Page 66 - Phonebox Magazine June 2007

teenage
ricky@discolaflash.com rickymason.co.uk
a ricky mason enterprise
So after months and months of anticipation, Monday 16th April finally saw the opening of Ousedale’s Olney Campus on Aspreys: and I was there to witness the excitement.
It was 8.45am and I was greeted by two very official and well illuminated traffic wardens at the Aspreys crossing. They went
kicks
on to explain how to use a pelican crossing and I ventured across the lightly congested road towards the new shiny gates. The strong scent or fresh tarmac and new planted trees, made you feel that this school was worth waiting for. As I walked up the shingled path towards the head office I noticed both Mr Leaver (Head teacher) and Mr Sands (In charge of Olney Campus) towering over the energetic children. The look of fear in their eyes as children headed up the path with footballs, was a image I will never forget. As the crowds gathered, you could see they were just itching to get in, with more and more children gradually edging forward slowly. Finally at 9am the bell rang and the children were welcomed in, but not until they were all smart and their uniforms were checked: and so they should be (even though I wear casual dress for sixth form haha). You could see the high standards they were expecting from the first minute. After all students were checked and the last remaining children who took advantage of the whole ‘getting a lay in’ thing, sprinted into school. The doors were shut and the assembly begun.
Firstly Mr Leaver introduced himself to the new students (who all looked like rabbits in headlights at this stage) quoting
that “it felt like it was day one in September”. After, Mr Sands then listed the in-house rules to the audience, emphasizing the ‘no chewing gum on site’ rule. Something which I was currently braking already. (Not my fault the bins hadn’t been positioned around the school yet. Suddenly I heard the doors rattle, with my camera all ready I thought this was the moment to pap (industry term for photographing) a celebrity opening the new Olney Campus, an exclusive for The Phonebox and an image to go down in history......Unfortunately, it was a load of late school students whose bus hadn’t turned up for one of the local villages. Ah well...maybe next time. It was time to dispatch from the hall and launch ‘operation go to class’, this is not the name which the teachers came up with but it makes it sound more exciting. My next mission was to attach myself to a form group and as I gazed across the new hall, I spotted him: a strapping young chap, with muscular features, authoritarian attitude, future comedian and budding athlete...you guessed it....Mr Davvvvvveeeeeee Hurrrleyyyyyy (Mr Hurley to all you kids). After accepting my offer I took up the position as his accomplist for the morning. So we walked and walked....and walked through the corridors, up stairs, along viewing galleries (all things which were unavailable in the Oakgrove Campus) and finally came to FF4 (short for: the friendly fun floor room four). Not really, from my understanding its first floor, room four. But anyway, his form group were ushered inside and seated in alphabetical order, a challenge for any age group. Once seated, the class were issued blank time tables which they had to write their lesson times in, dictated by the form tutor. Next it was time for the tour, most students leapt out of their seats and nearly crushed poor Mr Hurley into the newly laid carpet.
The tour began, we visited virtually every room within the campus with expressions such as “oooooooo”, “eeeeeeee” and
“ahhhhhhh” being used at every location. The school itself is fantastic, although there are obviously small things still left to be finished, it has been equipped with state of the art equipment which will improve the level of teaching greatly. The sports hall had a awesome basketball court, outside there was tranquil seating areas, even reception had gone up in the world with a large Samsung plasma tv being displayed above the desk: now that was impressive. Both library and technology departments excited me (and I’m not even a student there!) We descended back towards the classroom, not without checking out the changing facilities, outdoor MUGA courts and canteen.
It was time to move on, to more serious matters, matters which children run riot about, THE LOCKERS. As soon as Mr
Hurley mentioned it, the class erupted in discussion, you could see this was definitely an added bonus (it would be great to have these at Ousedale Newport Pagnell). The keys were issued under strict
instructions not to lose them or else a replacement charge will apply.
Then the two letter word was said.......GO. The students rushed down the corridor like a scene out of wacky racers, they crashed into the lockers and everyone began to shove their keys in the locks, who was going to open first? Who was going to win the money? Who would be champion?....Unfortunately, there was no money, or champion, just a
load of rowdy kids placing their unwanted belongings into their new home. All ready the girls were discussing which posters to put up on the inside with names such as Eminem, Pete Doherty and Marilyn Manson all being mentioned...joking. More like McFly, Beckham and Brad Pitt. Anyway I’m sure that will be a long lasting argument between all the girls. Next the canteen cards were issued, always a laughing moment with many students being placed in the ‘pictures gone wrong’ category. After further discussion with maps and other resources being issued it was now time
for break...
Teenage Kicks: June
Hello my fellow readers, Unfortunately the absence of TK last month due to other commitments has inspired me to make a bumper edition. This months issue includes a exclusive on the first day at Ousedale’s Olney Campus, plus reviews of Paolo Nutini and Mcfly, and lots of gadgets and gizmos. Why not try your hand at the new brain teasers on page two, can you do it? As writing this monthly submission takes hours of work with little input from anyone, I am gradually drawing Teenage Kicks to a close, it’s now in it’s forth year and has had many highlights including an interview with the Arctic Monkeys, and tons of exclusives on gadgets, bands and events. However I cannot continue to write it with no help, if your interested in keeping it alive email me.
I will be sad to see it go, Many Thanks Ricky x
Live: Mcfly – Oxford New Theatre
After hearing rave reviews from many of my friends regarding McFly’s incredible live performances and with them being booked for Milton Keynes on the 22nd July, I decided I would go and check them out for myself at Oxford’s New Theatre on their Up Close and Personal Tour. With support from young rocker Lil’ Chirs the crowd of surprisingly young adults was ready for the main act. On they came playing songs from all of their past albums including 5 colours in her hair, Transylvania, Star Girl, That Girl and a cover of Ghostbusters plus much much more; I was truly blown away. They kept the crowd entertained from the moment they came on stage until the moment they left. It was a great show with an awesome array of lights combined with a well rehearsed set. 9/10!
Lego Lunchboxes!
Kids! Check this out!
Brand new release from lego! Unfortunately the lego cheeseburger isn’t included
Only £4.99 www.shop.lego.com
Live: Paolo Nutini – London Brixton Academy
Still in the concert mood I headed down to Brixton along with a few friends to experience the wonders of Paolo Nutini for a second time. Already being hooked from the first show with his incredible melodic sound combined with rustic vocals, I knew that this show would be worth every penny: and it was. Playing most tracks of his debut album ‘These Streets’ and adding in a cover of The Jungle Book’s ‘I wana be like you’ the crowd were ecstatic with Mr Nutini and sang along from start to finish. For all you parents who want to watch a fantastic modern artist and relive those concert going days I highly recommend an evening of Paolo Nutini: a relaxed atmosphere with some really catchy songs.
Buy his album now: These Streets. 9/10!
66 Phonebox Magazine
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