Around The School In 80 Days - Our Teachers Talk About Changes During The Last 100 Years

Join the interview team as they travel across the school and the diverse departments within it as they endeavoured to discuss some centennial parallels relevant to the subject. So, after much insightful input from different teachers, go ahead and dive into this collection of illuminating facts from over the last one hundred years.

Natural Disasters with Ms Maher

Beginning with a geographical take on things, we questioned Ms Maher to find out her thoughts on whether or not increasing geographical knowledge regarding natural disasters has helped in preventing them. Ms Maher commented that geographers now have a more thorough understanding of causes of natural disasters explaining that “...the advancements that have been made in technology and science have allowed us, as geographers, to understand in more depth, what causes natural disasters”. Moreover, she went on to explain that this more thorough understanding means that we can “try to reduce the amount of natural disasters that take place”. However, Ms Maher made an enlightening point about how “some disasters are being exacerbated by us”. Bringing attention to the contradictory way in which the population tends to tackle natural disasters, she explained that “with hurricanes and typhoons...we know that they are made worse and stronger by increasing temperatures, yet we are contributing to global warming each and every day as we refuse to listen to the warnings from the experts.”

Regarding the topic of global warming, when asked about her opinions on global warming and how it affects us in the 21st century, Ms Maher rightfully commented that it “...is not something to have an opinion on - it is something that is very true and happening.” Evidently, global warming has become an increasing concern each year and contributes irreversibly to climate change. Ms Maher gave much insight into Bahrain’s current and future standpoint regarding global warming, indicating that “Bahrain is listed among the top ten countries that are likely to suffer from a water crisis in the next 25 years.” She then went on to explain that the plants which Bahrain uses for desalination “ require an enormous amount of fossil fuels to work - essentially pumping out more CO2 into the atmosphere, increasing the average temperature and decreasing precipitation quantities, further aggravating the issue” Some of the detrimental effects of climate change hit closer to the heart, and Ms Maher brought attention to the fact that “...polar bears are losing their habitats and it is likely that your children, or grandchildren may never experience a life where polar bears are alive.” To conclude, Ms Maher inspiringly mentioned that “we must begin to listen to the warnings and change our actions so that we can allow the Earth to remain a habitable place for our children and grandchildren and future generations.”

Turnbull and World Wars: Delve into History with Mr Wilson.

Sticking with the theme of humanities, Mr Wilson was interviewed concerning centennial parallels within the subject of History. When asked what he thought was the most significant war from the last century in terms of its causes and consequences, Mr Wilson explained that “I think for me it has to be World War Two. I don't think the significance of World War Two is really linked to its causes. I don’t think the causes are a good way of looking at the significance of a war, I think you’ve got to look at the consequences.” In further explanation of why he feels that World War Two is the most significant war from the last century, he commented that it “...highlighted what is both amazing about us but also what is awful about us.” With further discussion about how school curriculums tend to focus on negative consequences of wars, leading us to make generally negative connotations about war, Mr Wilson described some of the groundbreaking achievements of World War Two. This includes “the creation of the United Nations”, “medical advances brought about by World War Two…(the development of) penicillin” and also “focusing on Britain now...the beginnings of a breakdown of the social structure within Britain” Mr Wilson concluded by explaining that “they (wars) are never just negative...every war has led to some sort of positive change, whether that’s social, political, economic, technological…” and so forth. After some much needed insight into the consequences of war, I think it is safe to say that there are a multitude of benefits that came from World War Two in helping us advance as a society.

Mr Wilson then expanded on his favourite historian, Steven Turnbull, who specialises in Japanese religious history, and whose works span from 1979-2014. He explained that “He writes in a way which is easy to read, he is not an academic in the sense that he is not trying to put forward a brand new way of thinking, he’s not trying to give you opinionated arguments and decisions. He is simply telling you this is what they wore, this is how they fought and this is their impact on society. Mr Wilson’s love for military history stemmed from the movie the Seven Samurai, and he explained that “I was fascinated about the way the samurai, as a military body, dominated society and dominated politics.” Mr Wison reckons that “I’ve now probably read about 75-80% of everything he’s [Stephen Turnbull] written on samurai history.” It’s safe to say that BSB has its very own samurai expert! Perhaps a small topic for debate, Mr Wilson commented that “I’m reading his book on a very famous event in samurai history and many people might know it because of the movie ‘47 Ronin’. Unfortunately Keanu Reeves is rubbish.” The movie is based on a historical event which Mr Wilson believes “sums up samurai culture, samurai ideology and ...Japanese culture at the same time.” Overall, it’s Turnbull’s talent for taking historical events and simplifying them into the most engaging version that they can possibly be which puts his works at the top of the list for Mr Wilson.

Ms Knappett and the impact of the performing arts. Transitioning this article over to the performing arts, we questioned Ms Knappett about which play from the last century she feels comments on the social issues of the 20th century most effectively. Ms Knappett offered two impactful plays, explaining that “Blood Brothers by Willy Russell...follows the lives of a wealthy couple and a divorced mother who is poor. It also explores the issue of what it means to be a family and the great nature/nurture debate.” She also discussed “Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller...exploring how the Great American Dream failed many in the 20th century” Furthermore, we got to hear about Ms Knappett’s thoughts on which play from the last century has had the most influence on her as a drama teacher. She explained that “Bertolt Brecht...was one of the first people to see that theatre could be about more than just entertainment.” This is an enlightening example of how drama’s purpose is for more than just enjoyable storytelling. She went on to describe that “He believed that theatre can educate, be a means of communication and a tool to put across political viewpoints. and that it should be an experience for the audience.” Moreover, Ms Knappett expanded on how Bertolt Brecht thought that theater should “ represent real life, thus allowing the actors to carry the story without the hindrance of huge sets which had previously been the custom.”

Bertolt Brecht

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bertolt_Brecht

The taboo of literature, literary style and more with Mrs. Hughes-Swick.

Referring to centennial parallels in Literature, we asked Mrs.Hughes-Swick questions regarding the intricate details of literary style and influence over the past one hundred years. Our first question was “In your opinion, what is the biggest factor responsible for the change in literary style over the last 100 years?”. She stated that technology is the biggest factor responsible for literary change as it simplifies the crafting process of literature: “Everything is much more fast-paced, brief and transactional”. Grammar and literary features shape how literature is being perceived and read by the audience. As literature is more concise, readers don't have to read as much. The look of Literature is more transactional, denoting that there is a longing of perfectionism in literature nowadays. Due to authors attempting to imitate the works of a computer’s way of writing, Mrs Hughes-Swick excluded world issues from this aspect, stating that “That's not to say that politics, war, prejudice and other issues have not influenced literary style over the last century…”. She added that world issues and political disputes have influenced literature as it reflected the mainstream ideologies present at that time. As political ideologies pass and go, we receive a variety of topics in literature, all of which are involuntarily or voluntarily reflecting social problems present at the time (racism, misogyny, etc.). Mrs. Hughes-Swick then added that “No topic seems to be taboo in literature any more”. This connotes how literature is therapeutic, how it gives the opportunity to share, and how people feel a sense of emotional release after crafting their thoughts into literature. Due to people feeling that they are no longer being judged, people are encouraged to to let free and put paper to pen.

In addition, we then asked Mrs. Hughes- Swick “Do you think that humans have appreciated literature less or more through the last 100 years? Why?”. She stated that the 20th century was ridden with the advancement of new technology that opened the threshold of global availability and allowed the masses to enjoy literature. Therefore encouraging other authors to publish online as well, as it would receive a bigger audience. In contrast, Mrs.Hughes-Swick argued that the growth of entertainment applications such as Tik tok, Youtube, Podcasts, and Blogs mitigate the amount of attention given to literature. “We have TV shows and films streamed at the touch of a button”. She added that poorer members of society are not familiar with literature due to the taxes and extra printing prices involved in the overall price of one book, so those people are not going to be able to appreciate the literature we know today. She boldly directed that those with the active opportunity of appreciating literature, choose to watch television for 24 hours for the same price. “It's a no-brainer for those members of society”. Referring to the addiction to technology that is blinding us from less artificial aspects of life. Mrs Hughes-Swick then included a study from The New Yorker named “Why We Don’t Read, Revisited”. Which discussed the decline of readers as a result of technological leisure.

Mr Roy breaks down Economic Crises over the Years. Discussing the facts of the economy and the economic dynamics in the past 100 years is Mr. Roy. Our first question to Mr. Roy was “In your opinion, what was the biggest economic suffering over the last 100 years?” He stated that many people may pick the Great Depression or economic suffering in first world countries. But he strongly believed that the biggest economic suffering in the world is happening in parts of Africa and Asia. Where “around 10%, or 730 million - living without access to basic necessities” and where people’s daily spenings have only increased from $1.90 to $2.00. Mr. Roy was referring to the entanglement of human rights in economics, spending or investing with the knowledge of it’s negative effects on poorer people is ghastly and immoral. In addition, Mr. Roy shone some light on how giving importance and dedicating resources on one issue is naive, but is imperative for a world which is fighting for equality. Our world has the constant opportunity of providing these basic, humanitarian needs for these malnourished millions, however we decide to fulfill our spoilt concerns instead of putting finances to use. Mr Roy pointed out that we have had many chances over the past 100 years to repair this long living issue, but we have decided to invest in the wrong end of the spectrum.

Furthermore, we also asked Mr. Roy “Besides customers not being able to go outside and financially contribute, how else do you think that the pandemic has affected the economy?” He stated that besides the suffering many have experienced globally due to the pandemic: Air and water pollution has decreased, carbon emissions have decreased. Partly because tourism has decreased, but Mr Roy believes that the primitive cause of environmental nourishment is because industrial productivity has decreased. Less commuters, less people working in firms, lower demand for infrastructure has decreased the amount of congestion and air pollution. Mr Roy also added that less revenue spent on infrastructure allows capital to be utilized on housing instead of uselessly tall buildings, this will “help to alleviate the housing price crisis in capital cities across the world”. Lastly, Mr Roy added that less time working hours and night shifts means more “family time”, people get more time to spend with their families and reciprocate for distance due to the pandemic. Mr Roy is overall certain that control in congestion, pollution, and street chaos can lead to happy citizens.

-Charlotte Rodney 12E and Yusuf Kamran 11F