EDITORIAL: MAY 2025
Archie Bales has been our editor in chief this year. This is Archie's final editorial for AHS Present Tense. Archie has written some brilliant pieces for us on some challenging and sometimes sensitive topics. He has done this with maturity, skill, and his infamous wit. We are very grateful for your hard work, Archie. Best of luck for the future.
As I write this, I’m now midway through my GCSE’s; a time that I did not expect to be seeing so soon. When you’re in year 7 or even 8, you don’t expect it to creep up on you, but let me tell you it does, dear reader.
I joined Aylsham High School in 2020 at a very, very weird time where students weren’t able to move much to classes due to COVID 19. We moved occasionally but only for the likes of computing and drama. This was something of a soft launch for us, coming from primary schools where all lessons were in one room.
I now find myself leaving, again during weird times, but for different reasons than when I first joined. It’s been what can only be described as the busiest five years of my life, but I’ve loved it, really.
I think that it is important to know that when I was in year 7, leaving school felt like it was so, so many years away from ever happening. Even when I was in year 8 doing Joseph, when I was spending time around the class of 2022 year 11’s, I thought my own leaving was such a long time away, and that it would be ages before I’m there. But no, here I am now, getting increasingly near to the end of compulsory education. Which brings me to the point that I want to make here. If you’re reading this and you’re in year 7 or 8, don’t expect it to last forever, because it truly doesn’t.
It has been a pleasure over the past year to be editor for this wonderful school-based institution, and something that has improved my writing skills no end. A highlight of my time as editor in chief was a piece I co-wrote about sports day - this was put into Just Aylsham. That is something that 8-year-old me would find ridiculous, as he wanted to be a journalist. And now, even if it isn’t my choice of career, I have all sorts of experience through my writings on here. Some of my favourite pieces have been about music, the thing I am now going to study for the next two years. So, we will see where that ends up.
I’d also like to thank all of the amazing staff (teaching and support) who have accompanied me on this amazing journey in the last five years. You have helped me to unlock my full potential in terms of schooling. A special thank you to Miss Bates for keeping this paper going and promoting my work in the fashion that she has for other people to read. Other special thank you’s include my amazing form tutor, Mr Walsh, and my Head of House, Mr Allen. And last of all, I want to thank all of the people who have taken time out of their day to read my words, both here and in Just Aylsham. It does truly mean a lot; it’s been a pleasure to be here and be able to write for you my thoughts and opinions on various UK and world issues.
But for now, I have had a great time doing this, and I cannot wait for the baton to be passed onto whoever is next in line for this wonderful post. So, whatever you want to do with your time at AHS, go and smash it, because at this school, you always have that opportunity.
And remember, it comes at you quick, so enjoy this time whilst you can.
As I write this, I’m now midway through my GCSE’s; a time that I did not expect to be seeing so soon. When you’re in year 7 or even 8, you don’t expect it to creep up on you, but let me tell you it does, dear reader.
I joined Aylsham High School in 2020 at a very, very weird time where students weren’t able to move much to classes due to COVID 19. We moved occasionally but only for the likes of computing and drama. This was something of a soft launch for us, coming from primary schools where all lessons were in one room.
I now find myself leaving, again during weird times, but for different reasons than when I first joined. It’s been what can only be described as the busiest five years of my life, but I’ve loved it, really.
I think that it is important to know that when I was in year 7, leaving school felt like it was so, so many years away from ever happening. Even when I was in year 8 doing Joseph, when I was spending time around the class of 2022 year 11’s, I thought my own leaving was such a long time away, and that it would be ages before I’m there. But no, here I am now, getting increasingly near to the end of compulsory education. Which brings me to the point that I want to make here. If you’re reading this and you’re in year 7 or 8, don’t expect it to last forever, because it truly doesn’t.
It has been a pleasure over the past year to be editor for this wonderful school-based institution, and something that has improved my writing skills no end. A highlight of my time as editor in chief was a piece I co-wrote about sports day - this was put into Just Aylsham. That is something that 8-year-old me would find ridiculous, as he wanted to be a journalist. And now, even if it isn’t my choice of career, I have all sorts of experience through my writings on here. Some of my favourite pieces have been about music, the thing I am now going to study for the next two years. So, we will see where that ends up.
I’d also like to thank all of the amazing staff (teaching and support) who have accompanied me on this amazing journey in the last five years. You have helped me to unlock my full potential in terms of schooling. A special thank you to Miss Bates for keeping this paper going and promoting my work in the fashion that she has for other people to read. Other special thank you’s include my amazing form tutor, Mr Walsh, and my Head of House, Mr Allen. And last of all, I want to thank all of the people who have taken time out of their day to read my words, both here and in Just Aylsham. It does truly mean a lot; it’s been a pleasure to be here and be able to write for you my thoughts and opinions on various UK and world issues.
But for now, I have had a great time doing this, and I cannot wait for the baton to be passed onto whoever is next in line for this wonderful post. So, whatever you want to do with your time at AHS, go and smash it, because at this school, you always have that opportunity.
And remember, it comes at you quick, so enjoy this time whilst you can.
EDITORIAL: FEBRUARY 2025
Third Anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine
By Archie Bales, chief editor, class of 2025
As we reach the third anniversary of this horrific war in Ukraine, it now looks more unlikely than ever that there will be a resolution in Ukraine’s favour. Throughout the last few weeks, I’m seeing a divide between America and Europe regarding what they want to do in relation to this war. This is a potentially significant historical moment.
The Trump-Vance administration are taking steps, but I don’t think they are substantial. This is because America appears to only be interested in talking to Russia. The right-wing side of the American media have even stated that this war was started by Ukraine. A clear lie which has been echoed by former Fox presenter and apparent Russian mouthpiece, Tucker Carlson, who says that Ukraine provoked Russia and it’s their fault that we are in this situation. This kind of misinformation is divisive and wrong.
At first it seemed positive that negotiations had started. But then it became clear that they had started in Riyadh between only Russian and American ambassadors, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The problem with this is that Ukraine wasn't invited to these negotiations, and all European countries have been barred (for now) from having a part too, which is causing a lot of problems as Europe provides over 50% of the funding towards Ukraine’s effort to stave off this illegal invasion.
We also now have the issue of Trump calling president Zelenskyy a dictator because the country hasn’t had elections since his term expired in 2024. Elections haven’t taken place because the country is at war.
This remark has caused most European leaders and other world leaders to pull Trump up and deny this claim of him being a dictator, which he obviously isn’t. Any Brits or Americans who do agree with this opinion also seem to refuse to address Churchill or FDR respectively as dictators, because there were no elections in these countries either during the Second World war. I don’t see either of those people as dictators either. They were running and leading their country like Zelenskyy.
And now onto the issue of the divide between Europe and America. This has been caused mostly by the words of vice-president Vance who spoke at the Munich Security Conference and started attacking leaders for free speech suppression and not letting people express their views. This is a member of the same administration who has banished the Associated Press (AP) from the Oval Office and Air-Force One over their use of the term ‘Gulf of Mexico’ - which isn’t a good look for an administration so hell-bent on free speech.
In my opinion, the only way that this war can end in a favourable manner is by allowing Europe and Ukraine into these talks. If not there’s no way it can go well for anyone other than Russia.
By Archie Bales, chief editor, class of 2025
As we reach the third anniversary of this horrific war in Ukraine, it now looks more unlikely than ever that there will be a resolution in Ukraine’s favour. Throughout the last few weeks, I’m seeing a divide between America and Europe regarding what they want to do in relation to this war. This is a potentially significant historical moment.
The Trump-Vance administration are taking steps, but I don’t think they are substantial. This is because America appears to only be interested in talking to Russia. The right-wing side of the American media have even stated that this war was started by Ukraine. A clear lie which has been echoed by former Fox presenter and apparent Russian mouthpiece, Tucker Carlson, who says that Ukraine provoked Russia and it’s their fault that we are in this situation. This kind of misinformation is divisive and wrong.
At first it seemed positive that negotiations had started. But then it became clear that they had started in Riyadh between only Russian and American ambassadors, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The problem with this is that Ukraine wasn't invited to these negotiations, and all European countries have been barred (for now) from having a part too, which is causing a lot of problems as Europe provides over 50% of the funding towards Ukraine’s effort to stave off this illegal invasion.
We also now have the issue of Trump calling president Zelenskyy a dictator because the country hasn’t had elections since his term expired in 2024. Elections haven’t taken place because the country is at war.
This remark has caused most European leaders and other world leaders to pull Trump up and deny this claim of him being a dictator, which he obviously isn’t. Any Brits or Americans who do agree with this opinion also seem to refuse to address Churchill or FDR respectively as dictators, because there were no elections in these countries either during the Second World war. I don’t see either of those people as dictators either. They were running and leading their country like Zelenskyy.
And now onto the issue of the divide between Europe and America. This has been caused mostly by the words of vice-president Vance who spoke at the Munich Security Conference and started attacking leaders for free speech suppression and not letting people express their views. This is a member of the same administration who has banished the Associated Press (AP) from the Oval Office and Air-Force One over their use of the term ‘Gulf of Mexico’ - which isn’t a good look for an administration so hell-bent on free speech.
In my opinion, the only way that this war can end in a favourable manner is by allowing Europe and Ukraine into these talks. If not there’s no way it can go well for anyone other than Russia.
EDITORIAL: JANUARY 2025
New Year, new controversy...
By Archie Bales, chief editor, class of 2025
I must start this by apologising for the lack of editorials in recent months, this is mostly because I took this role at the start of year 11, which as I’ve found is the busiest educational year of your life. I hope everyone's mock exams are going well, and that revision is proving successful.
Well. It is only the start of 2025 and there are already a lot of topics to discuss. The biggest of which is the fact that on the twentieth of this month, former U.S President Donald Trump will once again take office for his second term in one of the most expensive political ceremonies. A ceremony that will be attended by world leaders from all over the world, and… Nigel Farage, who seems to have appointed himself the role of ambassador to the USA. (The actual ambassador for Westminster is Peter Mandelson, who succeeds Dame Karen Pierce. Mandelson was part of the Tony Blair 'New Labour' government of the 90s.)
Unfortunately, for Trump, the run-up to the 20th of January has been anything but smooth. One disruptive influence has been the billionaire and owner of X (formally Twitter) Elon Musk. Musk seems to be doing all he can to involve himself in European politics. From a British perspective, this includes a range of attacks aimed at Labour ministers. A particular target has been Jess Phillips, in relation to the grooming gangs scandal. He has also asked for the freeing of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (better known as Tommy Robinson) branding him as a 'political prisoner'. That particular individual is in prison for contempt of court (his third occasion.) Let's not overlook, too, Musk's declaration that he wishes to overthrow the British government.
It isn’t clear at the time of writing what Trump will do in relation to this, but I don’t see this relationship lasting, as apparently Trump has complained about Musk in the past.
Trump needs to be careful with his decisions and alliances, because we are in an ever-divided world. I believe that Trump's focus must be bringing an end to the war in Ukraine, and I believe that will be talked a lot about in the days running up to the inauguration and in the first few days when he assumes office.
I’m not sure what this next four years holds for America and the rest of the world, but I believe that Trump's actions will prove very important. He’s already said that he wants Greenland and will not rule out the use of force if Denmark doesn’t give it to him - whether he means it or not is unclear. All will become apparent though, in what could prove to be an incredibly significant four years for the entire world.
By Archie Bales, chief editor, class of 2025
I must start this by apologising for the lack of editorials in recent months, this is mostly because I took this role at the start of year 11, which as I’ve found is the busiest educational year of your life. I hope everyone's mock exams are going well, and that revision is proving successful.
Well. It is only the start of 2025 and there are already a lot of topics to discuss. The biggest of which is the fact that on the twentieth of this month, former U.S President Donald Trump will once again take office for his second term in one of the most expensive political ceremonies. A ceremony that will be attended by world leaders from all over the world, and… Nigel Farage, who seems to have appointed himself the role of ambassador to the USA. (The actual ambassador for Westminster is Peter Mandelson, who succeeds Dame Karen Pierce. Mandelson was part of the Tony Blair 'New Labour' government of the 90s.)
Unfortunately, for Trump, the run-up to the 20th of January has been anything but smooth. One disruptive influence has been the billionaire and owner of X (formally Twitter) Elon Musk. Musk seems to be doing all he can to involve himself in European politics. From a British perspective, this includes a range of attacks aimed at Labour ministers. A particular target has been Jess Phillips, in relation to the grooming gangs scandal. He has also asked for the freeing of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (better known as Tommy Robinson) branding him as a 'political prisoner'. That particular individual is in prison for contempt of court (his third occasion.) Let's not overlook, too, Musk's declaration that he wishes to overthrow the British government.
It isn’t clear at the time of writing what Trump will do in relation to this, but I don’t see this relationship lasting, as apparently Trump has complained about Musk in the past.
Trump needs to be careful with his decisions and alliances, because we are in an ever-divided world. I believe that Trump's focus must be bringing an end to the war in Ukraine, and I believe that will be talked a lot about in the days running up to the inauguration and in the first few days when he assumes office.
I’m not sure what this next four years holds for America and the rest of the world, but I believe that Trump's actions will prove very important. He’s already said that he wants Greenland and will not rule out the use of force if Denmark doesn’t give it to him - whether he means it or not is unclear. All will become apparent though, in what could prove to be an incredibly significant four years for the entire world.
EDITORIAL: SEPTEMBER 2024
Definitely...Maybe
By Archie Bales - chief editor, class of 2025
Band reunions are quite a common occurrence, but none have shook the world of music quite like the Oasis reunion. As I write this, their reunion tour has sold out and resale tickets are going for astronomical prices.
This is a reunion that many didn’t expect to see any time soon - or ever - due to the tension within the band throughout their first 18 year run between 1991-2009. During this time, the band released six studio albums, including the genius debut, ‘Definitely Maybe’ which is one of the best debut albums ever released, up there with The Stone Roses' eponymous debut album.
This stardom didn’t go without problems for the Gallagher brothers. They didn’t get along well as children, according to mother Peggy, and they didn’t get along during the band's run, resulting in many walkouts between the two. The final nail in the coffin came when Noel Gallagher walked out in August 2009.
But now, a day short of 15 years later, they announced that they are reuniting and going on a 17-show run around the UK and Ireland, playing in 5 venues, including London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin. All shows are at stadiums except for their homecoming show at Heaton Park. This is the same place that they played during their final tour in 2009, notably over two very disappointing and disastrous shows: on the first night Liam was under the influence of drugs and on the second night, the power went out and so did Noel, who walked out.
There is much speculation over who is going to feature in this tour. It’s highly rumoured that ex-guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs will feature as the rhythm guitarist on the tour as he is close with Liam and is a fan favourite. My view is that the other members will be members of Noel Gallagher's band, The High Flying Birds. There has been absolutely no word on who will be the opening acts during any of this tour, but Blossoms are rumoured as they showed the date and time for the tour announcement at their Manchester show.
Little is known about how this reunion was planned out, but it is thought that former and potential current second guitarist Bonehead had a part in it after contacting Noel during his cancer treatment. He is also Liam’s guitarist so this theory makes a lot of sense and may even be true. All we know for sure is that these dates have been announced, and I hope for my sake more are listed too because, unfortunately, I didn’t get tickets.
By Archie Bales - chief editor, class of 2025
Band reunions are quite a common occurrence, but none have shook the world of music quite like the Oasis reunion. As I write this, their reunion tour has sold out and resale tickets are going for astronomical prices.
This is a reunion that many didn’t expect to see any time soon - or ever - due to the tension within the band throughout their first 18 year run between 1991-2009. During this time, the band released six studio albums, including the genius debut, ‘Definitely Maybe’ which is one of the best debut albums ever released, up there with The Stone Roses' eponymous debut album.
This stardom didn’t go without problems for the Gallagher brothers. They didn’t get along well as children, according to mother Peggy, and they didn’t get along during the band's run, resulting in many walkouts between the two. The final nail in the coffin came when Noel Gallagher walked out in August 2009.
But now, a day short of 15 years later, they announced that they are reuniting and going on a 17-show run around the UK and Ireland, playing in 5 venues, including London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin. All shows are at stadiums except for their homecoming show at Heaton Park. This is the same place that they played during their final tour in 2009, notably over two very disappointing and disastrous shows: on the first night Liam was under the influence of drugs and on the second night, the power went out and so did Noel, who walked out.
There is much speculation over who is going to feature in this tour. It’s highly rumoured that ex-guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs will feature as the rhythm guitarist on the tour as he is close with Liam and is a fan favourite. My view is that the other members will be members of Noel Gallagher's band, The High Flying Birds. There has been absolutely no word on who will be the opening acts during any of this tour, but Blossoms are rumoured as they showed the date and time for the tour announcement at their Manchester show.
Little is known about how this reunion was planned out, but it is thought that former and potential current second guitarist Bonehead had a part in it after contacting Noel during his cancer treatment. He is also Liam’s guitarist so this theory makes a lot of sense and may even be true. All we know for sure is that these dates have been announced, and I hope for my sake more are listed too because, unfortunately, I didn’t get tickets.
EDITORIAL: AUGUST 2024
Our response to tragedy
By Archie Bales - chief editor, class of 2025
There has been a huge emotional response from the general public following the tragic Southport murders. Unfortunately, this emotional response has been accompanied by a rise in violence on the streets of the UK.
As a result, some have declared our country to be ‘broken.’ The police have been under physical attack from bricks and arsonists, shops have been looted and burnt down, most recently a hotel in Rotherham was victim to arson. Cities such as Middlesbrough, Liverpool and Belfast - a city that has had to deal with so much of this violence for so many years - had to face the same disruption. As a result hundreds were arrested and three perpetrators have been imprisoned already.
All this raises the question as to why these riots are happening. An emotional reaction is expected after such a tragedy, but it seems that the riots have become about something else all together. Some of the people perpetrating these riots are blaming two-tier policing; they believe they are treated differently to other protestors.
However, other commentators think it’s about more than that. The suggestion is that these riots are based on hate. This belief is prompted by the fact that these protests aren’t actually protests - they are just violence for the sake of violence. Personally, I would like to see if the turn out would be as high in the winter instead of in the balmy summer evenings we are currently experiencing.
I have noticed that people from all sides of the political spectrum have been condemning the riots and the disorder they have caused. The obvious exception to this consensus is the Far-Right who claim that they have nothing to do with any of it. I ask myself, if they had nothing to do with it, why aren’t they condemning it? Why have the likes of “Tommy Robinson” now left the country to go into hiding?
Following these riots, I have been left with the feeling that it is more important than ever that we stay together as a country no matter what race, gender, or political standpoint we have. We should embrace all people and try to understand each other instead of targeting specific people and potentially putting lives in danger.
I find it interesting that when we were in the wake of an awful tragedy,
the first thought from these groups was to riot about it instead of paying tribute to the victims. A tribute, or a response, to violence, should never be more violence.
However, there has been a beacon of hope that emerged on August 8th when peaceful protests happened across various cities in the UK. In London, thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square, holding candles and singing in a display of solidarity and mourning for the victims of Southport. Similar scenes were reported in Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh, and many other cities, where people from all walks of life came together to denounce the violence and call for unity and healing. These peaceful protests served as a stark contrast to the riots, showing that many of us believe in peace and solidarity.
There was a clear message of remembrance and a call for community and solidarity. It showed that while the UK may seem broken, there is still a strong current of unity and a desire for peace among all of us.
All this has reminded me that in times of tragedy, our actions define us. We can only control our own reactions. And by choosing peace over violence, we can create a stronger, more united future for our country.
By Archie Bales - chief editor, class of 2025
There has been a huge emotional response from the general public following the tragic Southport murders. Unfortunately, this emotional response has been accompanied by a rise in violence on the streets of the UK.
As a result, some have declared our country to be ‘broken.’ The police have been under physical attack from bricks and arsonists, shops have been looted and burnt down, most recently a hotel in Rotherham was victim to arson. Cities such as Middlesbrough, Liverpool and Belfast - a city that has had to deal with so much of this violence for so many years - had to face the same disruption. As a result hundreds were arrested and three perpetrators have been imprisoned already.
All this raises the question as to why these riots are happening. An emotional reaction is expected after such a tragedy, but it seems that the riots have become about something else all together. Some of the people perpetrating these riots are blaming two-tier policing; they believe they are treated differently to other protestors.
However, other commentators think it’s about more than that. The suggestion is that these riots are based on hate. This belief is prompted by the fact that these protests aren’t actually protests - they are just violence for the sake of violence. Personally, I would like to see if the turn out would be as high in the winter instead of in the balmy summer evenings we are currently experiencing.
I have noticed that people from all sides of the political spectrum have been condemning the riots and the disorder they have caused. The obvious exception to this consensus is the Far-Right who claim that they have nothing to do with any of it. I ask myself, if they had nothing to do with it, why aren’t they condemning it? Why have the likes of “Tommy Robinson” now left the country to go into hiding?
Following these riots, I have been left with the feeling that it is more important than ever that we stay together as a country no matter what race, gender, or political standpoint we have. We should embrace all people and try to understand each other instead of targeting specific people and potentially putting lives in danger.
I find it interesting that when we were in the wake of an awful tragedy,
the first thought from these groups was to riot about it instead of paying tribute to the victims. A tribute, or a response, to violence, should never be more violence.
However, there has been a beacon of hope that emerged on August 8th when peaceful protests happened across various cities in the UK. In London, thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square, holding candles and singing in a display of solidarity and mourning for the victims of Southport. Similar scenes were reported in Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh, and many other cities, where people from all walks of life came together to denounce the violence and call for unity and healing. These peaceful protests served as a stark contrast to the riots, showing that many of us believe in peace and solidarity.
There was a clear message of remembrance and a call for community and solidarity. It showed that while the UK may seem broken, there is still a strong current of unity and a desire for peace among all of us.
All this has reminded me that in times of tragedy, our actions define us. We can only control our own reactions. And by choosing peace over violence, we can create a stronger, more united future for our country.
EDITORIAL: JULY 2024
The UK General Election
By Archie Bales - chief editor, class of 2025
I thought that I would preface this by introducing myself as the new chief editor of Present Tense. My name is Archie Bales and I am currently music captain at Aylsham High School and already had my own segment on Present Tense for in-depth analysis of music. I will be seeking out a team of sub-editors in September so get in touch via the submissions page if you want to be part of the team.
This month, my piece is a spotlight on the UK General Election, which took place on July 4th 2024 and resulted in an historic landslide for Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, and marks the first Labour Government in living memory for any student at this school. It also resulted in Labour wins in Scotland and Wales, and a Sinn Fein win in Northern Ireland.
This ends 14 years of Conservative rule in England, and in quite an unbelievable way too, with the Labour party winning 412 seats compared to 121 for the Conservatives. The Conservative party was led through the election by Rishi Sunak, who announced his resignation as what would now be called the Leader of the Opposition on the 5th of July 2024; a competition is now underway to find a new leader.
A general election is typically held every 4-5 years, when called by the Prime Minister. In recent years (2010 to 2019 elections) it has been a success for the Conservatives. For reference, the election works as follows: each constituency (of which there are 650) votes for one of many candidates from all the major 5 political parties (including some minor ones and independents.) Whichever party wins said constituency, who in the case of Broadland was Jerome Mayhew, becomes the MP for the area and will represent them in parliament. To win a majority in the House of Commons, a party needs to win 326 seats, a number that Labour smashed, and we knew they had smashed it at 10pm on July fourth as per the exit poll, which isn’t always accurate, but definitely was this time around.
This election turned out to be a horror show for the Conservatives, who lost 251 seats to a number of parties. This includes some senior figures within the party, such as Jacob Rees-Mogg and Liz Truss losing their seats (once deemed as Tory safe zones) showing that truly anything can happen. As for Labour, they gained 211 seats all across the country, but interestingly enough not in the majority of the north or central parts of Norfolk. Labour won in South Norfolk and Norwich, but the rest of Norfolk remains largely Conservative, with the exception of North Norfolk and Great Yarmouth. North Norfolk instead was won by the Liberal Democrat, Steff Aquarone, and Great Yarmouth was won by Rupert Lowe of the Reform party.
There was also a new Mother and Father of the House of Commons (a role reserved for the longest serving MP of both genders.) The Father of The House was taken by Jeremy Corbyn, who has been MP for Islington North since 1983, and the Mother of The House was taken by senior left winger Dianne Abbott who has been MP for Hackney and North Stoke Addington since 1987.
I thought that now I would talk about what a Labour government might mean for the UK and its citizens. Labour wants to provide economic stability with clear and transparent rules on spending. They also want to up VAT for private schools, a move that has caused controversy. Furthermore, they want to slowly dissolve the House of Lords, which is also potentially controversial but is being planned in the name of democracy, equality and transparency. Most importantly, in my eyes, Labour wants to nationalise private services such as trains and energy companies, by launching Great British Energy. Personally, I believe that the last one could be a really good move forward for the UK.
By Archie Bales - chief editor, class of 2025
I thought that I would preface this by introducing myself as the new chief editor of Present Tense. My name is Archie Bales and I am currently music captain at Aylsham High School and already had my own segment on Present Tense for in-depth analysis of music. I will be seeking out a team of sub-editors in September so get in touch via the submissions page if you want to be part of the team.
This month, my piece is a spotlight on the UK General Election, which took place on July 4th 2024 and resulted in an historic landslide for Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, and marks the first Labour Government in living memory for any student at this school. It also resulted in Labour wins in Scotland and Wales, and a Sinn Fein win in Northern Ireland.
This ends 14 years of Conservative rule in England, and in quite an unbelievable way too, with the Labour party winning 412 seats compared to 121 for the Conservatives. The Conservative party was led through the election by Rishi Sunak, who announced his resignation as what would now be called the Leader of the Opposition on the 5th of July 2024; a competition is now underway to find a new leader.
A general election is typically held every 4-5 years, when called by the Prime Minister. In recent years (2010 to 2019 elections) it has been a success for the Conservatives. For reference, the election works as follows: each constituency (of which there are 650) votes for one of many candidates from all the major 5 political parties (including some minor ones and independents.) Whichever party wins said constituency, who in the case of Broadland was Jerome Mayhew, becomes the MP for the area and will represent them in parliament. To win a majority in the House of Commons, a party needs to win 326 seats, a number that Labour smashed, and we knew they had smashed it at 10pm on July fourth as per the exit poll, which isn’t always accurate, but definitely was this time around.
This election turned out to be a horror show for the Conservatives, who lost 251 seats to a number of parties. This includes some senior figures within the party, such as Jacob Rees-Mogg and Liz Truss losing their seats (once deemed as Tory safe zones) showing that truly anything can happen. As for Labour, they gained 211 seats all across the country, but interestingly enough not in the majority of the north or central parts of Norfolk. Labour won in South Norfolk and Norwich, but the rest of Norfolk remains largely Conservative, with the exception of North Norfolk and Great Yarmouth. North Norfolk instead was won by the Liberal Democrat, Steff Aquarone, and Great Yarmouth was won by Rupert Lowe of the Reform party.
There was also a new Mother and Father of the House of Commons (a role reserved for the longest serving MP of both genders.) The Father of The House was taken by Jeremy Corbyn, who has been MP for Islington North since 1983, and the Mother of The House was taken by senior left winger Dianne Abbott who has been MP for Hackney and North Stoke Addington since 1987.
I thought that now I would talk about what a Labour government might mean for the UK and its citizens. Labour wants to provide economic stability with clear and transparent rules on spending. They also want to up VAT for private schools, a move that has caused controversy. Furthermore, they want to slowly dissolve the House of Lords, which is also potentially controversial but is being planned in the name of democracy, equality and transparency. Most importantly, in my eyes, Labour wants to nationalise private services such as trains and energy companies, by launching Great British Energy. Personally, I believe that the last one could be a really good move forward for the UK.
EDITORIAL: JUNE 2022
The Friends of Aylsham High School
By Maleeya Watts - chief editor, class of 2025
Sometimes, friends stay by your side through the hardest of times. And sometimes, friends will simply buy you that thing you want. But sometimes big friends are invisible and the things they buy for us, we don’t even realise that they’ve bought for us. Take for instance, the Friends Of Aylsham High School. The microscopes sat in the corner of your science classroom and the rain-diverting tool for the eco garden was paid for by the Friends. They’ve donated a full £2000 to the Cat Cartwright memorial and recently, £600 to the eagles activity week, £500 to Mrs. Bates’s English trip and £100 simply for flowers in reception.
The Friends, we call them, are a group of people, mostly parents of children who go to/went to AHS. They raise money and fund for the school, such as the microscopes. They’ve raised money from things like the school disco's (just the 2 disco’s this year have raised £1342 and 2 more are scheduled for the 1st and 8th of July), the Christmas Market which raised £350 and had Mrs. Bates’s mum make Christmas cushions which raised £347. Another thing they have done is apply to Aviva insurance company as a part of the Aviva Community Fund whereby Aviva employees are able to donate their funds. They were able to get a whole £2700, which went to the school’s Green Power Project.
The Treasurer, Lee Robinson-Evans and the Chair, Aimee Robinson-Evans, husband and wife, have had two children go through Aylsham High School and two still to come. Lee has been apart of FOAHS for five years and Aimee seven years and because of their youngest child, they’re confident to say an incredible commitment of another minimum eight years with FOAHS. Becksy, the mother of Regan Jackson (who gave the most amazing performance as Bottom in Mrs. Mitton’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and Jo Tuttle, the school’s representative at meetings and point of contact are, too, a part of the team.
Julii Swindells, a member of the Friends, sells uniform via e-bay and Facebook. She also leads pre-loved uniform sales which raised £2230 last academic year and this year, the Friends are currently at £770 from the sale with two more scheduled major sales to go. They call Julii the uniform queen. I think that’s a suitable title. There was a sale on the 11th June 2022 at the Aylsham Community Trust at 11am-1pm and the next is on the 27th June induction evening. At the moment, they are having a large pre-loved uniform collection Monday 6th June-Friday 17th June, however, they will take uniform anytime. If you have any unwanted uniform, leave it in the pre-loved uniform container outside the front door of the school.
If you’re a part of a club at the school and your club is in need of funding in any way or would like to know more, don’t hesitate to contact the FOAHS at [email protected]
By Maleeya Watts - chief editor, class of 2025
Sometimes, friends stay by your side through the hardest of times. And sometimes, friends will simply buy you that thing you want. But sometimes big friends are invisible and the things they buy for us, we don’t even realise that they’ve bought for us. Take for instance, the Friends Of Aylsham High School. The microscopes sat in the corner of your science classroom and the rain-diverting tool for the eco garden was paid for by the Friends. They’ve donated a full £2000 to the Cat Cartwright memorial and recently, £600 to the eagles activity week, £500 to Mrs. Bates’s English trip and £100 simply for flowers in reception.
The Friends, we call them, are a group of people, mostly parents of children who go to/went to AHS. They raise money and fund for the school, such as the microscopes. They’ve raised money from things like the school disco's (just the 2 disco’s this year have raised £1342 and 2 more are scheduled for the 1st and 8th of July), the Christmas Market which raised £350 and had Mrs. Bates’s mum make Christmas cushions which raised £347. Another thing they have done is apply to Aviva insurance company as a part of the Aviva Community Fund whereby Aviva employees are able to donate their funds. They were able to get a whole £2700, which went to the school’s Green Power Project.
The Treasurer, Lee Robinson-Evans and the Chair, Aimee Robinson-Evans, husband and wife, have had two children go through Aylsham High School and two still to come. Lee has been apart of FOAHS for five years and Aimee seven years and because of their youngest child, they’re confident to say an incredible commitment of another minimum eight years with FOAHS. Becksy, the mother of Regan Jackson (who gave the most amazing performance as Bottom in Mrs. Mitton’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and Jo Tuttle, the school’s representative at meetings and point of contact are, too, a part of the team.
Julii Swindells, a member of the Friends, sells uniform via e-bay and Facebook. She also leads pre-loved uniform sales which raised £2230 last academic year and this year, the Friends are currently at £770 from the sale with two more scheduled major sales to go. They call Julii the uniform queen. I think that’s a suitable title. There was a sale on the 11th June 2022 at the Aylsham Community Trust at 11am-1pm and the next is on the 27th June induction evening. At the moment, they are having a large pre-loved uniform collection Monday 6th June-Friday 17th June, however, they will take uniform anytime. If you have any unwanted uniform, leave it in the pre-loved uniform container outside the front door of the school.
If you’re a part of a club at the school and your club is in need of funding in any way or would like to know more, don’t hesitate to contact the FOAHS at [email protected]
EDITORIAL: MAY 2022
Aylsham Town Council Traffic Committee
by Maleeya Watts - chief editor, class of 2025
by Maleeya Watts - chief editor, class of 2025
COVID brought a lot of discomforting and irritating things but you know what it did bring? A rethink of the way in which cars, buses and people interact in the centre of our town. It goes by the fancy word of ‘traffic’ but really, it’s all about us.
There are people who care about us and they call themselves the ‘Aylsham Town Council Traffic Committee.' The people on this committee, a core of about 6 town councillors and a fluctuating number of interested residents but around 10 at each meeting, offer informed ideas and opinions that the Aylsham town council take into account.
During the beginning of COVID, there was a group of people who took interest in the way that cars and people moved around the town and how to improve it.
One thing that was done during lockdown - you may remember - was the placement of planters (large containers with plants in them) on Red Lion Street. It was made into a one way road and the pavements were also one way to ensure social distancing. This created a much safer road for pedestrians and drivers alike. However, this went the same way lockdown did - it was over sooner than some of us feared it would be. Some residents in that area objected and Red Lion St became two-way once again.
But a committee of concerned residents continue to lobby the district council to organise traffic and pedestrian arrangements of our town to make it safer and more pleasant. What do you think? Does this road present problems on your walk to or from school?
The committee's concerns about a better environment embraced further reaches of our town to include the new estate planned for the field currently used for car boot sales opposite the BP garage, where roughly 250 new houses are going to be built and another more than 250 nearby. Arthur Rope, who is a part of this committee, warns that there will be more traffic congestion in that area as a result. As this area is so near to our school, it is going to affect many of us.
Whether you are walking, your parents are driving you, or you’re on a bus, at the end of the school day Aylsham will be a different place to be in the future.
If you have any ideas or suggestions, they are best directed to the Town Clerk, Sue Lake, at the Town Council Offices.
There are people who care about us and they call themselves the ‘Aylsham Town Council Traffic Committee.' The people on this committee, a core of about 6 town councillors and a fluctuating number of interested residents but around 10 at each meeting, offer informed ideas and opinions that the Aylsham town council take into account.
During the beginning of COVID, there was a group of people who took interest in the way that cars and people moved around the town and how to improve it.
One thing that was done during lockdown - you may remember - was the placement of planters (large containers with plants in them) on Red Lion Street. It was made into a one way road and the pavements were also one way to ensure social distancing. This created a much safer road for pedestrians and drivers alike. However, this went the same way lockdown did - it was over sooner than some of us feared it would be. Some residents in that area objected and Red Lion St became two-way once again.
But a committee of concerned residents continue to lobby the district council to organise traffic and pedestrian arrangements of our town to make it safer and more pleasant. What do you think? Does this road present problems on your walk to or from school?
The committee's concerns about a better environment embraced further reaches of our town to include the new estate planned for the field currently used for car boot sales opposite the BP garage, where roughly 250 new houses are going to be built and another more than 250 nearby. Arthur Rope, who is a part of this committee, warns that there will be more traffic congestion in that area as a result. As this area is so near to our school, it is going to affect many of us.
Whether you are walking, your parents are driving you, or you’re on a bus, at the end of the school day Aylsham will be a different place to be in the future.
If you have any ideas or suggestions, they are best directed to the Town Clerk, Sue Lake, at the Town Council Offices.
Editorial: march 2022
The New Normal
by Maleeya Watts - chief editor, class of 2025
by Maleeya Watts - chief editor, class of 2025
It didn’t occur to us what the ‘new normal’ was exactly when we adopted it as our theme for this issue. We’ve been stuck on it for quite a while now, trying to think of what exactly the ‘new normal’ is. Our first and main thought would be: COVID, wouldn’t you agree? However, come to think of it, the usual compulsories like masks, one-way systems and sticky hand sanitiser aren’t so necessary in public spaces anymore. Of course, some, if not most, still treat them as if they were still compulsory. Maybe they are our 'new normal.'
From my perspective as a year 8 student, I think it's important to acknowledge that school children exist in an environment of constant change. 'Normal' is 'new' all the time. From the price of Radnor fizzes, to the classroom that science lessons are in, to changes in the school curriculum. School children grow up with change all around us; continual change has become easier to adapt to. If you think of change that way, the ‘new normal’ is no longer 'new,' it is just simply: 'the norm’. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, ‘“Change is the only constant thing in life.” Change is important, it’s what keeps us going, even.
Just as after 9/11 and the changes that came with it (having to throw away your water and to take off your shoes at the airport, etc.), there most likely will be permanent changes due to COVID 19. For instance, recurring tests before flights and events. Likewise, people have suffered, young and old, with immense mental health issues and other predicaments. Isolation, fear, loss of income and so on have triggered mental health conditions or made existing ones worse. Losing a loved one has been the case for many. Lives have been changed irreparably.
There are positive new norms that have been built to counteract the bad. Here at Aylsham very few students have struggled to keep up during online learning. We have supported one another in our learning. Isolating has not been too much to cope with, we don’t see students hiding from public spaces because of COVID and things like tests haven’t been too much of a chore.
One very important thing, though, that COVID has emphasised must not change, is how we care for others. We’ve worn masks to protect others, we’ve taken tests to protect others, we’ve isolated ourselves to protect others. Now, and for the future, that constant care and thought for each other should be the new normal.
