Editorials
EDITORIAL 14: AUGUST 2021
SCOPE is back with another issue and this time, we have got a strong selection of articles from our science writers. With COVID-19 dragging on well past what was expected, many of our writing team were inspired by the more curious aspects of the disease that we have all become so accustomed to, with not one, but two articles from our younger writers on the effects of the pandemic on climate change and a morbidly fascinating article on one of COVID’s lesser-known symptoms.
For our readers who are more excited by medicine and science, this issue holds some brilliant discussions of clinical applications of cutting-edge technology, from nano-scale biomachines to impressive surgical robots. We even have articles on how genetic engineering could help extend human lifespans and how we’ve managed to technologically replace nervous systems. But what is science without a bit of philosophy? If you agree, it’s worth checking out this thought-provoking MicroSCOPE article on the importance of perspective and the nature of life itself.
Venturing into and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, learn more about how we can turn technology to our side in the battle against climate change or the reasons behind humans exploring the Red Planet. If you’re feeling lethargic after reading all these articles, here’s something to convince you to go exercise for your own mental wellbeing or even how the secret to becoming a sports champion is ingrained in our brain’s evolution.
We hope that as lockdown comes to a close, this issue brings you a sense of optimism about the efforts of scientists all over the globe against COVID and some motivation to keep active and well. With two new editors on board, SCOPE endeavours to sustain our efforts in encouraging young writers and inspiring our readers.
Thank you for reading and enjoy being free from lockdown, while it lasts.
Reva Croft, Vineeth Rajan, Anshul Sajip, Saniya Sethi and Karel Ohana - Editors
Editorial 13: March 2021
With this new issue comes a very current perspective on the various societal changes we are experiencing in the modern day. The elephant in the room being COVID-19, younger writers from couldn’t resist exploring the multifaceted effects on this disease on technology and the automotive industry.
Our aspiring scientists have been busy too, looking at the physiological and legal questions involved in psilocybin legalisation, thinking about the future of combat against antibiotic resistance and deeply exploring the academic pursuit for a cure of the emperor of maladies and the master of molecular deceit: cancer. Looking at the technological side, have a read of a rational evaluation of the use of AI through the eyes of ophthalmology.
Meanwhile, other writers have been looking to the past and remembering the valour of our ancestors; one of our youngest writers has impressively written about the bravest battles in the British era, especially important to remember considering current tensions in India. Looking at more societal issues, strong views are put forward against current cancel culture and the recent coup in Burma is examined with regards to the rest of the world.
Finally, in these tough times, it’s important to look out for happiness around the world, so check out this optimistic article about the admirable measures for social and environmental wellbeing taken by the unsung country of Bhutan.
Thank you and we hope you enjoy.
Reva Croft, Vineeth Rajan and Anshul Sajip - Editors
Editorial 12: October 2020
Our first issue of the academic year comes as our writers and editors re-enter their respective school buildings after disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic; however, if you thought this would stop the SCOPE team, well, you'd be wrong. An onslaught of new writers, alongside some old faces, have, once again, produced exceptional articles on a range of topics with gusto.
Of course, the coronavirus has been addressed: in this instance, a particularly insightful article on the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on the female economy. And sticking with the theme of the female economy, an exploration of the gender pay gap through a historical lens demonstrates the extent of this phenomenon.
Perhaps inspired by recent events, this issue features intriguing articles that attempt to understand the intricacies of human behaviour. While an article in the Science section decodes why humans are so obsessed with colonising other planets, in the Literature section, Truman Capote's captivating 'In Cold Blood' is investigated for it's unsettling ability to make us empathise with a murderer. Meanwhile, the use of the 'snowflake' label in media is examined in the Current Affairs section, and in the History section, the French Revolution is dissected as well as the origins of the terms 'genocide' and 'crimes against humanity'.
And finally, it seems lockdown gave us all plenty of time to think, as the Philosophy section is brimming full. From a humourous take on the existence of free will to myth busting existential crises, and even a breakdown of the constituent parts of medical ethics. Philosophy and Science intersect in a thought-provoking article on the staggering similarities between chimps and humans.
This is our 12th issue, and the first under 3 new editors, and would, of course, not have been possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of the writers and supporters that have enabled us to continue to share the passions, interests and opinions of young people.
Thank you, and of course, enjoy reading,
Reva Croft, Vineeth Rajan and Anshul Sajip - Editors
Editorial 11: July 2020
I know what you’re thinking, and yes Scope is very alive and not just yet a relic of some bygone journalism fad. It’s been a while since the last issue and what was initially a half term break turned into a 7 month one thanks to a certain virus you may have heard of. Regardless, we’re back and on the cusp of very big changes.
But first, what does this issue have to offer? For once, no Brexit! Although don’t cheer just yet, the Brexit feature seems to have been replaced by a Covid-19 one, yet in a much more interesting form, one article making a comparison between Boris Johnson’s approach and that of an ancient Greek statesman. Similarly pressing is the Black Lives Matter movement, which has been covered by a member of the protests.
Many scientific questions are covered such as immortality and the greatest scientific invention to date and some of the earliest humans are traced through an ancient language. And regarding technology, have you ever considered what something that absorbs more than 99% of light would look like?
In the History section, deep dives are done into the history of Hong Kong and Italy’s unification and entertainment-wise, we look at what happens when what is essentially a philosophical acid trip meets television. Both categories cross over in a look at post-war French culture.
A philosophical question that frankly draws concern for one of our writers is addressed and the literature section has been expanded to now encompass art history too.
Finally, our MicroScope writers take on Covid-19 too, as well as the ever-present climate crisis. A strange trend of addressing a robot takeover every issue has also surfaced.
And now for the big changes. Well, this will be my last issue editing Scope - an end of an era that I’m sure someone other than me has said (I hope). Whilst I will remain Scope’s Chief Editor and have some very exciting plans for ventures outside of school, I will no longer directly oversee school issues like before. In my place, Anshul Sajip and Vineeth Rajan will, and already have, edit and I have full confidence that they will continue to make Scope better and keep it engaging. I thank everyone now moving on from school who shared even just a bit of what they were for others by writing for Scope, especially the former editors who significantly helped decrease the toil of editing an issue. I also thank everyone who has supported Scope, especially in its first issue, who really helped to get it off the ground. But as always, I thank those who Scope couldn’t exist without - the readers, for continuing to stay critical, for continuing to take part and for continuing to listen to new topics, ideas and viewpoints. I hope Scope has been as impactful and thought-provoking for you as it has been for me.
So for the last time (for now), thank you again, and enjoy reading,
Ryan Ratnam - Chief Editor
editorial 10:- November 2019
The first issue of the school year comes a bit later this time, accounting for the new writers we have gained, especially in the younger years with the, newly named, Microscope (I’m sorry I couldn’t resist).
Our budding younger writers have attempted to crack Brexit, yet again, and they were actually able to meet their deadline unlike a certain government… Elsewhere, the likelihood of a robotic insurrection has been explored, as well as the exciting new Cricket venture that has unfortunately turned into an unhealthy snack advertising paradise.
With our older writers, the unrest and dissent in Hong Kong has been covered, as well as Northern Ireland’s groundbreaking development regarding abortion rights. On the Science end, one of our writers has researched the revolutionary, yet complicated, use of Stem Cells to treat Alzheimer’s.
Entertainment sees all three articles tackling controversial and sensitive topics, such as Manic Pixie Dream Girls and a review of Joker, touching on its connections to the incel movement. Languages offers a Spanish and a German article, covering a strange combination of Siestas and Tennis.
This is our tenth issue (cue confetti) and I am very glad and thankful to all the writers and readers who have continued to support this project, which continues to share young people’s passions, interests and opinions.
Thank you and, as always, enjoy reading,
Ryan Ratnam - Chief Editor
EDITORIAL 9:- July 2019
It’s nearly the end of another school year, but it couldn’t end without another issue of Scope.
Some of our most engaging issues look at the terrifying issues of Climate Change and of Private military Contractors. More controversial topics include the Caster Semenya debate and Facebook’s new, and risky, currency.
One of our younger writers looks at the dangers of viral challenges and elsewhere, one of the world’s largest mysteries is explored. On the entertainment side, stop your Avengers crying and read the new Spider-man review, as well as some of 2019’s best film and TV you may have missed.
Scope has only grown this year and that’s all thanks to those who continue to read and show interest. And of course, this website wouldn’t exist without the enthusiasm and drive of the writers who continue to want to share their passions and interests.
We look forward to coming back in October, with another issue, new writers and new and exciting ideas.
Thank you, and enjoy reading,
Ryan Ratnam - Chief Editor
EDITORIAL 8:- aPRIL 2019
Exams, exams and more exams…it’s that time of year. Hopefully, this smaller, yet equally engaging issue can distract from the upcoming fate of stress most of us face.
We take a look at Africa’s emergence as a superpower and the constraints it still faces and also an insight into the hard work of this year’s Global Teacher Prize winner - a heart-warming news story, something which is frankly endangered these days. One of our resident linguists has produced both a German and a French article on some…unique topics.
Literature isn’t taking a year-long break as usual and is back with a repeeling of A Clockwork Orange (sadly, I can’t take credit for that pun) and in honour of World Book Day, one of our writers has shared some of her favourite and most impactful books. Both of this issue’s entertainment articles give interesting industry perspectives on two of this year’s most popular films and TV shows.
On the Science side, we look at the genius behind Thermal Actuation as well as a half scientific, half historical take on HIV. One of our writers also gives us a philosophical insight into the core ethics behind medicine.
Our younger writers look at the perpetual rivalry between Apple and Samsung and give us their view on Brexit - at least someone knows what’s going on.
There won’t be an article next half term due to exams, but we all thank you deeply once again and hope you enjoy reading.
See you in July,
Ryan Ratnam - Chief Editor
editorial 7:- february 2019
Issue 7 marks the coldest and most depressing month of the year…so hopefully our articles are able to pacify some of your mid-academic year blues.
From Ethiopia to Behavioural Economics, there’s thankfully no Brexit in sight for once. Instead, we’ve decided to focus on the less mind-numbing things, including an historical Japanese heist and asking whether Thomas Hardy really was a Feminist, as well as honouring J.D. Salinger’s centenary.
I’ve decided to spread my Oscar’s misery and complain for about 9 pages and we also have an insight into the chaos ensuing in Venezuela.
On the Science side, our true philosopher debates with Maths’ legitimacy in reality…you can guess whether a conclusive judgement is made or not. Read about how you can live forever through Cryonics and we have also written an interesting study into the science behind learning.
Our younger writers have produced articles on the future of reading and Trump and we also have some inspiring photography from Laos.
The Scope team is ever expanding and I can proudly say that we have writers from more than four schools which is very exciting and we will continue to deliver quality articles on our passions.
Thank you from me and the whole of the Scope team.
Enjoy reading,
Ryan Ratnam - Chief Editor
EDITORIAL 6: - DECEMBER 2018
It’s nearly the end of a very long term and of course, it wouldn’t be complete without another issue of Scope.
We are very proud to release a large collaborative article on Feminism, that after some months of procrastination, has finally seen the light of day. This article explores different sides of the idea but in the modern day, and discusses the results from the Feminism survey put out to QE, that so many of you kindly participated in.
This issue also marks the start of Young Scope which encourages younger writers to tackle topics they are interested in and passionate about and helps to develop who will be the future of writing. They have been hard at work for the past couple of weeks, so I am very pleased to finally show you what they’ve produced.
However, this is still a normal Scope issue, and on top of all of that, our regular writers continue to produce a wide range of content. Brexit’s back (and somehow worse than when we discussed it last time). Novelty history is covered as always with the Shortest War Ever as is Awards’ season, looking at one of its front runners. One of our writers gives us a terrifying peak into Cyber-Attacks, and another, a thought provoking look at Nigeria’s future. We even managed to fit Online Gaming in.
The Scope Team and I thank you once again for reading the content we are passionate about. Have a great Christmas and see you next year.
Enjoy reading,
Ryan Ratnam - Chief Editor
EDITORIAL 5: - OCTOBER 2018
A new year of school has arrived, and for many of us that means the passing of back-breaking exams. But we’re back for another issue and I’m very excited to open, what I (modestly) think, is our best issue yet.
This issue covers a whole breadth of different subjects, from exploring the Psychology behind Being Normal, to the Science of Caffeine. For the humanities oriented, we have many articles such as one exploring the famous Finnish marksman dubbed ‘White Death’, and the literature section has seen a resurgence, exploring whether Feminism is Still a Relevant Narrative in 21st Century Literature. The linguists are hard at work once again, presenting a variety of French, German and Spanish issues in their respective languages. More photos from our budding photographers have been added, showcasing some spectacular views from Iceland and Edinburgh. And of course, it would not be a complete Scope issue without mentioning the impending doom of Brexit a couple of times.
The site has seen a couple of changes. The Politics section has been merged into the Current Affairs section, there being very large overlap between the two. Look out for some articles from our younger Scope contributors very soon and the weekly digests will also restart with this issue.
Thank you, once again, from me and the whole of the Scope team and you’ll be seeing us again before the end of the year.
Enjoy reading,
Ryan Ratnam - Chief Editor
Editorial 4: - mARCH 2018
This editorial brings the end to an exciting run of months in which our writers have been able to show you what they love and are interested in. We are all very proud of what our hard work has been able to achieve and I want to personally thank all the writers and anyone who helped Scope come to fruition. But we need to thank you, the reader first and foremost as without your continued support and interest to read the articles on offer, this website would not be possible. So thank you.
This issue is as exciting as ever, including a look into the potential threat of AI and an Obituary for Stephen Hawking. The languages section has articles in an amazing three different languages and thought-provoking topics such as the conflict in South Sudan and the Berlin conference are also covered.
As well as the continuing Economics and Politics Digests, this issue also introduces the Photography section, in which talented photographers showcase some of their work and amazing shots.
With the dread of exams being a rather imposing theme this year, Scope will most likely not have an issue until September, later this year. However make sure to keep coming back as the digests will carry on for some time, as well as the odd article.
All that is to say is thank you once again from the whole team at Scope and we hope you enjoy this issue.
See you in the new school year,
Ryan Ratnam - Chief Editor
Editorial 3:- february 2018
This editorial comes after the exciting response to Issue 2, especially to the introduction of inter-school collaboration.
This editorial also prefaces an exciting third issue which sees its writers delve into more engaging and inspiring topics than ever.
The collaborative article on Israel and Palestine informs on the endless struggle in that region, whilst an article focusing on the Repeating Nature of Discrimination presents a thought-provoking analysis, especially in light of the Time's Up campaign.
Other articles such as the War over Football and another discussing whether Birds can Use Fire are sure to surprise, and a frightening article is included for men, debating the legitimacy of Man Flu.
Starting next week, a weekly Politics Round-Up is to begin, providing an accessible source to catch up on the seemingly more tumultuous goings on in the Politics world.
The whole writing team and I have exciting plans for Scope's future and we sincerely hope you savour this issue.
I hope you enjoy,
Ryan Ratnam - Chief Editor
Editorial 2:- December 2017
The whole writing team was extremely pleased with the tremendous reaction that the first issue of Scope received.
Now, the second issue has been released, marking the start of collaboration with other schools, namely fellow writers from NLCS.
Articles have been written collaboratively such as one exploring the Origins of Thanksgiving Traditions and another debating whether religion will become obsolete.
This issue also introduced the languages category in which articles explore the use of languages and some have even been written in foreign languages!
Other articles include a thought-provoking look into the Myanmar Crisis as well an insight into the brutal Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
Once again, I hope you enjoy,
Ryan Ratnam - Chief Editor
Editorial 1:- Who are we?
Scope is an online publication written by students, delivering articles on subjects that they are passionate about for you to read.
The name embodies what this venture is about as it covers a wide array of topics, from current affairs to film and psychology to technology, there being something for everyone to read.
'Scope' presents a wide array of opinions, something which will come more into focus in subsequent issues.
This issue includes engaging and thought-provoking articles such as 'How Humans would React to an Alien Arrival' and 'The Contreversial removal of DACA in America', informative ones such as 'The German Election 2017' and ones on some of your other favourite interests such as an analysis of 'IT', as well as much more to offer. Our very talented team of writers have worked very hard to deliver a comprehensive and authentic issue.
I hope you enjoy reading,
Ryan Ratnam - Chief Editor