School Report 2009

The pupils will be taking part in BBC School report Day which is project designed to engage 11-14-year-olds in the news. Ex-teacher and BBC News presenter Huw Edwards is lending his support:

He says: "I'm involved because I want to give young people the chance to make the news themselves, and I want to share the principles of good journalism."

Over the past few months the students in Years seven to ten have been working hard, training to be top journalists, carrying out interviews and producing reports."

Working to deadlines

Project organisers Michelle Borders and Jan Kasperczyk said "This is the first time we’ve taken part in BBC News School Report. The pupils involved have already demonstrated a keen interest in the world of journalism as they produce the school’s ezine “Big Mag”. Taking part in this project seemed to be the next logical step to encourage their interest in journalism.

In their brief journey to the March 26th deadline, the group has taken part in a practice news day, they’ve participated in a workshop run by BBC Midlands and they’ve interviewed Suzanne Virdee and discovered what sort of cocktail she would be!

We would recommend anyone wanting to give their pupils a real taste of what it’s like to be a journalist to get involved with this project. The pupils have had a fantastic time making, producing and presenting real news on issues that matter to them. You don’t have to be a teacher to run the project either, anyone can do it.”

Headteacher Mr Hamilton said "Encouraging young people to understand how the world is represented to them through the media is crucial and we are extremely proud to be part of this national project".

The Big Day

On Thursday at 2pm the students will be broadcasting their news, covering the stories of the day as well as their special reports on Healthy Eating, Bullying and our superstar trampoline display team, the Kangaroos.

Polesworth pupils Laura and Katie said. "It’s been great fun! Our favourite bit so far has been going to the Mailbox to see how BBC Midlands today is put together, sitting on the famous red sofa and presenting the weather We can’t wait for the big day, though it’s a bit scary to see if we’ll be ready in time."

You can find more reports from school reporters on the BBC website: www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport