Sandwick bairns on news beat
Ryan Taylor
Young news hounds are busily seeking out the latest hot stories in the South Mainland.
The hardened hacks with a nose for a good tale are all part of Sandwick Junior High’s news club. The club used to be run by second year pupils who put together a regular newsletter.
But the last batch of would-be journalists enjoyed news-gathering so much, the experience has been opened up to more pupils. Up to 35 youngsters from primary five to secondary four are putting together their next publication, which should be hot off the press at the end of the term.
The newsletter’s appeal has also been widened out. Teacher Helen Kerr said the youngsters had been divided into different groups, with each group taking responsibility for topics such as arts and entertainment, community-news and sport.
There are even plans for a dialect section – something which should keep the paper’s eagle-eyed proof-readers busy. Bearing the weight of responsibility for the new edition is editor and S4 pupil Sinead Lucock. The 15-year-old took on the job after being democratically elected to the post.
“It’s kind of scary, that everybody is relying on me to do it, but it has been good,” she said. “I’m still thinking about it as a career idea, but I really like writing stories.”
Away from the printed word, S2 classes are also involved in the BBC School News Report project, which has opened up the opportunity for youngsters to gain experience in broadcast media.
John Smith
Congratulations to the children and staff at Sandwick Junior High School – it shows what a great education can bring. Such a shame that SIC want to close the school and bus the Sandwick stars to a less successful high school in Lerwick.
Let us hope all Sandwick Junior High School past pupils will help the continued fight against SIC closing their great school. Would this article have appeared in The Shetland Times under SIC’s plans ??
Maurice Smith
What a splendid story – well done Sandwick. A great way to learn the discipline of journalism as well as gaining awareness of what is happening in their area.