New Student Journalism Program

New Student Journalism Program
Conner Maffey talks to Q014 About the New Student Journalism ProgramStudents in Grade 12 English at St. Thomas Aquinas High School are getting an exciting new opportunity to have their work published. The school launched a new Student Journalism Program as part of the Grade 12 English curriculum this fall.

Grade 12 English Teacher Cheryl Hicks said the idea came from a partnership with Community Relations Lead for the Board, Grace Dunford, who has a background in journalism.

“I was really looking forward to finding a way to get real, authentic writing experience for the students,” said Hicks.

The school has partnered with the Kenora Miner and News and Today’s Best Music Q104.

Students will get to choose one of 10 school events or topics that they would like to cover spread from September to January. They will meet with Dunford prior to the event to discuss sources, interview questions and different angles they could take.

Following the event the article is due the next day creating a realistic news deadline. From the students who covered the event one will be chosen and their piece will be submitted to the local media to be published. They will also do a radio interview for Q104’s Morning Show.

Hicks said telling a story that makes an impact “succinctly and concisely” is a real-world skill, whether or not they decide to go into journalism.

“It’s useful in email communication and other forms of communication that students will have to do in real life,” she said. “That idea of having an impact with your language and your form is and making sure it’s appropriate for your audience.”
The program will be offered in to all students in Grade 12 English as well as Journalism. Hicks says this is an excellent opportunity for the students.

“I find sometimes in small town kids get opportunities that they can’t possibly get in larger centres,” she said. “This is a really great way to get their writing published and to get out to the larger community and feel that sense of accomplishment.”
Conner Maffey at Q104 Radio Station talking about the Student Journalism Program
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