Testimonials...
The Young Reporter Scheme has been running for thirteen years now and has taken thousands of students through this exciting journey.
Take a look at some of the testimonials below from students and schools who have taken part over the years.
What the students say...
“Firstly, I would just like to say a massive thank you to you and This Is Local London for introducing this Scheme to me. I am very happy that I decided to do it and it has really opened my eyes to writing and publishing, giving me ideas about careers that I would have never even considered. I hope to take part in it again next year as I have truly enjoyed this experience!” Leila Hassanien, Gumley House School
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"The Young Reporter's Scheme has helped me develop my writing in a different way than is needed for A Level English for example. I have particularly enjoyed researching before writing my articles and the process of interviewing people." Elsie MacGregor, Radnor House
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“I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and it made me challenge myself and go further with research. It also made me feel more confident with my writing.” Nandini Chanda, Newstead Wood School
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“It really helped in terms of opening my horizons. I am a very technical mindset and am more into the maths and sciences field, so the opportunity to go and research my local area and develop these writing skills that I’d been neglecting, was really great.” Dylan Danno, Tiffin School
"Through this scheme, I was able to develop the necessary skills for journalism and got a real taste of how journalism really is. Not only did I get to experience what journalists do, I also improved my skills in writing. I am very thankful for this amazing opportunity and it will be an experience I will never forget!" Ying Hang Zeng, Walthamstow School for Girls
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"It was a pleasure to have been involved in this tremendous experience. I have learned many new skills in which I intend to use in the future and will benefit me greatly. This scheme has inspired me to become even more imaginative and confident which are significant qualities to have. Without a doubt, I would encourage EVERYONE to have a go at this exciting experience. You never know, you may find a hidden talent of yours!" Iris Zaganjori, Walthamstow School For Girls
"Working with the 'This is Local London' and 'Young Reporters' has been a great experience and it was such a wonderful time. Thankyou." Jeyanathan Jeyanthan, Welling School
"This scheme has helped me develop my writing skills and it was an enriching experience about being able to write about all sorts of subjects." Meghna Singh, Rosebery School
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for this experience, which has truly taught me a lot about the world of journalism." Shreya Karuman, The Kingston Academy
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“I enjoyed and very much appreciated the platform I was given on which to write, the fact that my articles were published in an actual newspaper still seems unreal to me and seeing them pop up on the internet under the news tab is really cool. It was also interesting to see what it was like to write for a newspaper and helped me explore a career option that I might consider in the future.” Emily Batty, Surbiton High School
“Genuinely thankful for the Young Reporters scheme for allowing me the first-hand experience of writing for a news outlet. The last few months have given me an insight into the world of journalism and it has helped me incredibly.” Tyler Clarke, Highams Park Sixth Form
“My participation in the Young Reporter Scheme has enabled me to acquire the vital skills needed in the path of journalism. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to enhance such skills.” Emily Lazell-Taylor, Swakeleys School
“This has been an insightful experience and I am glad that I have been a part of it.” Caroline Akanho, St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College
“I really enjoyed the young reporters scheme it motivated me to push myself to write better even when I though that I did my best.” Faith Agba Butler, Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College
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“The Young Reporter's Scheme has been an amazing experience. Not only have I gained more confidence in speaking to people, but, I have also learnt so much about my local area and gained an insight into journalism. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to explore their local area.” Gulcin Erten, Newstead Wood School
“Within my time as being part of the scheme, it has helped me massively to improve my writing skills, stick to deadlines and enable me to be creative; whilst also being able to inform others whilst gaining insight of online Journalism. By having my work published as well on a local news site, this will help create my portfolio of works; in which I can take it everywhere with me to my future job roles. I definitely recommend The Young Reporters Scheme for anyone that’s interested in Journalism or writing in general.” Xena Frailing, Swakeleys School for Girls
“For me, this experience felt as if it were the real thing: deadlines, interviews, making endless notes- I definitely feel prepared for the journalism world.” Anoushay Dar, Burntwood School
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“It’s a good way to get a work experience when you don’t know what you want to do in the future, because you have the freedom to choose what to write about, so you might discover your interests that way.” Mahnoor Shoaib, Woodford County High School
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“For me the level of freedom and independence I had in building a story from the ground up was brilliant.” Emma Johnson, Streatham & Clapham High School
What the schools say...
“Even though we only had a small cohort taking part this year, they really enjoyed the process. They developed time management as well as honing their writing skills.” Jenny Greenland, Careers and Work Related Learning Manager, Carshalton High School for Girls
“This is the second year I have run the Young Reporter Scheme in school and it is now firmly embedded into our careers programme. The scheme gives students an opportunity to experience first-hand the competitiveness of this industry sector and to gain valuable skills sought after by employers. At the end they have a portfolio of published work that they can use as evidence in their future career progression.” Frances Keaveney, Careers IAG Manager, Rosebery School
“The Young Reporter Scheme really helps students to build confidence and develop valuable skills that they will need in their futures. They have learnt about writing for different audiences, alongside the importance of meeting deadlines, creativity, hard work and resilience.” Marion Lyons, Assistant Director of Extended Learning and Careers Lead, Ursuline High School, Wimbledon
“Girls from Sydenham High School compete in the Young Reporter Scheme every year and we’re delighted that two of our students are 2018 winners. We firmly believe that our girls should learn to challenge the world around them and think independently; we recognise the important contribution that the Young Reporter Scheme makes to the development of key life skills.” Danielle Feehan, Head of English, Sydenham High School | GDST
“Taking part in the Young Reporter Scheme has been a great opportunity for the students that took part to have a real work experience of being a reporter. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it taught them skills like, working independently and to deadlines, communication and organisational skills which are all essential in the work place.” Sarah Healey, Careers Coordinator, The Hollyfield School, Surbiton
“The YR scheme is a really valuable opportunity for students. It encourages them to be more inquisitive about the world around them and to view events from different perspectives.
"They learn what it means to work under pressure, to a deadline and gain pride from seeing their efforts published online. Whilst it is a challenging programme, those who succeeded have commented on how rewarding they found it; it certainly has encouraged a number of our girls to be more confident in communicating with members of the public, and to be more ambitious in their future goals.” Alison Cotton, Head of English, Croydon High School
“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.” Claire Hitchcock, Lead for High Achievers, Dunraven School
“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.” Irene Marillat, School Librarian, Tolworth Girls’ School & Sixth Form
“The Newsquest program has given our students the opportunity to experience some of the expectations and deadlines required for a career in journalism. It has also given them confidence to start developing their research and investigation skills that can help them in the future.” Rebecca Howells, Careers Adviser, Queensmead School
“The Young Reporter scheme is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to develop their independent research and writing skills and find their 'inner journalist'. It's been a wonderful learning journey.” Elaine Russell, Teacher of English, Farringtons School
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“I would definitely recommend it as a great co-curricular activity for all schools. The experience of researching, dealing with different people and scenarios, and working to meet deadlines is invaluable; these are all important life-skills for young people.
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“The Young Reporter scheme is also an outstanding opportunity for students to build an online journalism portfolio whilst still at school or college, and of course, a chance to win an award for their writing.’’ Tessa Bartholomew, English Teacher, Hampton School
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"The Young Reporter Scheme is a fantastic in road for many of our girls who are considering their future careers, not only in Journalism but other areas. It is well organised and the no nonsense approach to deadlines and expectations is a brilliant reality check as they prepare for University and beyond" Thomas Newman Notre Dame Cobham
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“St George’s College, Weybridge was so pleased again with the Young Reporter Competition. We were delighted that one of our students received a reward. Also the other students involved were very pleased with their letter of recognition. The scheme not only manages to stretch and reward the brightest of our students but all students who were diligent were applauded.” Suzanne Knights, Co-ordinator at St George’s College, Weybridge
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The Young Journalism Scheme enables students to build confidence and develop important skills that they will need in their futures; writing for different audiences, meeting deadlines, creativity, hard work and resilience. Completing this work experience enables young people to demonstrate these skills in their university and job application. Lisa Thefaut, Ursuline High School