MALTON School is again working with expedition specialist Camps International to organise another once-in-a-lifetime expedition – this time to Borneo in the summer of 2014.

The one-month break offers students a range of experiences including scuba diving and working on a range of sustainable and meaningful community and conservation projects.

There is also the option to work towards 70 UCAS points to help gain entry into universities, enhance students’ CV through personal development, discovery and challenge and building their confidence, leadership skills and gaining experience in teamwork, time management, financial awareness and resourcefulness.

For one month, students will live as part of a small island community off the coast of Borneo and work on important social and conservation projects, improving the lives of local people and conserving marine life.

They will also take part in a forest regeneration project and view wildlife along the Kinabatangan River. Students will participate in activities including reforesting areas where the jungle has been destroyed and will also get the chance to visit Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary.

Much of the work focuses on improving facilities and promoting environmental awareness. Project work ranges from low-level construction work, painting classrooms, building desks and teaching and learning with the pupils.

They will also spend a few days participating in educational activities such as monitoring marine life and teaching local schoolchildren about sustainable ways of fishing to help preserve the environment.

The cost of the expedition will be raised by students individually and as a group with the help and support of both the school and the Camps International fundraising team.

This expedition is planned as a life-changing experience that should open students’ eyes to exciting challenges and possibilities, contributing to important and rewarding community, wildlife and environmental projects. It should give unique opportunities to integrate with new cultures and gain a deeper understanding of different communities.

As a school with the Full International Schools Award Malton School see this as an important part of a fully-rounded education.

By Hannah Tetlow

 

Weighing up benefits of being in or out of union

Year 8 student BARNEY PLEWS investigates local views on the UK membership of the EU

DAVID Cameron’s recent speech on the UK’s place within the EU has fuelled discussion about whether we are better served in or out of the union.

In his speech, Cameron said that if the Conservatives won the next general election, he would renegotiate Britain’s deal with the EU and then offer the country the chance to accept that deal or leave the union.

It is not possible to know what that deal would be, but feelings still run high when discussing membership of the EU.

I have contacted local politicians and local people for their views.

Godfrey Bloom, UKIP Member of the European Parliament for the Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire region, said: “Yorkshire’s share of our subscription to the EU approximates to £750 million net per year for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

“A significant part of that could be returned to Ryedale to reduce business rates and VAT. A massive benefit to Malton and Norton and outlying areas.”

County Coun Stephen Shaw, Norton ward member, takes the opposite point of view.

“Personally, I am not in favour of leaving the EU. I do accept that the EU brings excessive regulation which diminishes the power of our own parliament and adds cost to our businesses,” he said.

“As frustrating as this is, I believe we have to look at the wider picture.

“The world is changing and we do need friends in this changing world.

We need friends with common commercial interests and political structures to face the uncertain times ahead. I believe the EU links us all together, though some would disagree.”

One local business man who purchases agricultural machinery from within the EU stated that on the one hand his job would be easier if the UK entered the single currency, but on the other hand, he would see a marked decrease in bureaucracy if we withdrew completely from the union.

At Malton School, Year 7 pupil Jack Baldwin felt we would be better out of the EU because “if a specific country in the EU gets into debt then we wouldn’t have to bail them out and then we would save money”.

As you can see this debate is one worth following with many complex arguments being offered. The outcome, whichever way it goes, will affect all of us in our everyday lives and it is sure to get much more heated and interesting if the promised referendum were to happen.

 

Sixth form throws open its doors for taster sessions

CHOOSING where to take your education is never easy, you never know whether what you are going to take is going to be right for you.

But for students at Malton School, that’s not exactly how it is. Thanks to Malton Sixth Form department, students were treated to a day off their usual timetables to taste three A-level courses of their choice.

The wide variety of courses available ensured that each student could choose whatever they desired.

The day was filled with useful advice and encouraged students to do what they feel they should when it comes to choosing courses.

Malton Sixth Form prides itself on having the highest points score out of all the schools in the local area.

I went to taster sessions for business studies, government and politics and biology. I found the day very useful as it has helped me to understand what I would be signing up for.

I am very much looking forward to joining Malton School Sixth Form. I found that the facilities and courses offered make it an excellent choice for me.

By Max Burton

 

An Interview with Miss Jo Harmon, art department

Q: What made you decide to teach art?

A: Before, I had been helping with adult education. I enjoyed the experience and decided to teach in schools.

Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching?

A: Meeting new people, seeing different personalities and passing on my wisdom and knowledge.

Q: What is your favourite TV programme?

A: Judge Judy – I love the power she (Judy) has and the classic lines she says. Either that, or a sci-fi show.

Q: Do you have any achievements you are proud of?

A: I’m studying Norwegian at university, building my own computer, and learning the guitar – badly.

Q: Who is your favourite band or artist?

A: The Wrens – they’re an American indie band. I went to see them in New York and they were fantastic.

Q: In general, what is the best thing about art?

A: Encouraging people to use their imagination and to think beyond the everyday.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Norway to see the Northern Lights.

Q: When studying a piece of art, what do you look at?

A: How it looks – the aesthetics.

Q: Do you recommend that people should try to be artistic regularly?

A: Yes. Everyone should have at least some contact with the arts, whether it be music or painting.

Q: Lastly, who is your inspiration?

A: My mum, and Mr Reed in the art department at Malton.

Reporter: Tom Wing