Above: Photos of artworks from our Grade 6s and 7s!
Latest Articles
- When the U.S. Government Shuts Down: What It Means for People in the US and Around the World
By Annabel 28′ Every year, Congress, the U.S. government’s lawmakers, must agree on a budget. This budget decides how much money is spent on everything from national parks to scientific research to paying federal employees. When lawmakers cannot agree by the deadline, the government does not have the permission to spend money. That is when… Read more: When the U.S. Government Shuts Down: What It Means for People in the US and Around the World - Step Into London’s Museums: a Journey through the City’s Heart
By James 28’, Annabel 28’, Isha 28’, Finbar 28’, Sara 28’ & Beatrix 28’ Summer is here—and that means it’s peak tourism season in London. And who can blame them? Even locals still pause to admire Big Ben or snap a photo by the Thames. But if you’re looking for a break from the crowds,… Read more: Step Into London’s Museums: a Journey through the City’s Heart - News in Brief: Roof garden is on the way
By Elias 31’ As some of you – or, well, a lot of you – may know, there is going to be a roof garden coming to Halcyon. Rita Halbright, co-founder and board chair, told the Halcyon Happenings, “This expansion represents a pivotal moment in Halcyon’s evolution.” Through contacting Mr Taylor I have learnt that… Read more: News in Brief: Roof garden is on the way - You’ve Seen La La Land— But Did You Really Watch It?
Annabel 28’ You Thought It Was Just a Love Story—But It Was Always a Mirror.You’ve Seen La La Land—But Did You Really Watch It? You saw the twirls in traffic, the tap shoes on sunset streets, the stars dancing in an indigo sky. But blink, and you might’ve missed what was underneath: not just a romance,… Read more: You’ve Seen La La Land— But Did You Really Watch It? - A true tragedy: review of Macbeth at the Lyric Hammersmith
By Izzy ‘27 Macbeth is a well-known and well-loved tragedy written by William Shakespeare discussing themes of guilt, power, ambition and the supernatural. Macbeth has been shown all around the world from the first public performance at the globe in April of 1611, to the iconic five-star theatrical production of Macbeth from October to December… Read more: A true tragedy: review of Macbeth at the Lyric Hammersmith - An audience with Mr Lippman
By Amelie ’27 and Félix ’25 Students of Halcyon played an active role in selecting and vetting our new director, but as in any case, curiosity about his leadership has only grown. To give a broader picture of Mr. Lippman, Halcyonite conducted a short interview with him, summarised in this article. Our reporters asked him… Read more: An audience with Mr Lippman - Empowering Futures: Women in STEM Assembly 2025
By Felix, ’25 On Monday, February 10th, students and faculty gathered for a powerful Women in STEM assembly, hosted by Dr. Lodhi, to celebrate and amplify the voices of women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Featuring inspiring guest speakers and student presentations, the event shed light on the challenges women face in… Read more: Empowering Futures: Women in STEM Assembly 2025 - WELCOME TO HALCYON: A perspective on being new to the school
By Elias ‘31 Starting over from being the oldest or smartest at your Primary School to then being the youngest group at Secondary can be hard. This article is about my experience of beginning Grade 6 at Halcyon. Residentials At the beginning of the school year, when I met my grade group on the orientation… Read more: WELCOME TO HALCYON: A perspective on being new to the school - How to Love – and Write – Poetry
By Annabel ‘28 Poetry is a wonderful way to express yourself, explore your emotions, and connect with the world around you. Whether you’re new to writing or already a fan of reading poetry, this guide will show you how to dive deeper into this creative art form and make it a meaningful part of your… Read more: How to Love – and Write – Poetry - Exploring the Extended Essay: Halcyon Class of 2025’s Research Journeys
By Felix O, ’25 The Extended Essay (EE) is a crucial part of the IB Diploma Programme, allowing students to explore topics they are passionate about while developing valuable research skills. For the Class of 2025, this process was not only an academic challenge but an opportunity to deeply engage with subjects that matter to… Read more: Exploring the Extended Essay: Halcyon Class of 2025’s Research Journeys - Reseña de El Club de los Poetas Muertos
Halcyonite is so excited to bring to you our first non-english publication, expanding our international mindedness and showcasing our language skills. We hope this will be the first of many. El Club de Los Poetas Muertos es una película en inglés, dirigida por Peter Weir, que se estrenó en 1989 con una duración de 2… Read more: Reseña de El Club de los Poetas Muertos - A Farewell to Mr. Mansfield: Celebrating and Looking Back at His Time at Halcyon
By Felix O. ‘25 In the world of education, few leaders leave as indelible a mark as Mr. Mansfield has on Halcyon. His tenure, marked by a commitment to fostering a nurturing and human-centred environment, has seen the school through significant milestones and challenges. From guiding the first graduating class to navigating the complexities of… Read more: A Farewell to Mr. Mansfield: Celebrating and Looking Back at His Time at Halcyon - A Captivating Theatrical Reimagining of Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away”
Article and Photos By Felix, ‘25 The live-action stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s animated film “Spirited Away” at the London Coliseum brings a fresh and immersive interpretation of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated classic. Under the direction of John Caird, this production runs from April to July, allowing audiences the opportunity to experience the enchanting tale of… Read more: A Captivating Theatrical Reimagining of Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away” - Take the Leap and Wing it; Why flying is cool
By Ezra, ‘25 and Tom ‘25 This is a picture of a Cessna 172, commonly known as the ‘Skyhawk’, refuelling before a flight with a member of the Halcyon Community (and one of this article’s writers!). The Skyhawk may seem like a complicated and terrifying machine built to be flown by only the most experienced… Read more: Take the Leap and Wing it; Why flying is cool - I Hate Movie Reviewers, a Review of Kung Fu Panda 4
By Ezra, ’25 Universal Picture’s long-awaited fourth installment in the Kung Fu Panda journey was released on the 28th of March this year, to a panda-monium of bad reviews (ha ha). The movie, directed by Mike Mitchell, follows the panda Po, voiced by Jack Black, as he sets off to find and defeat the Chameleon,… Read more: I Hate Movie Reviewers, a Review of Kung Fu Panda 4 - April 1 Marks First Outing of New Halcyon WebsiteWalter 30’’ and Teo 30’’ A couple of tech savvy students, new to our community have chosen to spend their free time designing a website for a good cause. From this website you can see accurate lunch/ snack menus, special upcoming events and substitute teachers for all lessons. The final part we added is a… Read more: April 1 Marks First Outing of New Halcyon Website
- Decoding the Psychology Behind Academic Procrastination: Strategies for Academic Success
By Felix, ‘25 In the world of academia, procrastination often lurks as a silent adversary, thwarting students’ efforts and hindering their academic progress. The allure of distraction and the tendency to postpone school assignments can lead to increased stress and compromised performance. However, understanding the psychological dynamics behind procrastination and employing effective strategies can empower… Read more: Decoding the Psychology Behind Academic Procrastination: Strategies for Academic Success - Reusable Water Bottles: An Environmental Solution Turned Problematic
By Felix O, 25’ In an era where environmental consciousness is at the forefront of global concerns, the rise of reusable water bottles was hailed as a pivotal step towards reducing single-use plastic waste. However, what began as a noble endeavour has now morphed into a concerning trend, with the proliferation of these bottles posing… Read more: Reusable Water Bottles: An Environmental Solution Turned Problematic - Celebrating Notable Women: A Tribute on International Women’s DayBy Felix, 25′ As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to recognize and honour the incredible contributions of women throughout history. In this special edition, some teachers at our school have chosen a notable woman who has left an indelible mark on society. Let’s delve into their choices: Ms. Mitchell – Angela Davis Angela… Read more: Celebrating Notable Women: A Tribute on International Women’s Day
- Halcyon’s music show was “Just like a Dream”
By Imogen, 26’ Halcyon’s annual music show was a brilliant success to mark the beginning of February and the end of a happy term. Soloists and ensemble members grades 6-12 experienced the rewarding thrill of performing for an audience so full it overflowed. After the performance, the Stern hall buzzed with the pride of family,… Read more: Halcyon’s music show was “Just like a Dream” - “Lessons in Chemistry”: A Seamless Journey from Page to Screen
By Felix, 25′ Bonnie Garmus’s “Lessons in Chemistry” has flawlessly transitioned from the captivating pages of her highly acclaimed book to the visual medium of a celebrated show, available for free on AppleTV. Having discovered the book as one of my favourites last year, I eagerly anticipated how the narrative would be brought to life… Read more: “Lessons in Chemistry”: A Seamless Journey from Page to Screen - International Night
By Walter & Teo ‘30 On Thursday the 30th of November at 18:00, we hosted our annual school wide event: International Night. It was a large collection of dishes and foods from around the world that were brought in by the Halcyon community. Where but Halcyone can you find Eton mess, hard candies from China,… Read more: International Night - Halcyon’s Inaugural IDU Days are a Success
By Ezra ‘25 With Reporting and Editing from Tom ‘25 On the 18th and 19th of January, Halcyon hosted its first ever IDU days. Each MYP grade took the two days off their regular schedule to travel London with their peers and practice interdisciplinary learning through a first hand experience that connected with their topics.… Read more: Halcyon’s Inaugural IDU Days are a Success - The Inner Workings of Halcyon’s Sporting Successes; a Closer Look into Halcyon’s Football Season
By Tom, ’25 As Halcyon begins its Winter Season of sports, we look back to the successes of the Autumn Season that has just passed – particularly in Halcyon’s football season, where some exciting moments of teamwork, learning, and shared success took place. We also look into how it was made possible by a number… Read more: The Inner Workings of Halcyon’s Sporting Successes; a Closer Look into Halcyon’s Football Season - A Magical Escape: Winter Wonderland, Explored and Rated
Article by Felix O, ’25 Photo By Maddie Skatulla-Emberson As Winter winds are beginning to wrap London in a chilly embrace, many of you will be looking forward to embarking on a festive journey to the much-anticipated Winter Wonderland. Nestled in the heart of the city, this seasonal spectacle promised a magical experience for all… Read more: A Magical Escape: Winter Wonderland, Explored and Rated - Halcyon Mini-Marathon
By Walter F, ‘30 In mid-October, Grades 6-9 took part in the mini marathon, which is 2 laps around a part of the Serpentine (2 km per lap). The purpose was to improve fitness, and raise money for charity. Now, the results are in… And here they are: 1st place 2nd place 3rd place Most… Read more: Halcyon Mini-Marathon - Socratic Seminars: When Dialogue Becomes Dominance
Ezra ’25 With the reintroduction of Socratic Seminars into my English class I am once again reminded of my single least favorite experience in my school day, Socratic Seminars, where silence is golden, but speaking without substance is far preferred, because sometimes you just want to talk for the sake of talking. In an attempt… Read more: Socratic Seminars: When Dialogue Becomes Dominance - What is in Stock for the Upcoming COP28?
Sasha, 24′ As December approaches, the Global Sustainability Community eagerly anticipates the UN Climate Change Conference – UNFCCC COP28, set to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. COP events have been pivotal in shaping international climate action, and this 28th edition is expected to be a landmark… Read more: What is in Stock for the Upcoming COP28? - Introducing Our 10th Grade Student Council: Leading the Way in 2023-2024By Felix O, ‘25 As we embark on the 2023-2024 school year, We here at Halcyonite are here to provide a quick introduction to the team of young leaders who will serve as our Student Council. These individuals will hold their respective roles until the next election in September 2024. Meet the Council: President: Sufia… Read more: Introducing Our 10th Grade Student Council: Leading the Way in 2023-2024
- Pumpkin carving ideasBy Walter, ’30 Halloween is almost upon us so below I’ve ranked pumpkin carving ideas from 1 (least scary) to 10 (make-the-trick-or- treaters-wet-their-costumes scary). 1/10 A basic Halloween pumpkin with a crooked smile and triangle eyes. 2/10 A cute pumpkin carving idea with googly 👀 and tiny paper hands 5/10 6/10 The zigzagging mouth on… Read more: Pumpkin carving ideas
- The Science of Eating
By Sasha ’24 Does food really contribute to your happiness? The short answer is yes. It may be hard to believe, but food is incredibly powerful not just for your physical health, but also your mental health. Over recent years, nutritional psychiatry has emerged as a much more researched field. It highlights the potential influence… Read more: The Science of Eating - The 2023 Halcyon Design Fair
By Sara ‘28, Dan ‘29, and Ayden ‘29 The Design Fair was a delightful and very important event for the Grade 9 Halcyon Design students who were selling their products to students and teachers on Wednesday, May 24. This was the perfect event for the students to show their baking, cooking and selling skills, depending… Read more: The 2023 Halcyon Design Fair - Study Tips and Organisation for the DPBy Sasha ’24 Welcome to the second part of this three-part series. With exams coming up, not all of us feel on top of our workload, and very understandably, the IB expects a lot of us. This article will focus on organisation and study tips. It will zoom in on the specifics of study methods… Read more: Study Tips and Organisation for the DP
- “She could be a farmer in those clothes”The Fashion Behind Clueless By Ela ’24 Our school doesn’t have a uniform. Some people spend a lot of time on their outfits and some don’t, and we might not really think about how much our outfits can say about us. Everyone knows the movie Clueless that came out in 1995, but few people actually… Read more: “She could be a farmer in those clothes”
- Behind the Willow ProjectBy Josh ’25 At the Halcyonite, we promote student voice and encourage students to hone their persuasive writing skills. What follows is Josh’s opinion piece arguing against further drilling in Alaska. The Willow Project (Willow Master Development Plan) is a proposed oil and gas development project in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) that… Read more: Behind the Willow Project
- AIR Review
A 2-hour Glorified Nike Advertisement That is Unexpectedly Entertaining Nonetheless By Liam ‘24 (Image source: IMDb) I will spare you the frequent basketball puns surrounding reviews of this movie, but I can say that AIR took an idea with legs, put some shoes on them, and “just did it” with finesse. Despite its name, AIR… Read more: AIR Review
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DP advice corner
DP Advice Corner – 1st edition
For the first year ever, Halcyonite has created a DP Advice Corner! This is a space for MYP students to ask for advice from DP students about school life.
The Halcyonite 