Pupils produce paper in a week

Date published: 16 November 2009

JUNIOR journalists produced their own newspaper in just a week.
In an exciting project the youngsters from Rawtenstall’s Balladen Community Primary School turned reporters and photographers in an innovative project, which mimicked life in a real newsroom. 

The school had three days to news gather, interview and write reports and draw pictures, but a gas leak on the first day meant the Balladen Express missed a whole day after the school was evacuated and the children were sent home. 

But the youngsters stepped up to the mark admirably turning misfortune into opportunity as 10-year-old Hayley Vick was quick to approach the paper’s editor Catherine Smyth on Tuesday to ask about writing the splash on the gas leak. She also came up with her own headline – Gas leak shortens week, which was used. 

Journalist for 21 years Catherine devised the school project after successfully running newspapers at Northern Primary School, Weir, for three years. 

Within the week all 16 pages of the colourful A5 newspaper had been completed and a busy team printed, folded and compiled 250 copies ready to sell to parents. 

Pupils from four to 11 were involved with every class in producing work for the paper. 

Catherine said: “On Wednesday morning the best way to describe the year six classroom was frenetic. Children were writing stories, dashing off to interview teachers, taking photographs, sourcing information and researching a factual article on smoking. 

“It was a fantastic experience to work with the school and I was so pleased that the head Peter Sumner could visualise my idea. All of the children, teachers and support staff should be very proud of what they achieved.” 

Mr Sumner said: “It went surprisingly smoothly, especially after what happened on Monday. On the Sunday I was not sure how it was going to work, all staff had been working on newspaper report writing with the children but we had never done anything like this before. 

“The children really enjoyed it and the finished paper is an amazing piece of work, which I am really proud of. 

“It has been more than just producing a newspaper, I think Catherine being here has made a real difference it gave the children an authentic experience of what it is like to work to deadlines, and that those deadlines had to be met. I would recommend the project to anybody.” 

Year six pupil Emily Holt, 10, said: “It was challenging but it was still fun and the best bit is seeing your work in the newspaper; it looks so amazing.” 

Sam Chisnall, 10, said: “It has helped me with my writing skills and I enjoyed interviewing teachers. Newspaper week was fun.” 

Interviewing was also Lauren Stanisauskis favourite part. “We have done art week before but this was different,” she said. “I like English and this week was good fun.” 

The school is now selling copies of the newspaper for £1. 

Any school interested in running a newspaper week at their school can contact Catherine on 07903 997375 or email catherine.smyth4@btinternet.com