Newsquest’s annual Young Reporter Scheme has returned for its nineteenth consecutive year.
To mark this milestone, new schools can benefit from introductory pricing available until the end of June.
The discounted rates, available throughout May and June, enable new schools to reduce costs while aligning expenditure with this academic year’s finances.
Alison Cotton, Head of English at Croydon High School, who has been involved with the scheme for several years, explained that the Young Reporter programme has become a vital component of their extracurricular offerings for students in Years 10 and 11, and the school takes pride in having celebrated numerous award winners over the years.
Students discovered the experience as both thrilling and challenging, acquiring practical knowledge about journalism careers.
Developing story ideas, juggling timetables and producing publication-ready material under monthly deadlines constitutes a significant accomplishment!
The combination of autonomy and guidance enables participants to grow as writers through this dynamic work placement scheme.
The initiative has grown considerably, with tens of thousands of students taking part in what schools view as a unique and attractive prospect.
The scheme offers students hands-on experience in the media industry, as participants craft monthly pieces that are published across Newsquest’s wide range of national digital publications.
Every student’s contributions will be featured over an eight-month timeframe, helping them cultivate essential abilities including time management and creating content that meets professional benchmarks.
This equips them for further education and their subsequent careers.
Should this appeal to your school or someone you know, please spread the word or access youngreporter.co.uk to submit an enquiry form.
The scheme is open to all students in Years 10 to 13, regardless of academic performance or career goals, and continues to be a favoured out-of-class activity for schools throughout the country.
Organisers point out that the programme advantages even those not intending to enter journalism, as it motivates students to consider different viewpoints, venture beyond familiar territory and refine their writing abilities.
Victoria Whitwam from Hampton School expressed that the school is a strong advocate for the initiative at Hampton School.
It operates efficiently while remaining practical and acknowledging the pressures faced by students and teachers.
Crucially, it fosters independent thought and organisational skills among participating students.