Chantry Middle School

Evidence from experts in the US have explained that social media site Instagram is partly responsible for increasing debt worldwide.

Debt is caused when money is owed to a business, like a bank. People in the US and UK are now in debt because they are spending more than they are saving. Researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research say that social media apps are causing a, “increasing observation of consumption.” This means that people are posting about their holidays, cars and clothes and others are spending more money to look good.

Many people are worried about social media and how many followers/likes they get. I interviewed people from my school and see what they thought about likes:

“If I don’t get 20 likes in one week I take my post down.”

“I don’t really care. I use Instagram to find out what my friends have been up to and show them what I’ve been doing. I also use it to follow celebrities and clothing brands I like.”

Just remember don’t get yourself worried about likes and followers because in the big picture it doesn’t matter.

By Katie, Year 7

On 26th February, the Chantry Year 8s participated in a careers day of Speed Dating. As a part of this, we had to interview different workers about their jobs and what they do in those jobs. There were fourteen different ambassadors who came during their own time to have us interview them. With every three ambassadors, we were given different questions to ask them, but the two general questions for everyone were, ‘What is your job title?’ and, ‘Who do you work for?’ We were given a workbook to record the answers to all of our questions.

Each person had a different job and we were given unique answers from everyone. Some of the jobs of the workers who we interviewed ranged from a Filing Apprentice to a Greggs Quality Controller to a Military Recruitment Officer.

We interviewed Mr Shaw, who is in charge of all of the careers days, this year Mr Shaw took over the careers events after Miss Edwards in September. These are some of the questions that we asked him:

Q: What do you think is the point of the careers ambassadors coming in?

Mr Shaw: The main point is to give Year 8 an opportunity for them to find out what they want to be when they are older.

Q: What is it like being in charge of the careers days?

Mr Shaw: Good fun getting to meet new people but it’s a challenge to sort out all the classes. It’s also very rewarding to see people being happy and positive. So it’s all worth it and it’s something different.

Q: Are there any other events coming soon?

Mr Shaw: Year 8s are going to be going to Linden Hall and Year 7s will have a construction day.

Q: What is the difference between organising the whole school and a year group?

Mr Shaw: The whole school is more difficult because you have got to sort out everyone and the year groups are easier since there aren’t as many numbers.

During each event, Carole Richards, who works for Northumberland County Council, always sets up the events.

By Naomi and Grace, Year 8

Recently, particularly in Europe, there has been an outbreak of measles: the highly contagious virus that can be deadly to young children. The countries in Europe with the highest number of cases are Ukraine, Serbia, Israel and France.

This outbreak is linked to the anti-vaccine movement: a large group of people who are refusing to vaccinate their children or be vaccinated themselves because they believe that the vaccine causes Autism.

Before the vaccination was introduced to the public in 1988, measles was deadly. As more people don’t get immunised, it seems the virus is becoming more scary again.

The measles hasn’t just infected Europe, either – there have been high numbers of measles cases in the US states of Washington and New York. A lot of people who live in the Philippines refuse to have the vaccine, so far the virus has claimed 130 lives. It has also hit Japan, who are now fighting the worst measles outbreak in a decade.

Why are people against the vaccination?

Much of it comes down to social media. Many people read that the vaccination is harmful on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, believe it and spread the word. Others are against it for religious reasons.

If someone who is against the vaccine has a child, they will likely not get them vaccinated against the measles. As the measles is incredibly infectious – it can spread to someone else within 15 minutes – if this child who hasn’t been protected catches the disease and comes into contact with a baby under a year old, this puts the younger population at risk.

Also, some adults who didn’t get the vaccination as a child have travelled to countries in Europe unaware of measles, brought it back to their countries and spread it.

Since 2000, it is estimated that the measles vaccination has saved over 21 million lives.

If this continues, the infection will become more of a public health threat.

Will there be a measles epidemic?

By Izzy, Year 7

On 11th March 2019, people from Commonwealth countries from all around the world will witness Commonwealth day. Formerly known as Empire day, Commonwealth Day celebrates the Commonwealth and the nations in it. The day will be celebrated with a large range of activities such as faith and civic gatherings, flag raising ceremonies and street parties to name a few.

On the day, there will be a multicultural and multi faith service at Westminster Abbey. There will be multiple performances and readings from the Commonwealth throughout the service. There will also be a procession of 53 flag bearers representing the countries involved. In addition to this, there will be a Commonwealth Day message from the HM The Queen and the Secretary-General Patricia Scotland about the principals and values on the Commonwealth charter, and how 2.4 billion people from 53 countries have been united by it.

This year’s theme is called ‘A Connected Commonwealth.’ This offers  opportunities for the people, the government and the nations to connect and work together on many levels of deep-rooted friendship and good will. This year will also mark the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Commonwealth as it is today. Hopefully in the coming future, this great family of nations will continue to stay with us as the Commonwealth ages.

By Thomas, Year 8