Due to increasing popularity, the deadline for joining the Young Reporter Scheme, has been extended until 7 November.

This scheme, which is now in its eleventh year, has gained an amazing reputation for giving school students the opportunity to experience life in the media.

Claire Hitchcock, a teacher from Dunraven School, said: “The students were excited to be writing for real audiences. The impact of their writing sometimes created real responses! The power of writing in action.” 

Students from years 10 through to 13, sign up with the Newsquest Group and write eight articles over a period of seven months.  Every article is published, allowing students to build up a portfolio of their work for use with their CVs and UCAS applications.

Throughout the scheme, the students are treated as if they are real live journalists and given deadlines and word counts to work to each month.

At the end of the scheme, those that have completed the task are rewarded with a Letter of Recognition from the editor and the opportunity to go forward and compete for prizes. 

Irene Marillat, Careers Advisor from Tolworth Girls’ School and Sixth Form, said: “This is our second year of taking the challenge provided by Newsquest. Students have told us that being published has boosted their confidence in so many ways.  The Young Reporter Scheme has provided them with a valued means of self expression that complements and enhances their studies.”

This is an opportunity not to be missed, especially for those students studying media or for those wishing to pursue a career in this field.

All students wishing to join need to speak to their Careers Department or Head of Year and must be signed up by the 7 November.