Be Brave. Speak Out.

Iqra 7T

What are the impacts of bullying? How can we work together to make sure that this doesn't affect our school community?

Bullying affects lots of different types of people. Bullying doesn’t just take place in schools but also online which can lead to young people feeling that there is no escape and even committing suicide. Bullying is defined as being repeated, unwanted and sometimes aggressive behaviour that is non-stop. Both the victim and the bully may have serious lasting problems as a result.

Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health. Those who are bullied can end up suffering from depression, anxiety and a lot of loneliness in their life. 

However, bullies sometimes have lots of difficulties too which are mostly not realised. Sometimes they could also be being bullied themselves and then end up taking it out on someone else. So many people can be impacted with harmful and threatening actions from bullies. 

You might be wondering why I am telling you this, have a think for yourself, see how you can help us to stop this happening.

Some of my own experiences:

It all started when I moved primary schools in year 5. It was a terrible and heart-breaking moment. It was dreadful having to leave all my classmates and friends but I thought that I could manage. Once I was at my new school I thought I was going to make friends easily. It was harder than I thought. 

Throughout the horrible days I got bullied and taunted for my voice because I was known as the ‘squeaker’ because everyone thought that I had a high-pitched voice. Just because of that I felt I had no value in the school. I tried telling the teachers but I never had the courage to stand up for myself. I was a very lonely person with no friends. They were happy and busy in their own lives. Now here I am in secondary school and there are times when people still make fun of me, but luckily I now have a lot more friends and they all stand up for me. 

Be Brave. Speak Out.

Something that I would say to you is that you should never give up on life no matter how many problems you face. There is always someone out there who cares about you and needs you in their life, even if you do not know it.

Remember that if you are ever worried, upset or concerned then do not hesitate to speak to the staff at school - from the pastoral team, form tutors, teaching assistants, safe-guarding lead team or any teacher you feel comfortable talking to. They are ready to help you in whatever way they can. Don’t suffer in silence.

Inspirational quotes:  

“Kindness in words creates confidence.

Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.

Kindness in living creates love.”

By Lao Tzu

“Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad.

Let God deal with the things they do because hate in your heart will consume you too.”

By Will Smith

Coronavirus may cause the remaining leagues to shut down

Devam 8L 

Over the last few weeks the amount of people tested positive for COVID-19 has been massively increasing. Football has also been affected across many leagues. The following leagues have currently been suspended: La Liga, MlS and Serie A. 

Serie A was suspended due to the lockdown imposed in Italy who are the worst affected country in Europe. After the departure of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League many other games in the round of 16 have also been postponed, including Manchester City vs Real Madrid, due to Real Madrid being quarantined.  

Over the last few days many famous footballers have tested positive. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Juventus players Daniele Rugani and Paulo Dybala and Chelsea star winger Callum Hudson-Odoi have all been tested positive. 

So far Liverpool have had an exceptional season in the Premier League. They now only require 2 wins to secure the prestigious Premier League trophy. Will they manage to do this or will the virus stop them in their tracks?

It was announced later in the day of this report being written (13th March) that the Premier League is to be suspended.

January signings flourish

Neel 8L

Manchester United’s signings have impacted the team MASSIVELY. Now the squad seems to have the liveliness they had under Sir Alex Ferguson. The arrival of Bruno Fernandes has immensely changed the mindset of the squad. There was an aura of panic in the Manchester United dressing room about whether Anthony Martial will be able to cope with the duty of center forward that Marcus Rashford had set high standards for.

Heavily anticipated attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes put pen to paper on the 30th of January 2020 and since then has scored 3 and assisted 3 in only 9 appearances to add to his phenomenal tally at Sporting Lisbon. To make up for the absence of Marcus Rashford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer loaned in Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua. Though he was isolated for 2 weeks, he is in good form and has worked phenomenally to score 4 goals in 8 matches, including a brace against Derby county in the FA Cup. 

Man United have had a 65% increase in the number of goals scored after the arrival of Ighalo and Fernandes. 

Devam 8L says: “Before, Man United didn't have much confidence in attack that they used to have under Alex Ferguson. After the recent arrival of Ighalo and Fernandes, Manchester United have created much more chances and have boosted their confidence in attack.”

Manchester United's future (for at least the next 4 months) is in safe hands and hopefully, they will maintain this amazing form for years to come.

What are the odds?

BY TARIQ 7P

With just over two months left before the season draws to a close, the top three clubs are battling it out. With only one point between Manchester City and Liverpool it becomes ever more difficult to predict the champions of the English Premiere League 2019. Will Manchester City win their fourth title in a decade? Or will Liverpool finally have a chance of lifting the cup?

This season some results have been staggering and unpredictable, whilst others make a lot of sense. Here we outline the rivalry and the shift of positions in the league table of one of the most interesting cups that brings unrivalled entertainment.

This season has been a bit of a rollercoaster providing some great thrills! There was the unpredictable news with Jose Mourinho's sudden sacking from Manchester United and now their continuing streak of wins and draws since, to transfer news of world class players and rumours to the sacking of Chelsea's Maurizio Sarri.

The winners have been announced for the Carabao Cup as Manchester City stormed into victory after Raheem Sterling’s penalty skipped past the gloves of the Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga. In fact, the Spaniard would not make way for his substitute, Willy Caballero, and Sarri stormed into fury due to his player’s stubborn personality. 

As we enter game week 30, the league table hosts Manchester City as first place with 71 points with Liverpool pursing closely behind with 70. Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal are currently neck and neck, with an energising game to be hosted on Sunday at the Emirates with Manchester United visiting Arsenal. Be prepared to clench your fists for this tense game! 

However, the most jaw-dropping result of the season was in February’s fixture with Manchester City vs Chelsea. The visitors were demolished 6-0. The top scorer of the season is also very tight, with as little as one goal separating Sergio Aguero from Liverpool’s Pharaoh Mohamed Salah. 

When asked their view of their team, a Manchester United fan said of them “They are one of the greatest teams in the world!” He continues, “there is a chance of winning the UEFA Champions League and I think that tonight we will beat PSG 3-0 to advance to the next round.” A Liverpool supporter said of his team “we have a powerful team and good chance to win the Premiership, yet are players aren’t playing at 110% every match. This is founded as we drew to Man Utd. and Everton, our derby rival.”

What are the odds? Who do you think will be relegated? More importantly, who do YOU think will win? Comment below.

Have you got the eye of the tiger?

BY RIYA 9V

Boxing club has been a great success at Alperton Community School and it is regularly attended by many students. It is a wonderful sport because not only does it help you to be fit and healthy, it is also a great way to improve your reflexes, agility and coordination. You will be properly equipped with protective gloves and pads so you can work with a partner, and be given expert coaching by Mr. Callaghan.

When: Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

Where: Lower site, Ealing Road straight after school finishes

Who: Everyone can join!

What do I need: you must wear your school PE kit

Many people think of boxing as a dangerous contact sport so might not want to get involved. However, that is why you should attend the club so you can learn how to do it properly and use it as a way to improve your fitness.

This club is mixed with boys and girls. It doesn’t matter what level of fitness you are, here everyone is treated equally whether you are a beginner or boxing pro. If you are really good you also have the chance to share your skills with other students and help to teach them.

I interviewed Rucha (9V) about why she joined the club. She told me that it was enjoyable because she learned communication skills as well as fitness. She wants to encourage more students to get involved - “no need to be shy, everybody is friendly and will help you in boxing”. Rucha has only been attending for a short time so far but she is already improving in her reflexes.

So why don’t you join boxing and see for yourself how fun the class it? I am in year 9 and I see lots of student from all the other year groups improving their skills.

Thrilling table tennis tournament

BY NIMCA 9V

Darshan in 8V triumphed in the table tennis competition on Wednesday 14 March 2018. This extraordinary boy had to beat over 10 students to be named as the overall table tennis winner for year 8.

When we interviewed Darshan about his win he said that in his mind he believed in himself and had great determination that he could win. Darshan came in 1st place winning a limited edition table tennis bat and he will be presented with certificate in assembly. We also asked Darshan if he could give any words of encouragement to year 9 students who have their competition today. His advice would be “be the best you can be because if you believe you can achieve anything you want...never stop believing!”

In 2nd place was Mitesh (8V). Mitesh was also amazing in the competition. His skills were magnificent as he displayed great concentration the whole time he was playing. When asked how he felt during the competition and coming in second place he said it was exciting and he felt proud of himself. His advice to other students would be that “if you can put it in your head that you can win you will achieve and succeed.”

Mr. Varvias (Mr. V) and Ms. Lopez introduced this competition to help raise money for charity. Students contributed £1 to take part in the competition and it was 50p for spectators. The money raised will be given to Children with Cancer UK. Sadly, Mr. V has had people close to him suffer from cancer so this charity has personal importance to him. He believes that he is lucky to work with the students at Alperton and wants young people with cancer to also have the opportunity to be happy and live their lives to the fullest. 

So far the tournament has already raised £70 and with one more event to go after school today this is set to rise even higher. A magnificent achievement.

Ms. Lopez was asked why table tennis was chosen over other sports and she expressed that she thinks that table tennis helps our students make more friends and teaches skills such as hand eye coordination and quick thinking! It is also a good way to keep you in shape.

The year 9 competition will be held after school today. It is a worthy cause so go and support the other students. We can’t wait to find out who the winners will be! We will update you with that report soon.

For more information about the charity visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/