth. There are also mountains, valleys and craters. A third reason is because of the features Pluto has that separates it from the planets in the solar system. From what has been gathered, Pluto is a small dwarf planet, which means it could be hard even for the satellites surrounding Earth to observe. Also, Pluto is significantly tilted, differing from many of the other planets in this respect. The fourth and final reason is Pluto's littleknown origins. Pluto belongs in its very own ‘Kuiper Belt’, which is way beyond the orbit of the solar system’s farthest planet: Neptune. It is a dwarf planet which, as mentioned, is a small planet. A long time ago, Pluto split from Charon, another dwarf planet, and they became two independent planets. By studying Pluto and its orbit in greater detail, we could learn more about dwarf planet formations of this kind, as well as how the rest of our solar system formed. Sherwin Sundaram (Year 7) examines the interesting features of the dwarf planet Pluto, inlcuding its unique chemical composition A capture of Pluto taken by New Horizons as it passed by (2015)
7 Features Issue 11 April 2024 Features Madrid Trip 2024: Immersive and Unforgettable Thomas Waterton (Year 12) looks at the first ever RGS Spanish trip to Madrid over the Spring half term At the start of the Easter halfterm holiday, the firstever RGS trip to Madrid took place. It was a brilliant experience and gave us the chance to speak Spanish to natives as well as experience a different culture and way of life. It began with an early start at Gatwick, but we soon arrived in Spain and then checked into the Bastardo Hostel. As it was the first day and we were tired, we only visited the main landmarks. We had lunch at the Mercado de San Miguel; it was quite busy, but we were able to find some patatas bravas to share. Something I enjoyed a lot about the trip was the amount of freedom we had. We’d be given around an hour to explore an area ourselves and this allowed us to do what we wanted and eat where we wanted – it was great! The Royal Palace of Madrid is probably the most iconic building in the city. I was surprised, as with many other places in Madrid, by how big it was. We then went to the Templo de Debod, which was a nice, quiet area of the city with a stunning view of the palace and cathedral. We had dinner in restaurants around the city and I thought the food was delicious! On the second day, we visited some historic art museums and also the Retiro Park. The first museum was the Reina Sofía which had lots of 20thcentury art including Picasso’s Guernica: the main attraction in the museum. There were also lots of other paintings from other famous Spanish artists such as Dalí. The Prado Museum is the main Spanish national art museum and we saw many works from artists like Goya and Velázquez which were very impressive, especially Las Meninas. Afterwards, we walked to the Retiro Park. This was a very scenic part of the city. Then, we went to a restaurant near the Puerta del Sol which is the main square in Madrid and is one of the busiest places in the city. Its name comes from the many roads that come from it, making it look like a sun. On Sunday morning we went to El Rastro, an open flea market in the centre of the city. It was quite busy but there were lots of stands selling clothes, jewellery and souvenirs. Whilst walking to where we would have lunch, we stopped to look at the Plaza de Cibeles which has become one of the most recognisable and busy places in Madrid. It is a huge marble palace with a fountain in front of it. For lunch, we had a cooking lesson and made paella, tortilla de patatas, gazpacho and tarta de Santiago, all of which I thought was very tasty. Everyone contributed and helped to make them and it was great to both prepare and try traditional Spanish food. We also went to the Catedral de la Almudena which was a very impressive building and the Arab walls which is the oldest part of the city. On the last day, we had a tour of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, it was great for those who like football and who are interested in the history of Real Madrid. The stadium itself was much bigger than I expected and they had a retractable pitch which allows the stadium to be used for largescale events such as concerts and basketball matches. The other Year 12’s and I went to a tapas bar for lunch. We tried our best to order in Spanish and had croquetas, tortilla de patatas and patatas bravas. Again, the food was great, and it felt like a traditional Spanish experience. Overall, it was a brilliant trip. A huge thank you has to be given to Mrs. Langan and Mr. Phillips for organising the trip and accommodation, even when faced with some tricky situations. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone interested in Spanish, not only to improve your speaking skills but also to explore this amazing city and learn more about the country itself. Retiro Park, Madrid (2024) Royal Palace, Madrid (2024)
8 Features The RGS Gazette Mrs Gallagher: Are You My Teacher? Krish Siddhartha (Year 8) interviews Mrs Gallagher, Academic Housemistress of RGS Boarding 1. What made you choose a career in Maths and teaching? I originally thought I wanted to be a primary school teacher, but my best subject at Alevel was Economics and they don't teach economics in primary school, so I chose to do Maths at university. Then, part way through my degree, I realised that teaching at primary school wouldn't be the right thing for me 2. Why did you choose to teach at the RGS? I visited RGS on the way to an interview at another school and comparing the two schools, RGS was very much the better option, and it seemed like there were a lot of opportunities for me to do different things here. 3. If someone asked you to describe RGS to them, what would you say? I would say that it gives students, that take the opportunity, a huge range of things that they can work on and can get involved in. Students get fantastic resluts and are able to move onto a huge range of things, careers and courses that they would like to do. 4. What is something that students may be surprised to learn about you? I probably don't enjoy maths as much as I should do as a maths teacher. 5. If you had won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead? I would become a pilot. I grew up with lots of influence around planes in my life, as my dad was a pilot and owned an aerodrome for a period of time before I was born. I have always wanted to become a pilot, but was told when I was a young teenager that I had a medical condition that would not allow me to become a pilot. This has since been sorted out, so if I could afford it, I would do the training. Are Oxford and Cambridge Overrated? Oxford and Cambridge. Two of the most renowned universities in the world, regarded as the best of the best for any subject of a student’s choosing. But is this reputation deserved? Are they overrated? This article will examine the ‘Oxbridge’ duo and will compare them with the facts. It will also look at the relative performance of the universities compared to other UK universities, to see how they stack up against their competition. Before writing this article, I conducted a survey in which I asked people to name the first three UK universities that came to mind. The results: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and University of London. The fact that only two of the three universities exist goes to show the limited knowledge of people on the subject of universities. Some people also said that they could not think of a third, which reinforces this. Indeed, it is true that universities do exist in London, such as ICL, UCL, LSE, etc. Nevertheless, none of these were explicitly mentioned in the survey. Perhaps, there is a reason for these findings. Perhaps, Oxford and Cambridge are so exceptional that they should naturally be the first to come to mind. They lead as the top two universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the Guardian’s university rankings and other websites and forums: surely, the placing of the duo in every ranking substantiates this idea that they are the best. Equally, this may not be the case. Certainly, Oxford and Cambridge are commendable universities that deserve to be accredited among the best in the world. The main issue is that they are held on too high of a pedestal compared to other prestigious universities in the UK, overshadowing them in the process. When looking at statistics from the QS University Rankings 2023/24, the top 5 universities are revealed to be Oxford, Cambridge, ICL, UCL Ishbir Singh (Year 11) investigates how good Oxbridge really is “LSE is not nearly as renowned despite showing better results in popular subjects such as Economics, Law, Politics and more”
9 Features Issue 11 April 2024 Gamers: Winners or Losers? Edward Grinhaff (Year 10) looks at this critical and topical issue in more detail In recent years, there has been a clear rise in the number of children, teenagers and even adults participating in regular gaming. A survey conducted in Buckinghamshire found that 78% of people play video games on console, as well as mobile phones. Many believe this trend stems from factors such as boredom, modern parenting, or addictive teenage personalities. So, is gaming something we should be discouraging, or doing more of? Gaming is often presented in the media as minddestroying, addictive and useless. However, gaming can actually help gamers acquire and develop numerous skills that have reallife applications. On the one hand, many games require their players to be adept at problemsolving. Many storylinebased ‘campaign’ games often get players to find clues and solve puzzles in order to progress further. This is a valuable life skill that many employers look at, albeit in a different context. Yet, on the other hand, video games can be addictive, especially for young teens. They cause a distraction to their academic studies, which can be detrimental during exam periods. Teens, as well as others across all age groups, often push aside work to play video games in their free time. Moreover, research shows that video games can improve handeye coordination and fine motor skills. In many games, minor adjustments or errors can be the difference between winning and losing. Therefore, gamers develop these skills as much as possible, which are again applicable in reallife situations. Surprisingly, surgeons who play video games involving fine motor skills have been found to make fewer mistakes in surgery. However, video games not only have the ability to develop these skills but also the ability to damage them. Playing video games before going to sleep is proven to decrease sleep quality, due to the stimulating nature of playing a game, as well as the bluelight emission on screens. Games that include violent or frightening content are even worse, as they leave the mind in a heightened state of alertness too. Lastly, another positive of video games is the improvement they make to players’ spatial awareness and navigation. Many games feature expansive virtual maps, which require a high level of game navigation. Furthermore, in advanced virtual reality games, users are able to develop 3D spatial awareness. These skills translate into the real world. Similarly, video games improve both shortterm and longterm memory, by requiring people to remember details in puzzles, or controls and techniques stored in a person’s longterm memory. With memory being a large part of the brain, video games may potentially have the ability to preserve the cognitive functioning of people of all age groups. So, to conclude, despite the frequent coverage of the negative effects of gaming in the media, there is a strong argument supporting the playing of these games. However, it has to be said that there are dangers and risks in excessive playtime or prioritising it over other important aspects of life. and Edinburgh. However, when delving deeper into the inner workings of these rankings, it is evident that they only account for what happens inside the university research, learning, and teaching for example. These are important criteria for assessing the relative ranking of a university, but some key omissions are made. The significance of subjectspecific rankings is greatly overlooked. Keeping with the example of the QS University Rankings, Oxford and Cambridge still remain the top two for most subjects. For STEM subjects, Cambridge takes first place with Oxford following. For the Humanities and Classics, Oxford takes first place with Cambridge following. On the other hand, for Social Sciences and Management, LSE overtakes Cambridge for second place. Although Cambridge and Oxford persist on the podium of the majority of subject rankings, LSE is not nearly as renowned as them despite showing better results in popular subjects such as Economics, Law, Politics and more. Another example of other universities trumping ‘Oxbridge’ can be found in Architecture, with UCL and Manchester School of Architecture surpassing Cambridge and Oxford completely excluded from the top three. But should the fact that they are outranked by other universities in some subjects mean that they are overrated? The short answer is no. ‘Oxbridge’ only marginally outshines other reputable universities, especially the impressive London universities of UCL, ICL, and LSE. However, when looking at data surrounding university rankings, the two powerhouses absolutely live up to their reputation. “Research shows that video games can improve handeye coordination and fine motor skills” “Playing video games before going to sleep is proven to decrease sleep quality”
10 Features The RGS Gazette Mount Everest: From Herculean to Harmless? Christian Paterson (Year 11) considers whether ascending Mount Everest has become too easy Recently, there has been a notable increase in Mount Everest summits and commercialisation. This has led to many complaints from climbing and mountaineering communities as they believe that climbing a mountain like Everest should be an incredible feat and a huge challenge. Mountaineers who climbed Everest in the 60s, 70s, and 80s say that the immense challenge of climbing the highest mountain in the world has completely lost its value, as people are simply buying their way to the summit. In English climbs alone, 45% of all summit attempts were from commercial groups. These groups tend to consist of lowexperience climbers who, with the help of many sherpas and guides, are heavily assisted to the summit of the mountain. Some people say this defeats the point of the climb and ruins the state of the mountain and this raises the question: is climbing Mount Everest still such an incredible achievement? When people across the globe succeed in climbing the highest mountain in the world, they are treated as saints afterward. However, in reality, this simply should not be the case. The truth instead is that most climbers nowadays pay their way to the summit, and rarely have any experience in mountaineering or climbing. They hire many Sherpas and guides to feed and assist them as they make their summit attempt. This is achieved by cutting paths in the mountain and laying down fences for stability. Additionally, hundreds of tonnes of waste are left on the mountain every year and this is mainly due to these tour groups leaving food tins and oxygen tanks on the camps. Mount Everest has now become more of a garbage site than the apotheotic, intimidating mountain it used to be. The number of summits has recently skyrocketed to the extent that people are having to wait in line for hours to get to the summit. In extreme cases, this has even led to the deaths of some climbers as the peak became too crowded and dangerous because of people fighting for a position. The Everest summit is sometimes completely bottlenecked that no one can pass and some groups have to turn back as there is no way through. A tragic example of this happening at Everest was in 1996 when a blizzard struck two groups heading for the summit. Due to their slow pace, exacerbated by frostbite and fatigue two experienced guides and thirteen clients died. These tragedies would have been easily avoidable if the clients had properly physically prepared themselves and so would have been able to keep up with the group. In conclusion, it is unclear as to if Everest will continue to attract thousands of tourists each year, or whether changes will be made to restrict attendance on the mountain. Perhaps for now Everest will still be packed with climbers and tonnes of litter will be left on the mountain. Mount Everest (2022) “The Everest summit is sometimes completely bottlenecked that no one can pass, and some groups have to turn back as there is no way through” “The truth instead is that most climbers nowadays pay their way to the summit”
11 Features Issue 11 April 2024 Space Travel and a Home Away from Home Throughout the ages of human civilisation, the only haven that we have graced is Earth, a home that transcends mere bricks and stones. Despite this, our oasis is in danger of becoming a lost world. We face unprecedented dangers and we are powerless to stop them. The Stone Age didn't end because we ran out of stone, but because we developed. The Bronze Age didn't end because we ran out of bronze, but instead because we became more advanced. Mankind will not end because we run out of humans, but because we will fail to progress as humans, fail to advance technology, and fail to continue searching for human's second home. Why should we leave this perfectly crafted Earth? We know it has sustained complex life, unlike Mars and other planets. The reason is that Earth is extremely vulnerable. There are almost 2 million unknown viruses that mankind is oblivious to. Think for a moment of the COVID19 pandemic, recall the panic and chaos of that time. That was one of the two million unknown viruses. Now, imagine a disease that is much stronger and much more deadly. Let’s call it Disease X. This disease would pose even more of a threat to human health; it would travel even quicker, and scientists would struggle to find a way to fight it. Disease X could exist among the two million unknown viruses. We need to prepare for it. In addition, another danger looms greater than ever before. Nuclear war. There are 15,000 nuclear warheads in circulation, and they are owned by several countries with strained relations. To protect humankind, we have to break from the mindset that we are alone. We need to stop recognising humans as threats and rather we should unite to prevent this real threat. All it takes is one mistake, one word, one delusional politician to doom all of mankind. Our actions have already caused havoc over the natural balance of the Earth. In 1900, 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide were released. In the 1960s this number increased to 9 billion. Now in 2024, we are at 38 billion tons of carbon dioxide, quadrupling the emissions in 60 years. This projection is expected to increase leading to the runaway greenhouse effect. We have gone up almost 1 Celsius in 20 years. If average global temperatures increase by 1.25 Celsius, it will become almost impossible to stop the planet from becoming inhabitable. This will inevitably cause the death of plants and fish, and when they perish, so do we. But how will we live on another planet? It'll be the same as on Earth, someone will start a restaurant, someone will invent a new sport, someone will open a bar, and someone will unfortunately have the bright idea of starting a school! Eventually, there may come a day when the inhabitants of the new planet will watch the destruction of the very place they used to call home. Uzair Tariq (Year 10) examines the possibility of humanity settling on a new planet in the near future NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) searches for Earthlike planets (2018) “All it takes is one mistake, one word, one delusional politician to doom all of mankind” “Mankind will not end because we run out of humans, but because we will fail to progress as humans, fail to advance technology, and fail to continue searching for human's second home”
12 Features The RGS Gazette The Virtual Reality Revolution: Inside the Apple Vision Pro Apple has reached a significant milestone in technology with the introduction of the Apple Vision Pro. This groundbreaking product represents 17 years of meticulous planning and development, highlighting Apple's unwavering commitment to perfectionism and pushing the boundaries of virtual reality. Now, let's dive into the Vision Pro's key features. Immersiveness The Apple Vision Pro sets a new standard for immersive experiences, boasting an individual pixel size of 7/¹∕₂ microns for exceptional clarity. Precision in position tracking enhances immersion, blurring the lines between reality and virtual worlds. To address the challenge of rendering everything at high resolution constantly, the Apple Vision Pro utilizes foveated rendering through advanced eyetracking technology. This results in a seamless experience with sharp 4k visuals and a natural peripheral blur, mimicking the way our eye's function. Beyond visuals, the device excels in positional tracking for objects and space, capturing even swift movements effortlessly. Apple complements this with highquality camera feeds and monitors, creating an illusion of looking beyond a screen. However, it is important to note that the Vision Pro has faced criticism for its smaller field of view (FOV), creating a tunnellike effect. Despite this drawback, the Apple Vision Pro remains an innovative leap in immersive technology, showcasing a meticulous blend of innovation. In contrast, the Samsung Meta Quest and Sony's VR offerings provide comparable visual quality and broader FOVs, establishing a more expansive and immersive setting. The competition in this domain is intense, as each competitor is striving to outdo the others, aiming to provide users with a captivating visual experience. Vision Pro utilizes foveated rendering through advanced eyetracking technology. This results in a seamless experience with sharp 4k visuals and a natural peripheral blur, mimicking the way our eye's function. App Ecosystem Although there are few apps specifically made for the apple vision pro, there are many that are compatible with it when you connect it to other devices. There are many ideas that are still to come to reality and the Apple Vision Pro has opened many opportunities for app developers that are yet to take advantage of the 3D space. Imagine having courtside seats at an NBA game or a tour of another country – however, these are just ideas and fantasies waiting to be made a reality in the near future. As technology continues to advance, we anticipate a wave of innovative apps leveraging the 3D space offered by the Apple Vision Pro, providing users with unparalleled virtual adventures. Comparatively, the Samsung Meta Quest and Sony have established themselves with more mature and diverse app ecosystems. The Meta Quest, in particular, has gained attention for its expansive library, offering users a wide array of experiences. On the other hand, Sony, with its gaming background, delivers a rich array of content to its VR platform, providing users with a multitude of options for exploration. Comfort Concerns: Balancing Innovation and Ergonomics The Apple Vision Pro has a big downside that most people are complaining about. It is uncomfortable. The Vision Pro is heavier than most VR headsets and weighs in at 600650g which is much heavier than other VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 Nikash Kiran (Year 9) looks at the Apple Vision Pro and what it means for Virtual Reality Technology Apple's Vision Pro Headset (2024)
13 Features Issue 11 April 2024 which is a huge competitor. The main problem is the iconic strap that comes with the Apple Vision Pro. Yes, the strap that differentiates the vision pro from other headsets is the problem. Because of the way it is designed, it pushes all the weight of the headset onto the cheek bones and forehead, creating an uncomfortable experience. Other VR headsets look the same due to the headset straps having an extra strap over the top of your head. This makes it so that the weight is transferred from your cheek bones and forehead to your head. This makes it much more comfortable and that is why Apple has acknowledged this concern and included an additional strap in the box to address discomfort, though adjusting it may prove challenging for some users. Final Thoughts The Apple Vision Pro represents a significant leap forward in virtual reality technology, offering cuttingedge features that redefine the immersive experience. While the potential for groundbreaking apps and experiences is promising, the comfort level of the headset falls short of expectations compared to its competitors. Apple's dedication to innovation and quality shines through in the Vision Pro, but improvements in comfort are essential to enhance the overall user experience. The premium price tag, coming in at only £3,499, may also deter many customers, highlighting the need for a more accessible option in the future. Only time will reveal if Apple unveils a more affordable version of their groundbreaking technology. For now, the Apple Vision Pro stands as a testament to the company's dedication to pushing the boundaries of virtual reality. First of all, in my opinion, they are cheap to buy and so ideal for a student in university and are quick and easy to cook. Fish fingers are delicious, especially when they are in a sandwich with ketchup, on their own, with potatoes or rice. As for the history of the fish fingers, they were invented in the early 1950s by Aaron L. Brody after WW2, due to an abundance of herring in the English Channel. This inspired him to create the fish stick, which was a great success, as it could be battered and breaded and so was a very versatile form of fish that you could even eat off a stick hence the name 'fish stick'. One of the reasons that the fish stick was such a major success was the fact that before the two wars no one had really eaten that much fish in their daily diet, as at the time fish was an expensive meal that only certain people could buy. Even the rich people thought that meat was a better food to eat, as plain fish on its own was a very bland food, so with the abundance of the fish in the channel, he took the chance to combine batter, bread and fish. The sweet and juicy batter and dry, crusty breadcrumbs combined with the exquisite and oily tasting fish brought out the flavour that made fish fingers the greatest fish food on this planet. Not only are fish fingers a delicious food, but they have been scientifically tested and have a number of benefits. Fish fingers contain omega3, a type of fatty acid that has been credited with helping to boost brain power in children because it plays a role in brain development and function. This is a perfect advertisement focus that could get parents to love to feed fish fingers to their children as a healthy, yummy and brain boosting snack that they could even have themselves. Fish fingers also contain iodine, protein, selenium and vitamin B12 in them to keep our bodies functioning at peak performance. One of the only problems with fish fingers is the fact that they are quite expensive when it comes to importing them, especially from Germany who are the main supplier of fish fingers in the UK. However, if caught around the UK, then they could be a lot cheaper and as popular as the English fish and Fish Fingers: The Food Of The Future? "This is a question that has been passed through the ages and has caused mathematicians and scientists the most terrible headache" Fred MecklenburghCaley (Year 10) explores the way this underrated superfood could change our approach to nutrition "The sweet and juicy batter and dry, crusty breadcrumbs combined with the exquisite and oily tasting fish brought out the flavour that made fish fingers the greatest fish food on this planet" "Fish was an expensive meal that only certain people could buy"
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