Young Reporters Get Newsroom Experience as BBC Presenter Visits Somerset School
By Schools Correspondent
BBC presenter inspires young reporters at Herons’ Moor Primary School
A BBC TV presenter has been inspiring the next generation of journalists during a special Good News Room training session at Herons’ Moor Primary School in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
Cheryl Dennis led a hands-on workshop with pupil reporters, sharing her journey from dreaming of presenting the news at just four years old to building a successful broadcasting career.
The Good News Room initiative is part of the Good News Post created by Purple Sheep Communications.
The programme began 14 years ago as a small school-based idea and has since grown into an international movement, training young people aged four to 21 as reporters.
Good News Post
During the visit, pupils took part in a practical TV reporting session, learning how to present and produce their own stories — including a feature on the school’s much-loved tortoise, George.
Cheryl said:
“I had a wonderful time with the reporters. They showed incredible maturity and enthusiasm. I believe journalism is the best job in the world and it was a delight to share my journey so far and tips for their own reporting journeys.
“Jill Dando was a top flight TV journalist and the Good News Post’s Good News Room project to train up young reporters in her memory is a fantastic legacy.
Cheryl added: “I watched Jill on television when I was younger, and her personality and presence on screen inspired me too.”
Through Good News Rooms, pupils develop aspiration, confidence, communication and literacy skills while learning how to tell positive, community-focused stories.
The project also supports mental wellbeing by encouraging young people to focus on uplifting news and real-life achievements.
The session forms part of the wider Good News Post initiative, which has been running at Herons’ Moor since December.
The project is already established in more than 20 schools across the South West and beyond, with more joining each month.
Young reporters involved in the wider programme have gone on to interview high-profile figures including the Prime Minister, Mr Speaker and Fiona Bruce.
They then post their stories on the Good News Post www.goodnewspost.co.uk which then go to the wider media.
Headteacher Georgina Tinker said: “A massive thank you to Cheryl who was so inspirational for the pupils.”
The visit is part of the wider Good News Post programme, which runs Good News Rooms in schools and supports the growing Jill Dando News Network.
The network trains young people aged four to 21 in journalism skills, helping to build confidence, communication and literacy while promoting positive storytelling.
Schools interested in setting up a Good News Room can contact the Good News Post www.goodnewspost.co.uk for more information.
For more on Purple Sheep Communications see www.thepurplesheep.com
