Raise your hand if you have ever opened Netflix and scrolled and scrolled, looking for something to watch. You couldn’t find anything, and as soon as you notice, 20 minutes have passed. You are overwhelmed from looking, and you haven’t even chosen something you like. Reporting by Leonor Don’t worry, it isn’t just you. This is a global struggle that every single individual around you has for sure experienced. What you experienced in those moments is called the paradox of choice. This latest concern in the modern world is caused by an overabundance of options available to us today - when you have so many options, it becomes overwhelming to choose. This isn't an issue that is spoken about enough, although it should be. Psychologist Barry Schwartz, wrote a book called The Paradox of Choice, which talks about choices that individuals face in almost every area of their lives. This book debunks the myth that more choices are better to make customers satisfied; it actually makes their lives harder by causing them to think harder. Things didn’t used to be this way. There didn’t used to be this many choices. There are two primary reasons for this change in our society: economic globalization and the internet, both of which have caused an exponential growth in the choices available to us. Global citizens are now more interconnected and dependent on one another due to globalization. It has allowed us to have connections from all around the world. Just decades ago, we could only choose between the amount of things that were available to us within our city or country. Today, we can choose things from all around the world. It’s a phenomenon. For example, on Netflix there are series from all around the globe, such as: Outer Banks from the United States, One of Us is Lying from New Zealand, Riverdale from Colombia, Squid Games from South Korea etc. Not only that but also things like fruit. Fruit used to be seasonal, but now you can buy any fruit at any season because they are exported. Trade and technology have changed our world dramatically. Most organizations operate on an international scale. If I want something and it isn’t in my country, I’ll buy it from somewhere else, then import it. This can happen thanks to the internet; an unlimited source that’s easily available for us today. We can enter a store online, choose from the many things available, and then import them to our location. The Internet is open 24/7. We can buy whatever, whenever we want. Isn’t that amazing? It is amazing until it reaches a certain point where it isn’t. For some, this topic remaining unspoken is beneficial; for others, the silence tears them apart. This is mainly the contrast between companies and consumers. The area in our world where there's the most choice is in the world of marketing. Netflix wants you to stay on the platform for as long as possible. Stores want you to buy as many things as possible. Apps want to be downloaded as much as possible… The internet and globalization have brought marketing to a whole other level that seems to be beneficial to consumers. But is it really? If we think about it, it’s a self-serving act from sellers, for giving us all these choices and putting us in the spot to choose. One of the reasons a choice can go from a blessing to a burden is as the number of choices expand, so does the amount of work necessary to make a smart decision. According to behavioral scientists, making decisions is the most common consumer experience. Neuroscience research has shown us that decision making can really damage our mental health, mostly if we aren’t managing this process well. They say the process of decision making always begins with us being intentional and asking ourselves the question: “What do I want?” This 4 word question seems simple and clear, however answering this question is no simple task. Decision difficulty can happen due to three key factors: preference uncertainty, decision goal undefined, and lack of trust in ourselves to make what we believe to be the right decision. Then, either we are satisfied with our choice, or we aren’t. Mishandled tasks of decision making can be followed by: regret, constant switching, and postponing the decision. Anxiety tricks us into believing there will be a right and wrong choice. But, when faced with a difficult choice, there is a strong chance that neither option will be the wrong one. The study of consumer psychology has shown that sometimes people like to have lots of options, rather than just a few; mainly if those few options don’t meet their expectations. However, is that always the best for us? Overload is valued so much more compared to deprivation. We live in a consumerist era, and we believe that sometimes the number of options isn’t enough to meet our basic needs, causing us to desire more to choose from. Overall, it’s hard to make a final decision saying we need to reduce, maintain, or increase the amount of options we have these days. Everyone comes from different places and everyone has different preferences and everyone has different experiences. Therefore, how can we deal with this problem the same way? The answer is we don’t - we don’t deal with things the same way. What needs to change isn’t around us, it’s in us. If choice overload affects us, we need to make our own decisions that will best benefit ourselves. We all know that getting rid of the internet isn’t a solution because of our dependency on it today. Consequently, choices might not get any more limited, but we need to take control and limit them ourselves, by improving our ability to filter. We will need to find a way to navigate this space rather than rejecting it.
So next time you open Netflix, be intentional about what you want to watch. This means making a choice in advance, which will save you a lot of time, as well as mental energy. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, make sure not to overload yourself with options. And most importantly, trust in yourself to choose a movie or series that you will enjoy watching. Finally, all you have to do is enjoy the movie or series you choose to watch. And enjoy knowing that you chose not to be overwhelmed and uncertain. Works cited "The Paradox of Choice; Entertainment." The Economist, vol. 422, no. 9027, 11 Feb. 2017, p. 12(US). Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A480519766/OVIC?u=aismozam&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=64a2cd11. Accessed 18 Feb. 2023. Schwartz, Barry. "Consumer Vertigo." Reason, vol. 37, no. 5, Oct. 2005, p. 10. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A136120516/OVIC?u=aismozam&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=e1b59684. Accessed 18 Feb. 2023. Ward, Andrew. “The Paradox of Choice.” The Decision Lab, 2021, https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/economics/the-paradox-of-choice. Accessed 22 February 2023.
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In recent years, the landscape of the film industry has undergone a significant transformation, and one can't help but notice a prevailing trend - an overwhelming number of films falling into the categories of mediocre action flicks and cliché documentaries. Whilst many viewers may enjoy and find these movies fun, it is undeniable that classic film genres are being overshadowed by these films; furthermore, the art of what makes a beautiful film is fading away from the scene. Reporting by Jaya The Rise of Mediocre Action Flicks Movies such as Red Notice, The Gray Man, Spiderhead, Man from Toronto, Day Shift, and so many more, are prime examples of the formulaic and uncreative action films that have grown in popularity and have started a bleak era for action films. The market is overwhelmed now with films that follow quite a predictable pattern- a charismatic hero, explosions galore, a villain with vague motivations, and a slight twist at the end to set up a money-hunting sequel. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this formula, its overuse has led to a sense of déjà vu among audiences and a clear lack of imagination in the industry. How many times have you seen a movie where the main character is first introduced or seen waking up from bed and getting ready for their day? Your answer will indefinitely be several times due to this shift into bland storytelling, lack of imagination, and bleak formulaic film structure. Another issue with these new action flicks is the attention that they grab away from lesser-known emerging films that may very well be a much more entertaining experience. The attention is taken away from smaller films from industry competitions for cinema features, less funding available for amateur films, and an audience that no longer takes films seriously. Furthermore, having films that seem to be very similar copies of each other will only lure already popular actors and actresses as audiences will get interested in seeing familiar actor names and the film industry loves actors in films that made lots of money. Having actors/actresses that constantly play a character with the same personality in all of their films, such as Dwayne Johnson, decreases the quality of performance from that actor, which is evident in his underwhelming performance in Red Notice. The rise of mediocre action films in today's cinema landscape has led to an overabundance of formulaic narratives and predictable hero-villain dynamics. This trend risks diluting the uniqueness and creativity that once defined the action genre(see suggested films below), leaving audiences craving fresh and inventive storytelling. The Proliferation of Cliché Documentaries On the other end of the spectrum, the documentary genre in today’s era of film has seen a surge in popularity. Documentaries have the potential to educate, enlighten, and provide a fresh perspective on real-world issues. However, an increasing number of documentaries have started to fall into cliché structures and traps. Whether it's the predictable "rise and fall" narrative of famous figures or the constant retreading of familiar topics, such as true crime or environmental issues, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find documentaries that truly break new ground. Some aspects of these documentaries that viewers may find increasingly more similar to other documentaries may be the cinematic opening drone shot, the modern and fast-paced title sequence, the overuse of dramatic violin scores, or even the overall documentary structure. This formulaic and unoriginal approach to documentary filmmaking not only limits creativity but also restricts the potential for exploring lesser-known stories and issues that deserve attention. Furthermore, the documentaries of today have essentially become products with commercial expectations placed on them, which can often lead studios to release films that follow a demonstrably popular, and therefore sellable, formula. Audiences are increasingly given what they have previously bought. In an era where information is more accessible than ever, documentaries should further aim to offer a unique lens through which we can view the world. Discover Essential Action Films If you are looking for a break from watching mediocre action films that may appear on the front page of Netflix or other streaming services, here are some essential action film gems to discover: Mad Max: Fury Road Mad Max: Fury Road is a cinematic masterpiece as it defies traditional action film conventions, delivering a relentless and visually stunning post-apocalyptic world that immerses viewers in its dystopian chaos. Critically acclaimed director George Miller presents jaw-dropping visionary storytelling and practical effects, combined with Charlize Theron's empowering portrayal of Furiosa, making it a groundbreaking action film that pushes the boundaries of the genre. The Matrix The Matrix is a groundbreaking film because it introduced audiences to a mind-bending, dystopian cyberpunk world that seamlessly blended philosophy, action, and cutting-edge visual effects. Its incorporation of a fantastic soundtrack paired with some of the best action scenes ever composed gives The Matrix the title for one of the best action films of all time. Honorable mentions Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Die Hard, The Dark Knight, John Wick, Terminator 2, RRR, Kill Bill Volume 1, Seven Samurai, Enter the Dragon. Discover Striking Documentaries Documentaries offer one of the most gripping and emotional cinematic experiences that a viewer could ever have. Although cliché documentaries are slowly creating a negative perception of the genre, there are still gems that stand out. If you want to discover fascinating documentaries that will immerse you in their words and present striking stories, here are some suggestions for you: Free Solo Free Solo is a remarkable documentary because it captures the awe-inspiring and heart-pounding journey of Alex Honnold as he attempts to free solo climb El Capitan, a towering 3,000-foot granite wall in Yosemite National Park. The film's breathtaking cinematography, combined with its exploration of the human spirit's determination and fearlessness, makes it an extraordinary and unforgettable cinematic experience. My Octopus Teacher My Octopus Teacher stands out as a captivating documentary due to its unique topic which introduces an intimate exploration of the underwater world and the unexpected bond that develops between a human and an octopus. The documentary’s stunning underwater cinematography and the emotional depth of the narrative combine to create a mesmerizing and thought-provoking viewing experience that leaves a lasting impression on its audience.
Honorable Mentions The Last Dance, Formula 1: Drive to Survive, 13th, Icarus, Chasing Coral, Dick Johnson is Dead, Shirkers, 14 Peaks. Film with its boundless creativity serves as a powerful medium for reflecting the human experience, shaping culture, and offering a diverse range of perspectives that challenge, entertain, and inspire audiences worldwide. Should films continue to persist in rigid formulas, and lack imagination and diversity, the very essence of cinema that we love will lost. Who will be the heroes, real or fictional, to save us from this villainy? In the past few weeks there have been some intense football games between the sports day houses, which are Rovuma, Limpopo, Incomati and Zambezi. Reporting by Gonçalo, Linus and Valerio For the Football House Games that happened during lunchtime, Grade 6 was the first grade to play and win points for their houses. We personally played for Zambezi vs Limpopo which finished 1-0 for Zambezi with a chilling last minute goal by Valerio (one of the writers of this article). He scored a thrilling goal in the dying last minutes of the game. Valerio said “it was a very important game because our team was second last in the tournament so we needed points and I am glad I made them”. This was a massive upset, since Limpopo is one of the strongest football teams with many star players. Of course there was luck involved, but in the end as the ball fell at Valerio's feet but he reacted well and put it away. With this victory Zambezi got one more point for the team and got closer to 2nd place in the sports day race for the crown. The Grade 6 action was intense, but let's not forget about the Grade 7s.. There were four Grade 7 football games, with Zambezi vs Limpopo finishing 0-2 for Limpopo. Incomati vs Rovuma ended with Rovuma winning by five goals to zero in a spectacular victory. These matches counted as a boost for the sports day games and the points were calculated by how many goals a team scored in a match so if a team won by 3 goals they got 3 points for their team. The Grade 8 game was Zambezi vs Limpopo. Even though both teams were incredibly good with outstanding teamwork and extraordinary communication.In the end., Zambezi was able to get the win with two stunning goals by Gonçalo for Zambezi. “It wasn't an easy game but I am glad I could score 2 goals and give my team the win in the end” said Gonçalo. Even though Zambezi was able to win the game, Limpopo was able to get some good shots at goal. Altogether the game was an exciting experience with good assists, stunning goals, and amazing control. Come out to play or watch the next round of games in this exciting league. You'll be sure to see some memorable action.
Education is a privilege and it empowers those that receive it. It is our duty to share that education with others. Reporting by Vihaan If you didn’t know, Education For All is a new initiative where AISM students have the opportunity to teach English to people in our Mozambican community. This Saturday the first course of Education For All set out to Nando’s Chili Farm. This trip included 16 students ranging from ninth grade to seniors and 38 farmers working at the Chili farm. Right now there are over 100 adults participating in Education For All, between our school faculty and the Nando’s farmers. Not only that, but over 40 students are involved too. This has been in the making for the last two months where groups of students have been constructing lesson plans to cover topics such as food and drinks, introductions, family relationships, and general descriptions. Be it worksheets, roleplays, or even just chatting, everyone involved has ensured that activities were as enjoyable and engaging as possible. This was executed in a swift and effective fashion in four 20-minute rounds. This program’s importance goes a lot deeper than just teaching English though. As organizer Mr. Nick said, “Too often there is a disconnect between people and we turn our attention to our differences; this is a way to bring people together and show that people are just people. We can all laugh together and enjoy our Saturday mornings together regardless of cultural background.” This is the underlying value of Education For All. To not just teach, but to foster connections between students and our community. Education for All goes beyond education and cultivates bonds between people that will last a lifetime. In fact, it is us students who learn from our community. We get a rare chance to gain a deeper understanding of the lives that different people live. On that note, the long-term vision of this project is to see this effort become embedded in our school traditions. “We aren’t insular. We exist in a bigger context” Mr. Nick said, regarding how as this initiative can expand. It has immense potential to widen the horizons of every student at AISM. Every Tuesday you can join and help out by teaching the staff at AISM or every other Saturday at Nando’s Chili Farm to teach local farmers. It’s not just showing up though. You need commitment to generating plans, working with your group, and of course always helping one another. If you want to get involved in this initiative, you will not only help others but get to know students from all grade levels and have a great time. You just need to go and see Mr. Nick and he will get you set up.
If you're a fan of Harry Potter, School for Good and Evil, The Unwanteds, and Percy Jackson you will love the beautifully crafted world of the eleven lost cities. Reporting by Lana Sophie Foster has been trying to blend in with the background and fit in her whole life but is never able to because she has a secret...Sophie can read minds. It might sound awesome but really it’s a curse. She can hear all the sour thoughts of others around her, including the cruel thoughts of her own parents.
Everything changes one day when a mysterious teal-eyed boy appears and tells her she is an elf. Sophie is whisked off to a magical world where unicorns and dragons exist. But not everything is sunshine and rainbows in the lost cities. With the world against this strange girl can she pull herself together and defeat the evil in the world or will the truths she finds cause her to lose control of her very being? 9 members of our Model United Nations club represented AISM last week at AISJ’s annual conference JoMUN XXI, with amazing experiences and great results to show for it, including Best Delegate and an Honorable Mention awards. Reporting by Felix and Mr Rui Model United Nations is a well-established part of international school culture, recognised for the opportunity it gives students in Middle and High School to really develop their global knowledge and professional language skills. Our own club has grown a great deal this year, with over 25 members now regularly attending the weekly session on Thursdays after school. Nine of our MS and HS students, along with Miss Anna, Mr Rui and security team Alfredo and Cesario, travelled by bus over to the AISJ campus and the long journey was more than worth it after 5 days of intense research, debating, public speaking, and hanging out with lots of new friends from the ten African schools attending the conference. Our team was hugely successful and two of the group - Team Nepal! - even walked away with prestigious awards: Vihaan was voted Best Delegate in the Security Council, whilst Shailee was given an Honorable Mention in the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPDC). An amazing achievement for the two of them. We should also mention Sam and Felix, who were two of the youngest delegates at JoMUN and managed to more than hold their own. Praise should also be given to Arthur, Jaya and Liam who only joined the MUN club this year, but still had the courage to represent the school and to take the mic whenever they could. Lucas and Margo completed the team and also contributed a lot, with Margo’s calm style helping to keep things moving along nicely and Lucas bringing the laughs and passion. What did the team feel they got out of this experience? What has joining the MUN club and participating in JoMUN given them? Here are some of their thoughts: Jaya - “I brought out my true potential, my Barack Obama-ness. You get to confidently disagree with people. I feel like a new level of confidence has been unblocked in me.” Margo - “I learned in a much more nuanced way how MUN works and each time you speak publicly it becomes more and more comfortable.” Shailee - “Winning the award was really pleasing, of course. It gives me the confidence that I have the ability to express myself and that people will then respond to this.” Vihaan - “You get to have fun formally, in a sense. People get stuff out; they find their passions for speaking, writing, negotiating, whatever fits best for them. For me, winning Best Delegate means being a man of politics and having a keen ability to persuade others.” Sam - “This is reat for our resumes and general development. You learn how to liaise with people, but you need to research to know what you are talking about!” Arthur - “You learn new methods of speaking and improve language capabilities. You meet like-minded peers, so the social aspect is also memorable. It really feels like real world skills are being developed.” Liam - “It really sparks your curiosity and opens new doors, socially and academically. You get to, in a fun way, challenge people.” Lucas - “It’s hard work and you get a bit sleep-deprived for a few days, but it’s well worth it. You develop new passions and you can’t really explain such a beautiful experience, bringing your ideas to life like this.” Hopefully, more and more of our students will get into the MUN world and have experiences like this one. If you are interested in joining the club, speak to Vihaan, Margo, Felix or Sam. The club meets on Thursdays after school. A beautiful eco lodge located on the dunes of the Dovela village in southern Mozambique. Reporting by Polly When we think of Mozambique there's a high chance the first thing that comes to mind are the wide range of beaches. Ponta, Tofo, Vilanculos and Pumene are some of the most popular beaches in Mozambique, but there are so many more. Inharrime is a town just under two hours away from Tofo and near it is the Dovela village, which leads to one of the most underrated resorts in Mozambique: Dunes de Dovela. The lodge was constructed by childhood friends Thomas and Fred “who have always shared a lifelong dream of creating a project.” When Thomas first visited Mozambique while living in South Africa he believed he had found the perfect place to develop the project of their dreams. So from 2007 until early 2011 they worked extremely hard and made those dreams come true: “a sustainable and luxurious nature oasis that would conserve rather than detract from its glorious surroundings”, according to the Dovela website. You may ask yourself, what makes Dunes so unique? Alex, a woman who left her life in Paris behind in order to start a new one in the resort, has now been living there for almost 15 years and here is what she had to say: “I guess that what makes Dunes so unique depends on everyone's taste and everyone's sensibility. For some, it will be the chance to be alone on a beach, for others the paths through the still preserved forest and others the possibility to walk through the village as if it was theirs. For me, what makes Dunes unique is that it has been built (and now run) with people from the community and that this small company is useful for the village.” Another unique thing about the lodge is the quality of activities offered. Although we are used to finding ocean safaris and diving courses at the typical beach resort, in Dunes you get the opportunity to choose one of many guided nature walks through the dunes or village, learning more about Mozambique and its culture. If this doesn't interest you, you can try kayaking through the Poelela lagoon near the village, and enjoy a relaxing day with clear blue waters. In addition, snorkeling in the natural rock pools created during low tide is still a beautiful way of spending your time at the resort. Even If you prefer just relaxing on the beach, then Dunes is the perfect place for you, as the beach is always quiet and peaceful and, if you need it, a built up shade will await you. The cuisine at the resort is also a highly recommended experience. Alexandra, together with Hilario and Veronica, create wonders in the kitchen. The three do their best to create delicious meals twice a day inspired by a Mozambican and French fusion. Almost everything they serve is exquisitely homemade, all the way from bread to their fantastic macarons and passionfruit tarts. As Alex describes it their goal is to “give a nice experience (taste and freshness) to the guests, local products for spreading more cash in the area and having a lesser impact on the environment. The three objectives are at the same level” This means enjoying freshly caught lobster and other seafood as well as a wide range of fresh fruit desserts or local vegetable tarts and salads. And you can enjoy all of this whilst having a charming view of the Indian ocean. During whale season binoculars are around, but even without them, you will be quick to spot many whales breaching in the sparkling ocean. Dunes de Dovela is only one of the many hidden treasures of Mozambique waiting to be discovered. To get more information about the eco lodge visit the their website.
All images used with the permission of Dunes de Dovela. As we approach Halloween, this renowned tale of a haunted hotel will get you just in the mood to imagine all the ghastly goings on that your imagination can handle. Reporting by Sammy This psychological horror follows the Torrance family as they start a new life in an old, historical hotel: the Overlook. But as the months go on, strange things begin to take place building up to a horrifying climax with murderous thoughts, hallucinations, and mystifying tales.
The Shining is a masterfully written, intriguing, and terrifying piece of work that leaves readers stunned by the depth of the characters and a plot that won’t let you go. Did you know there is a scuba diving ASA at our school? You can get certified with PADI right in the school! Reporting by Cora The diving ASA is hosted by Luciano Adamo, a divemaster and dive instructor who has certified more than 1,000 divers, and Julian Spezzati, a dive master and AISM alum. These two amazing divers lead the activity and we recorded an interview with instructor Adamo, as well as some of the students that are currently in the ASA: We have been learning about the basic skills of scuba diving and have access to PADI’s online learning platform. As the semester goes on we will gain all the knowledge and skills we need, and will go diving on a weekend toward the end of the semester to prove our skills and then take the final test before we get certified. This is the best experience for anyone at the school over the age of 10. We are currently learning about the different underwater signs, how to use and understand all our gear, how to descend and ascend, how to move in the water, and how to observe aquatic life. This is a way to ease into scuba diving more slowly instead of learning about everything and doing the tests in only a few days. The experience lets us learn steadily and enjoy the process over the course of several months. This is such an amazing experience because it is like sightseeing and something you can do all throughout your life, which also lets you enjoy aquatic life in a safe spectacular environment and will just blow your mind. If you would like to join the PADI ASA you can sign up to do it next term on Schools Buddy.
I couldn't recommend it more strongly. It really is the chance of a lifetime, making the most of the incredible location we love in, right on the ocean, right above the mysterious world beneath the sea. Image credits available here. School bullying is a pervasive and distressing issue faced by countless students worldwide. The impact, detailing maximal preventative strategies. Reporting by Gaia School bulling, unfortunately, is not a new phenomenon and has been endured silently by victims from time immemorial. Nevertheless, with amplified recognition and public attention, we have begun to understand the wide implications and are in a better position than ever to move forward towards positive change in schools. At a basic level, school bullying refers to persistent torment initiated by one student or a group towards a peer. Or as Secondary Counsellor Miss Stephanie Costa points out, “school bulling happens where there is an ongoing deliberate misuse of power.” Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash This hostility may manifest in various forms, such as physical violence, verbal abuse, cyberbullying, emotional manipulation, and more. It puts the the victim in a corner, often leaving them feeling powerless, anxious, and isolated. The effects of school bullying extend far beyond the immediate emotional distress. Victims often experience severe mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Their academic performance may be affected and their self-esteem may shrink. Social relationships outside school may suffer. It is evident that nobody should have to face these things and that this is the opposite of what we might call community. In the end, we are social beings and need the environment to help us flourish. Photo by Morgan Basham on Unsplash So how can we stand up and fight for everyone's right not to experience bullying?
Thankfully, there are strategies that we can employ to make schools safer for everyone. Uniting against school bullying is crucial for protecting the current generation and cultivating empathy, tolerance, and kindness. By collective effort and commitment, we can create safer and more nurturing environments. By confronting and opposing this menace together, we can help everyone learn how to live together in ways that develop self-esteem. Those who do the bullying also need the right environment to help them flourish in more positive ways. Some things we can do include:
The fight against school bullying needs us to accept a shared responsibility – as students, teachers, parents or guardians, admin, counsellors etc. – working together to construct the kind of school communities that help us learn not just academics, but about ourselves as unique, brilliant individuals. If it were up to the students they would have their headphones in all classes, but are they doing themselves any good? Reporting by Atharv It is widely known that music heightens your mood and is considered a valuable tool by students. But are they slacking off or actually making a smart choice? In this dive into how music can elevate your academic performance, we explore some studies and opinions and give you our honest opinion. It is important to bear in mind, however, that the research is not conclusive and may have different effects on different people. A study conducted in 2017 suggests that background music can enhance our cognitive abilities including learning, memory and concentration. Simply listening to music engages a complex network within the brain. These parts include: the auditory cortex, primary motor cortex and cerebellum. Music, as it seems, has the power to activate different parts of the brain. Mr Allen, secondary music teacher, also seems to be in favor of music, saying that “music is a form of relaxation and being relaxed helps you study.” Or as student Dakshu believes: ”Although distracting at times, the right kind of music can enable new levels of focus”. Music’s effect on the brain has been a topic of fascination upon students for decades, but now thanks to neuroscience we can see in much more nuanced ways how we respond to musical stimulation.
In a 1996 study, it was found that music has a positive effect on recalling verbal material. The rhythm of music, even without any musical accompaniment, can enhance the recall of text. A 2010 study involving college students later found that listening to Mozart’s symphonies increased the speed of spatial processing and accuracy in linguistic processing. Another study carried out in 2015 found that listening to Mozart’s Sonata for 2 pianos in D major increased brain wave activity linked to memory, cognition in healthy adults and elderly. It seems essential to note that choosing the right tune matters significantly. A 2021 article highlights that multiple factors contribute to whether music improves focus while studying. Some of these factors include: genre, tempo, age of person, complexity of task and personal preference. Opting on uplifting music can enhance your brain’s cognitive functioning whilst other tunes may have opposite effects. So, by all means get your headphones in and flow with the tune but take note of whether the music is actually helping you or not. With new developments in neuroscience we will discover more about this topic but for now it’s important to understand what works best for you and not to reject anything outright. All in all, it’s about getting to know your own mind and being honest with yourself about what truly helps you and what doesn’t. In other words, learning to flow with your own music. Maybe it’s something we take for granted in our Maputo day-to-day, but this international life really is something to celebrate and we did it in style on International Day 2023. Reporting by Laia This past Saturday, our community got together to celebrate each and every one of the 76 different countries that make up the school's family in our annual International Day. Not only does AISM have students, teachers and parents from almost 80 countries, but also from 6 out of the 7 continents on the planet, making for an extremely diverse day of celebration. From Japanese sushi making workshops to Rwandan dance; from Italian pasta making to British welly wanging, there was something for young and old alike to learn about and enjoy. It was a reminder to all of us that so many people never get to travel, never get to learn about these cultural delights from people who are so familiar with them, never get to feel truly global, universally human. The day began with a parade, which the majority of the school participated in, as they paraded around the grounds, grouped together under the beautiful array of colors in the flags of the countries they represented. The parade was only the kickoff though, and was followed by several hours of cultural performances, from a variety of people, and booths that were spread out throughout the school, each area representing a different continent, and several of the different countries that lie within them. The booths were organized by all members of the community, and included a range of different foods, cultural decorations and more. A special thanks should be given to the PTA, as well as all of the other volunteers who came together and helped AISM in a great celebration of culture and diversity.
As one parent, Chloe da Silva, said “Everyone really pulled out all the stops to make it a fabulous day of celebration”. Truly one world, here under our blue Maputo sky...and the blazing sun that came out to celebrate with us. Getting an insider's look at working a doctor's shift at Hospital Privado - that was my aim for the MYP Personal Project and thanks to Dr. Mauro I got the chance to do just that. So, what did I learn about the day-to-day of a career in medicine? Reporting by Claire With a growing curiosity in the medical field I saw an opportunity in shadowing a doctor for my Personal Project. Already considering studying medicine in the future, the personal project helped me indulge in my passion and learn more about it. After having a hard time finding a local doctor to shadow, I consulted the school nurse, Ms. Ivandra for suggestions. She was able to put me in touch with Dr. Mauro working at a Private Hospital in Maputo. My day-long shadowing opportunity provided me with a view into the duties and responsibilities, patient care and public vs private health (specifically in Mozambique). Dr. Mauro is a doctor specialized in Otorhinolaryngology. After working as a general practitioner he did his specialization in ENT (ear, nose and throat). In Mozambique, there is a significant difference in Public and Private Health. Dr. Mauro has worked on and off in public health for 13 years and in the private sector for 9. Currently, he works at the Private Hospital in Maputo. The day started early at 8:30 with rounds in the hospital, where the doctor checks on their current patients. The doctor also spends time reviewing test results and making treatment plans with the medical team. During the day, the doctor may also perform procedures such as surgeries or diagnostic tests. Doctor Mauro had performed surgery on a child with tonsillitis the day before. During the 5 hours I spent at the hospital, I was able to observe 9 different patients all with different diagnoses, the theater, a post-op check-up, interaction with other doctors and an insight into the differences between Private and Public health in Mozambique. Shadowing Mr. Mauro provided a front-row seat to the delicate and often emotional interactions between medical professionals and their patients. I observed that the doctor must strike a balance between providing necessary information and offering comfort and support to patients and their families. Ranging from just a minor ear infection, to removing fungi within the ear, Dr. Mauro was able to aid each patient. One of my key observations made during the day was, when coming to a diagnosis, doctors also have to consider the patient's lifestyle. This means that the common social activities may be a contributing factor to their problem. They have to relate possible diagnoses to other events happening in people's lives. For example, in Mozambique it is extremely hot, leading to people swimming a lot. The majority of the diagnoses that I saw during the day were infections caused by the humidity (from swimming) in the ear. Being a doctor requires an extensive amount of knowledge not only in the medical field but also in other areas. After every diagnosis, he had to relate the problem back to the patient's lifestyle to see if there could be any changes made to benefit the patient. For example, one of the patients had an excessive amount of earwax in the ear canal. This was caused by the constant machines the patient was surrounded with. From the loud noise caused by the machines, her ears would create more and more wax to protect its canal. This led to severe ringing, lack of sleep and blocked ears. Coming to a diagnosis is almost like a mystery in a sense, where you try to unravel the case. 70% of all diagnoses with patients come from talking to them, according to Dr. Mauro. In addition to being informative, this shadowing experience was also humbling. I observed patients that suffer from pain caused by accidents, day-to-day difficult lives, etc. I saw how drastically the pain had changed people’s lives, from the loss of being able to work productivity to decreased physical activity. I witnessed Dr. Mauro’s passion for patient care put to work as he helped patient after patient regain control of their life and provide relief. Follow-up patients that praised him for their pain relief and improvements with their range of motion were inspiring and satisfying to see. During the experience, I noticed that a crucial element is the importance of teamwork in delivering quality medical care. The doctor works closely with nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
Being a doctor is not without its challenges, and shadowing highlights the heavy workload and long hours that many medical professionals face. Within Mozambique, there is a large struggle of under-staffing, low renumeration and lack of resources. Dr. Mauro mentioned that the reality of Mozambique is that you have to work hard and build yourself up to gain a sufficient amount of money. The doctor must also navigate complex ethical and legal issues, such as patient privacy and informed consent. Shadowing a doctor for a day offers a valuable learning experience for anyone interested in pursuing a career in medicine. It provided me with a behind-the-scenes look at the daily duties and challenges faced by medical professionals and highlighted for me the crucial role of doctors in our society. This experience only served to strengthen my decision to pursue a career in medicine. AISM parent Laura Alvarey tells a compelling story about a unique encounter with wildlife in Namibia Reporting by Laia Laura Alvery is one of many parents in AISM, who has had her share of exciting adventures and travels, many of them occurring in her time in Namibia with her family, where she lived for 3 years before they arrived in Mozambique in 2022. Laura and her family, as well as her brothers, found themselves in Bwabwata National Park, a protected game reserve that is abundant in all kinds of wildlife, including lions, leopard, zebras and blue wildebeest. It is located in Kavango East region of Namibia, bordering both Angola on its top half and Zambia on its bottom one. After driving 12 hours from Namibia's capital, Windhoek, they camped right by the river bed in a very remote area in the park, with their heads nearing the edge of the water. In the middle of the night, whilst everyone was sleeping, she and her husband began to hear noises coming from the water, right next to where they were lying. “We could smell the river being churned up, and even the animal before we heard it.", said Laura. They quickly realized that it was a hippo who had come up from under the water, and was eating some form of food. Laura described feeling a mixture of shock and fear, as she was worried that something might happen to her and her family. After the hippo had left, she fell back asleep, but her slumber was cut short when she was woken up only a few hours later by another noise that sounded almost like a saw being used. It turned out to be a leopard breathing only a few feet away from them, but Laura wasn't fully aware of this at the time. "A part of me wanted to get up and look around to see what it was making the noise, but I was honestly too scared to even move from my sleeping bag", she remembers. The next morning, they found leopard print tracks around their campsite, proving that the animal had been just nearby. Laura described the experiences as nerve wracking but also very exciting, as it was almost as if she was experiencing all the different senses of the animals at close quarters. Although Laura's encounters with wildlife in the savannah went smoothly, and turned out to be a story to be shared, the events of that night could have taken a much more dangerous turn, and to make it through two close encounters with some of the most dangerous animals in the region is extremely lucky. Although it doesn't happen often, it is not completely uncommon for tourists and people visiting national parks and reserves to be attacked by animals, especially when one is camping out in the open at night. Wild times indeed.
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