Pupils receive a masterclass in journalism

NOTEBOOKS and pens at the ready, pupils at Westbrook Old Hall Primary School were transformed into junior journalists for the week.

The year four pupils enjoyed learning about the media industry after reporter Lauren Hirst visited the school to speak to the children about life as a journalist and what it is like behind the scenes.

Year four teacher Carla Gavin said: “All the children have had a fantastic time learning about newspapers.

“We have learnt all about puns and alliteration and the children have come up with some brilliant headlines.”

There certainly wasn’t a shortage of talent in the room with the pupils displaying many of the core skills a journalist needs to succeed.

The mini hacks were giving me a run for my money as they came up with creative headlines and intriguing story ideas as well as bombarding me with questions.

The pupils were keen to learn the key skills a journalist needs and very quickly learned how to write the shorthand alphabet after a 15-minute demonstration.

By the end of the class all of the children were able to write their full names in shorthand and were dreaming of a career at the Warrington Guardian.