Students from across our primary and secondary schools teamed up to debate different ideas with their peers, and pick what they were most passionate about to create their own news items.

The students were given a range of mediums to utilise to present their final pieces: a newsletter/news article, a video news item or a podcast-style audio. The students were also given the opportunity to interview staff members from across the Trust to add different views and more impact to their stories.

The WPT School Report aimed to help the students to develop a range of skills, including networking, by working with new peers and a range of staff, including teachers and the Trust’s Media Team. Their communication skills were also challenged and enhanced by deciding on the format of their pieces (the different topics and mediums required different tones of voice), and putting together their scripts and news articles for each team.

The students chose to discuss a variety of current news items, including social media and internet use; mental health in children and young people; the Covid inquiry and its impact on education; school dinners; and girls in sport to name a few.

Students were able to dissect and discuss the topics and their opinions on what’s happening in the world around them, how it relates to their school life, and what their schools and the Trust are doing to help them. Students also gave their views on what they would like to see in the future from the Trust, their schools and for the UK as a whole.

After the initial script writing and filming/recording days, some students were invited back to WPT’s Head Offices to edit their final pieces with the Media Team using specialist software, and the finished pieces are showcased on this page.

The students gave positive feedback on their experiences, saying it was fun to participate in something new; getting to see where the WPT Central Team works; and experiencing some hands-on media-related activities to give them a taste of what they may want to do after education.

Scott Gunn, WPT Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, said: “The WPT School Report has been a fantastic experience for all involved. Not only has it celebrated WPT turning 10, it has also given students from each of our schools the opportunity to discuss, research and report on some key topics and subjects that are important to us all. The students and staff involved were brilliant role models for their schools.”