Young Journalists

With a focus on speaking and listening skills, year 9 pupils from King Charles I High School in Kidderminster took part in the 'Young Journalists' project.

The initial workshop took place on 16th June 2010, where the pupils were introduced to creative broadcast journalism and innovative ways of documenting events using digital tools such as green screen, photography, audio broadcasting and animation.

A twilight session was also held for teachers, to explore how they could support the project, and to encourage them to think about how these creative methods could enhance and enrich pupils' learning experiences across the curriculum.

The young people thoroughly enjoyed the practical and hands-on experience, which prepared them for their challenge of documenting two ‘Deep Learning Days’ on the 1st and 2nd of July, where the whole school explored the Indian culture. The immersive learning activities included Henna Painting, Bollywood Dancing, Dhol Drumming and a traditional Indian chasing game called “Chanyadi”.

The young journalists captured the various creative activities and events happening during the two days, and interviewed other pupils and staff, from which they produced a range of digital media to share with their partner school in the Punjab, India.

Alongside this, a group of pupils visited a local Sikh temple and another group travelled to France. These two events were also documented using the digital tools and newly acquired skill set the pupils had gained from working with creative practitioners from the local area.

The two deep learning days proved to be a huge success for the whole school. The young journalists gained invaluable skills and their confidence has grown substantially over the two days.

"Before I was too shy to put my hand up in class, now I have had to interview staff and pupils which has given me the confidence I need, now I don't think I will be as shy anymore." Young Journalist