Young Newshounds Make The Headlines at RAPS

Year 3 pupils investigated the world of reporters in specialist workshops that explored the variety of wide-ranging stories, requirements and responsibilities of working in the news, interview techniques, writing to deadlines, plus other essential communication skills.

The sessions also supported their PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Economic) education about exploring the wider world and English learning.

The Year 3 group worked with locally-based Paddle Media in a number of fun literacy engagements based on journalistic practices and media literacy which spark creative thinking.

The creative youngsters took on the role of reporters who were tasked with covering the story of the evacuation of a Ramsgate school due to a mysterious smell.

In addition to looking at tabloid and broadsheet publications and the role of a journalist, pupils were challenged with devising with a name for their newspaper, deciding who to interview for their story, thinking of interview questions and interviewing classmates before writing a short news story, with a quote and headline.

Year 3 teacher Alicia Hayzelden said: “This was a fantastic experience for our pupils. They were completely engaged from start to finish, and it was wonderful to see them thinking critically, asking thoughtful questions, and expressing themselves so creatively in their writing. It brought literacy to life in a way that felt real and exciting for them.”

Deputy Head of School Danny Holliday added: “These workshops have had a clear impact on both confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

“By linking journalism with real-world scenarios, Paddle Media has given our pupils a deeper understanding of communication and the wider world, while also strengthening key English and PSHE skills.

“It’s been a highly valuable and inspiring experience for our school community.”

The workshops have been developed thanks to Broadstairs Town Council, Ramsgate Town Council, The Gibbons Trust and Social Enterprise Kent.

*Paddle Media is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that engages children and teenagers in journalism through creative hands-on workshops, while working to create pathways into the industry for Thanet-based young people in collaboration with local culture and lifestyle publication Strange Tourist.

A CIC is a special type of limited company in the UK designed to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. These social enterprises use profits to grow or support social objectives.

Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School and Chilton Primary School.

*For more information, contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847