In Toto Ed
In Toto Tales - July 2026
In Toto Tales offers an opportunity for our students to share a written piece about something they're currently working on or are passionate about. In this latest edition you can read all the news from In Toto Cambridge, from Daniel's Music in Nature artwork, to the new Barn vending machines, to a review of Forza Horizon 6.
Message from Mark
This half term has been a very busy (and very warm) one. I have been so impressed by everyone's commitment to finish off last little bits of portfolios and to act on feedback from the assessors. This willingness and enthusiasm to produce your absolute best is something to be celebrated... well done everyone!
I am also very grateful for you welcoming all of the visitors Sarah and I have been showing around the school into your lessons. At times it has felt like a revolving door, but your smiles, kind and encouraging words, and your articulate explanations of In Toto Ed provision have been amazing, and I know the visitors have all been so impressed.
Have a great summer break when it gets here.
Maths challenge
A toy train costs three times as much as a rocket.
The total cost of the train and rocket is £52.
How much does the train cost?
Got the answer? Check in with the Maths Department!
Music in Nature
As part of his Creative Crafts course, Daniel was given a brief to create "a temporary piece of art suitable for outdoor display within the estate grounds".
The result is this piece which is on display on the trees lining the entrance to Unit 4. Called "Music in Nature", Daniel used an acrylic pouring technique to create the abstract patterns on the cello.
New vending machines land in the Barn
Cody and Josiah visit two vending machines: one for hot drinks, and one for cold drinks and lovely snacks.
In the downstairs of the Barn, in the corner next to the TV and overseen by a camera, is a vending machine. A futuristic machine that accepts contactless forms of payment: PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Oreo cookies, Kit-Kats, Biscoff Bars, Coke, Crunchies etc are available to buy. Using the touchpad, enter the code for your chosen item, and then tap your card. Payment via app is also available using a QR code.
Also in the Barn there is a coffee machine. It is next to the toaster in the kitchen area. You have to tap the drink on the touchscreen, then tap your card on the reader.
We think it is unfair that pre-16s cannot use the machines, but they are a good concept.
What do you think? Should the vending machines be available to everyone?
Forza in the Land of the Rising Sun
The aim of the game is to become a racing legend by completing races, open world events and PR stunts. PR stunts are driving challenges that can help you level up. There are drift zones, danger signs, speed zones, speed traps and trailblazers. You have to beat a score by drifting in the drift zone, jump off danger signs for a set distance, drive at an average speed to get three stars in speed zones, drive as fast as possible through speed traps, and drive from point A to point B as fast as you can in trailblazer stunts.
With so much to do in the game, here are some of my favourite features: window stickers, customisable front and rear rims, Time Attack circuit. The window stickers are a great addition because it is very cool and the fans have been wanting it ever since Forza Horison 2. Front and rear rim customisation is important because players have been wanting to have different front and rear rim designs. The effect is purely cosmetic, but you can make better looking cars. Time Attack circuits were a surprise to the Forza community because no one knew what Time Attack was. Time Attack is a real-life racing series where a group of drivers try to get the fastest times in solo races against the clock. You can spend hours racing to shave seconds off your time. You can play Time Attack solo or online; I prefer solo because you do not have other cars blocking you.
Speaking about being blocked, there are cars with a lot of game-breaking bugs. Unfortunately, bugs are prevalent: flying cars, insane AI, traffic cars being funny and, worst of all, if you paint the Ford F150 Lightning, or if you tune the Shuppan 962CR, your progress can reset and you lose everything. Your 90% complete game is reset to zero. It is so devastating if it happens.
Tall Tokyo Tower looms over my tiny GR-GT
The map from Mt Haruna
A view of Mt. Fuji from the Ito region
All in all, it is a great game, and I will not fault it for its bugs because it is new. Forza Horizon 6 is also the first game that a new Playground Games team has worked on after one of the co-founders and some developers left to start a new studio called Maverick Games, who are working on a new racing title called Clutch.
New, unannounced expansions are coming in the next 12 months. There has been a rumour that Drift Adventure might be the first downloadable content, but it is still just speculation. For now though, Forza Horizon 6 is looking to age like fine wine. It is pretty good now but may be much better in the future.
Rating: 9