BBC News School Report gives Markethill pupils the chance to make the headlines

By Eleanor McGillie

PUPILS from Markethill High School have been putting their storytelling skills to the test by taking part in the BBC News School Report project.

The project, which is hosted by the BBC UK wide, gives 11-16-year-olds the opportunity to make their own news for a real audience.

The collaborative programme, which is run by BBC News and BBC Learning, helps students develop their journalistic skills to become school reporters.

James Maxwell, Principal of Markethill High School, said: “This is a fantastic project and we are delighted to have played a big part in news gathering. Our participating pupils produced their own news story for TV which highlighted road safety and it was filmed outside the school, recorded and then edited by the pupils.

“We were delighted to welcome the BBC bus to the school. The workshops were run all day with 11 of our pupils who got a fantastic insight into how to gather news and how to identify a good news story. Everyone worked in groups, discussed events and were able to come up with four news stories from within the school’s community.”

Mr Maxwell said the pupils identified the Taylor Cup hockey semi final, reading initiatives, the school’s new 4G hockey pitch and the importance of music as four stories of interest. The pupils were then able to write their scripts and carry out interviews and vox pops before beginning the editing process on board the BBC Bus.

Markethill High School is one of 1,000 schools UK wide to have taken part in the biggest ever School Report News Day.

BBC News presenter and former teacher Huw Edwards was working on the School Report.

Speaking about the project he said: “Over the years I have run many journalism workshops in schools. So I’ve seen how much fun it can be and how much can be learned when there are real deadlines, real audiences and real standards to meet.

“I am 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.”

ENDS:

NOTES TO EDITOR:

• Markethill High School is the Best School in Northern Ireland for Modern Languages
• In September 2013, The Minister for Education John O’Dowd congratulates Markethill High School for being one of 11 schools in Northern Ireland which successfully bridges the gap between social disadvantage and educational attainment
• In October 2013 the ETI report that Markethill High School is a school of ‘very good practice’ and commends all aspects of school life
• In November 2013 Harper Adams University in Ireland announces a collaboration with Markethill High School to lead the way in education in Northern Ireland by encouraging pupils to take up careers in agriculture
• For further information contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569 | 07709805379| Education PR | Brand Journalism Experts | Brand Journalism UK | Brand Journalism Northern Ireland | PR Agency Northern Ireland |