Herons’ Moor Primary pupils thrive in nine-month Good News Room pilot
By Schools Correspondent
Pupils at Herons’ Moor Primary School have enjoyed a hugely successful nine-month pilot of their Good News Room – building confidence, developing journalism skills and learning to find the positive stories happening around them.
One of the highlights came when students from nearby Priory Community School Academy visited the primary school to pass on their journalism skills.
Priory reporters Poppy, Isabella and Rosie led an engaging workshop, explaining what makes a good journalist before getting the younger pupils to interview each other and discover five interesting facts.
There have also been visits from a BBC TV journalist, as well as former journalists Nigel Dando and Janet Williams, giving pupils the chance to learn from experienced reporters and develop their own positive news stories.
Herons’ Moor headteacher Georgie Tinker said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have a Good News Room in our school. The children have been magnificent and so creative, and they always love having visitors, including journalists, at the school.”
The nine-month pilot has given pupils the opportunity to find, investigate and write positive stories while developing their confidence and communication skills.
The Good News Post project was created in a headteacher’s office in 2011 and is inspired by Weston-super-Mare-born broadcaster Jill Dando and her kind, positive and humble approach to journalism.
Young reporters involved in the programme have gone on to interview the Prime Minister inside Downing Street, the Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament and BBC presenter Fiona Bruce.
The Editor
Good News Rooms give children the opportunity to become young reporters while celebrating the people, achievements and events in their own school and community.
Schools interested in joining the Good News Rooms project can find out more at www.goodnewspost.org or email pippa@goodnewspost.co.uk.
