Category: Teaching

Reporting for BBC School Report Day at Queens Park High School, Chester

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BBC School Report marked its tenth anniversary this week.

The initiative from BBC News helps 11 to 16-year-old students develop their journalistic skills.

I joined a group of wannabe hacks at Queens Park High School, Chester, to brainstorm ideas for print- and video-journalism reports.

Check out some of the work from the day here.

More about BBC School Report.

What did you think of this story? Post your comments below.

Liked this? Try also Media literacy at Horns Mill primary School, Helsby.

KS2 writing workshop for Overleigh St Mary’s Primary School, Chester

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Just time to fit in another workshop for schools before Christmas.

It was, in fact, a return trip to Overleigh St Marys Primary School in Chester to run another media writing workshop for Key Stage 2 (KS2).

The focus this year was news (factual writing) vs. blogs (persuasive writing) and we based our stories around a space theme with the hook of Major Time Peake blasting off to the International Space Station (ISS) on December 15.

Amongst the topics we discussed:

  • What is news?
  • How to structure of news writing
  • How to use quotes
  • What is a blog post?
  • How to structure a blog post
  • How to research, not rant

By the end of the morning we had a Newsround-style opportunity to read out our stories with the final versions to go live on the school website shortly — check back for details.

What did you think of this story? Post your comments below.

Liked this? Try also BBC School report Day at Horns Mill Primary School.

IVC writing workshop — How to write a magazine feature

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Workshop news. I ran a taster session for the Chester IVC group last night [pictured above].
It was based around writing features for magazines and hosted by the Cross Keys pub in their upstairs room, plus fuelled by one of their Sunday roasts.
We developed some great story ideas on the night from travel to health via food and careers. Thanks to those who took part for sharing their ideas and writing in a supportive environment.
One key aspect of the workshop was about crafting your first line. As I explained:
“It’s really important as you win the reader in the first line. So make it good.”

We went on to talk about styles of introductions and how these can win over the reader to hook them into your story. Examples of intro include …

  • Provocative / intriguing to bring colour, contrast, impact
  • Narrative / anecdote as an oblique way into the story
  • Descriptive / scene setter to take the reader right into the story in an active and colourful way
  • Question to make the reader think
  • Direct speech  can look ugly but a great quote can have real impact
Some feedback on the night from the attendees includes the comments below.
“I had a fabulous time, really thought provoking and fun. Can’t wait until the next one.” — Emma
“Liked the setting and company. A great group of people.” — Alison
I’m planning more workshop for 2016 and there’s even an idea for a writing retreat in Wales. Sign up to my newsletter for more details.

A media taster session for the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce

 

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I ran a taster session for my media-medira writing workshops with Tracy North of Outwrite PR.

It was a lunch event for the West Cheshire and Noth Wales Chamber of Commerce (WCNW Chamber) and the theme was how to get your story across.

There was a great response from people on the day with lots of questions and follow ups via Twitter but, for anyone who missed it, here are my top tips for making your news story or blog post stand out from the crowd.

Your story has to be worth reading. And to be worth reading it has to have a hook or an angle, that is something timely and compelling that makes it stand out.

So you need to think differently. But how?

  • 1) Find the news hook — think why now? What is the one piece of news you want to share? Eg. You’re launching a new product next week? You’ve just won an award? Your business is celebrating its first anniversary? If no hook, then no story.
  • 2) Put a human face on it — think how can your build empathy with your readers? Simple. People love to read about people, so don’t be afraid to personalise your story and share your own personal experience.
  • 3) Offer your expert views — can you explain a complex subject in a concise yet informative way and without blinding people with jargon? Great. Then put yourself forward. After all, the media thrives on comment.
  • 4) Elevate your story — think about how your story fits in with national/international trends and events? Eg. Budget statement last week? How did the Chancellors’ announcements impact on your business? Greek debt crisis? How does this relate to what’s happening in your business?
  • 5) Just say it — think about how to make your point clearly and concisely. My pet hates include waffle intros, lack of follow-up details and exclamation marks.

Liked this? Then try also Writing online: Feedback from the second workshop.