Newsquest newspapers in South London have launched a scheme which has provided over 600 students at 70 South England schools with journalism training and an opportunity to get published.
The students are taught how to research, write, adhere to deadlines and upload their stories on the newspapers websites and take work experience in a newsroom.
Diana Jarvis, who coordinates the scheme said: ‘It has been a fantastic start to the Young Reporter of the Year scheme for 2011/12. So far some really fascinating articles and great photographs have been uploaded by the students within the specified deadlines. We are delighted that so many schools signed up for this unique opportunity, which allows students to try their hand at journalism working alongside professionals.”
The best articles and photographs will compete for the upcoming Young Reporter Awards 2012, sponsored by Roehampton University.
Christina Paish, who won the year 10 and 11 prize for photography this year, said: ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the scheme. It helped me to develop not only my writing and photography skills but I also learned lots about my community that I hadn’t previously known.”
At the end of the scheme participants are awarded with a certificate, which can be used for applications for further education.
Read the student’s latest articles here: yourlocalguardian.co.uk/yoursay/schools
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog