Economics book prizes

As a prize for sustained effort over the year, a number of Economics students received a copy of Robert Frank's Why Economics Explains Almost Everything.

The book makes a bold claim through its title – which may be slightly exaggerated. But the book is challenging and intelligent, yet remains accessible.

This book helps you discover the secrets behind hundreds of everyday enigmas. Why is there a light in your fridge but not in your freezer? Why do 24-hour shops bother having locks on their doors? Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets? The answer is simple: economics. Economics doesn't just happen in classrooms or international banks. It is everywhere and influences everything we do and see, from the cinema screen to the streets. It can even explain some of life's most intriguing enigmas. For years, economist Robert Frank has been encouraging his students to use economics to explain the strange situations they encounter in everyday life

The following students received copies.

(from synopsis on Amazon)

Lower 6th

Aziza Dossumova

Vicky Li

Stasya Ng

Dana Darongsuwan

Filipe Fazenda

Natalie Luo

Charles Tantasith

Hannah Bignold

Anna Pashaeva

Harriet James

Sakurako Hasegawa

Sheeraz Naqvi

Val Sakchornai

Georgie Thomas

Jim Tang

Upper 6th

Gig Tinakorn

Nikolay Pavlov

Andrei Pronin

Saltanat Januzakova

Aizhan Smagulova

Sofia Asatridi

Dmitry Sarin

Danni Huang

Sports Day at Leckford Place School

Leckford Place School held its sports day on Thursday. There were many outstanding performances by pupils, and the day was characterised by an atmosphere of competition – but also of enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

View a gallery of more photos on Flickr

The final results by House were as follows:

1. Evenlode
2. Thame
3. Windrush
4. Isis

End of term BBQ

Students and staff at the ISC celebrated the end of the year – and the beginning of the summer – with a barbecue in d'Overbroeck's gardens.

Sixth Form Ball 2008

With the summer term – and its exams – drawing to a close, a certain degree of celebration is justified. To this end, on Friday, d'Overbroeck's sixth formers had their annual Ball.

During the evening, awards were presented for sport and extra-curricular activities – and music was provided by two student bands: South Parade and Friday's Child.

View a set of more photos on Flickr

Celebratory trip to Blenheim Palace

Some students from the ISC visited nearby Blenheim Palace, yesterday – on a relaxed cultural amble to mark the last day of exams. Those who fancied a less laid-back celebration had the option of go karting, instead ...

Staff vs Students: Rounders

Yesterday afternoon, d'Overbroeck's staff again competed against students – this time, on the rounders pitch.

The contest was close-fought, with scores equal after the first innings. A certain kamikaze quality, however, characterised the staff's play at the beginning of the second innings – allowing the students to bat to a well-deserved victory.

Students 19, Staff 16.5

View Flickr slideshow for more photos of the game

Iran Uncarpeted

Chris Dobbing left d'Overbroeck's a year ago, and has since taken a gap year - in his words, "the warm fuzzy space between education and the real world". During a 90-day round-the-world trip, he spent ten days in Iran. The following description of his experiences is taken from the article he has written: Iran Uncarpeted.

My solitary wander through Iran's thid largest city, Isfahan, did not reveal any nuclear weapons factories or fundamentalist Muslims. On the contrary, I felt safe and welcomed. As I browsed, I was approached by a young Iranian guy, of about my age, introducing himself as Ali. 

I asked what he did for a living. He pulled a face, and declared:

'If I tell you, you'll run away.'

I cautiously promised not to. Ali looked at me and grinned: 'I'm a carpet seller.'

I burst into laughter, and so did he. He took me to his shop, gave me tea and we talked about the country. Not once did he mention buying a carpet. I got the impression that politics were very detached from the streets: the upcoming elections were of little interest to Ali or any of his family or friends - they were totally disenfranchised. 

One day, Ali explained, he would like to go to Australia and start business there, but he would never get a passport. To be granted permission to leave the country, Iranian citizens must do two years National Service, something that he refused to do. My British passport was burning a hole in my pocket at this point, and I felt guilty for my right to travel wherever the whim took me.

The trip gave me a new respect for the freedoms afforded us; an appreciation of our multi-cultural and liberal way of life; and experience of doing my own laundry. I'd recommend a gap year to anyone.