Young pupils step out of the classroom and into the world of real-life journalism
Poppy, 10, and Henry, 9, are taking journalism beyond the classroom, building confidence, developing workplace skills and discovering that all things are possible.
The Herons’ Moor Academy pupils put their skills into practice when they went on location to cover the opening of a new public defibrillator at The Campus library and conference centre in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
After nine months in their school’s Good News, the youngsters interviewed members of the Donate for Defib WsM Project: Tom Farrand, Project Lead, and Christina Chell, Deputy Project Lead
The opening formed part of Restart a Heart, a national initiative raising awareness of CPR.
The Worle Lions purchased the defibrillator cabinet, while John West installed it free of charge, making the equipment accessible to the public 24 hours a day.
Herons’ Moor headteacher Georgie said: “Our pupils were outstanding and really enjoyed our visit. They were out being real-life news reporters. This entire project is wonderful in so many ways.”
Opening doors to extraordinary opportunities
Since Jill Dando News launched in 2016, young reporters on the programme have interviewed prime ministers three times and Mr Speaker at Parliament three times, alongside countless other notable figures, including BBC presenter Fiona Bruce.
The experiences help young people develop confidence, communication, resilience and media literacy, while inspiring them to aim high and discover opportunities beyond the classroom.
Good News Post establishes Good News Rooms in schools, giving children and young people aged four to 21 the opportunity to report on real events just like Jill Dando did herself.
Founded in 2011, the project launched as Jill Dando News in 2016 in memory of former Worle pupil and BBC presenter Jill Dando. It encourages young reporters to follow the “Jill Dando way” of telling stories with kindness, positivity and empathy.
Herons’ Moor Academy have had journalism training session sessions hosted by Nigel Dando, David Kenneford, Janet Williams and the BBC’s Cheryl Dennis.
The initiative is expanding across the UK and beyond.
Find out more at www.goodnewspost.org or email pippa@goodnewspost.co.uk.
