We're back after Easter. I hope you all had a restful but productive time. With half a term left for all of you sitting exams it's a time to get organised and work hard. You have a big break after, so make sure you get the most out of that time. I have been visiting galleries and watching creatives across many disciplines. The main point of their success is putting the effort it, if you put yourself out there, you'll give yourself a chance. I've unsuccessfully entered a few competitions, I might not have won, but I have got to speak to people giving me advice as to what to do in the future, so I'll carry on. Over Easter I was lucky enough to go on Holiday and I've used that time to see loads of cool new things to inspire the next phase of my work. Refocusing what I was already doing with a new vigour having seen lots of great work. The WOW this week, continues our Art Craft and Design Year 1 take over. Lots of diversity and something for everyone. I hope you enjoy the ideas.
Coding App: MIMO
Recommended by Seb:
This is for anyone who has taken interest in programming and web design, but never took the time to take it forward. Or for anyone who has, and would like to expand their skills further.
Mimo is a language learning app similar to Duolingo, although the topics learned include commands and languages such as Python, JavaScript, HTML5, Swift and SQL. You can customise your own course to whichever language and difficulty you would like to learn, even if you only want to spend 5 minutes learning a day.
My favourite feature on this app is the profile playground, where you can code your own sandbox full of commands, games and silly features, and share them to your friends. Mimo is free and available on the App and play store, and will teach you to a basics level. Remember not to limit yourself to only one source for learning. Happy coding!
Comic Con Manchester 2024
Recommended by Joe:
I have chosen to suggest this event as not only help me with my work for college in collecting primary recordings but also I'm going down to Manchester on the train with my Older Brother who like me enjoys subjects such as DC, Marvel, Star Treck and Star wars.
I've also suggested this event as I've experienced what this company and comic con have to offer in a mini con I went to with my brother back in 2022 in the albert hotel in Horwich it is a very entertaining day out you get to take photos with people in extravagant, in detail costumes and you can pick up retro comics and survoniers to remember it by. Last time when I went to the mini con in Horwich I bought a Lord of the rings Saron ring a few retro Star Wars comics and a Jurassic Park Velociraptor calling chamber that was 3D printed
Not only are there two days of taking photos meeting new people and buying Merchandise but there is also a After party after the convention has finished however from what my Older Brother told me you have to be 18+ and there will be an additional entry fee of £11.00 I think if you check on the link.
This Next bit that I recommend is something regrettably I will not be able to do as me and my brother have a price limit on what we spend considering price for one day is around £30.00 and to stay for both days is around £55.00 but there is great opportunity here to meet celebrities from certain series and franchises one I know and I think you guys will know a lot about as well is Rainn Wilson from the office who plays Dwight Schrute. This will cost extra if you want to meet and take a photo with these celebrities which can range up to around £80.00
THE OCTAGON - THEATRE
Recommended by Braidien:
The octagon is a theatre in Bolton located on the back entrance of the NCP car park. It holds many musicals and professional performances such as animal farm, Northanger Abbey and many previous performances. It has a bar and restaurant in the building which you can go to without seeing a performance. It also features a comedy club and many youth theatre clubs for example, Young Octagon which is for people 13-19. I recommend this to anyone and everyone as it is the main source of theatre and art in Bolton and any young person can sign up for the performing arts clubs on Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday from ages 7- 17. there is also a drama cub for people over 50 called ArtBeat.
SERIES: The Queens Gambit
Recommended by Grace:
I highly recommend “The Queens Gambit.” Its a captivating miniseries that masterfully combines elements of drama, and chess strategy. The storyline follows the journey of a young orphan, Beth Harmon, as she rises through the ranks of competitive chess while battling personal demons. The cinematography is stunning, the performances are exceptional and the thematic exploration of addiction, ambition, and resilience makes it truly compelling. Overall, its a must-watch for its engaging narrative and brilliant execution.
YOU CAN WATCH IT ON NETFLIX
FILM: BLADE RUNNER 2049
This film is a must watch for those who are creative and are into architecture. buildings are built out of raw materials and the movie can inspire people who are interested in architecture. this film is set in the dystopian future and it is a science fiction film. this movie gives insights on how the dystopian future looks like which inspires graphic designers.
The original Blade Runner inspired all this too....
Here is a link:
YOU CAN WATCH IT ON NETFLIX
FOOD: Franco Manca
If you're a pizza lover, then this is for you! Franco Manco offers a student bundle of a drink and a pizza for £9.95.
The franchise is located in the Trafford Centre, or there is also a few of them located around Manchester Centre. Their pizzas are on sourdough bread, and they also offer vegetarian/vegan options on their menu. The restaurant is perfect for a friend date, or a group meet up.
To access the student discount, You can either download StudentBeans or Unidays, and verify your account through your Sixth Form email, and then you just show that to your waiter.