Teachers, Students & Parents
VERBATIM
Maisie Jenkins
Student, Royal Grammar School
Caroline Nurse
Parent, Heaton Manor School
Letter to the school
Claudia Burgin
Student, Heaton Manor School
I particularly enjoyed the tour of the BBC Studios, as the theory of broadcasting was all put into practice. Also, the law for journalists was incredibly useful and I loved getting into the mock courtroom. All the organisers were very friendly, and at no point did I feel shy to ask any questions. This week has even opened new doors and given me so many ideas - I now know about so many new film roles and I am definitely more interested in pursuing a career in media. Thanks for everything!
Belinda Whitehouse
Head of Careers, Dame Allan's Schools
What a wonderful time the students had! It's such a successful week which our students have loved so I am going to ask for students who attended to speak to their peer groups to launch it for this next year. Thank you again for such a successful couple of weeks. We are very keen to be involved again!
Mike Downie
Head of Careers, Royal Grammar School
Thank you for the media course which you arranged in July. Maisie and Emily both found it very exciting and enjoyable - I have had emails from them during the holidays. Finding experience in this field is so difficult, they really appreciated the opportunity.
I very much hope you will be able to offer the course again next year
Rowen Cobb
Student, St Joseph's Academy
May I take this opportunity to commend Heaton Manor on offering such a fantastic placement to Year 10 students. My son Matthew was one of those students on this exciting and highly informative placement. He had the most wonderful time learning so many varied aspects of media and the complex world of Journalism. As a studious and unassuming boy, I was delighted to see him so animated and enthused by what he had learned and, I must say, I was completely enthralled to be told all about it! Slightly envious also as I myself romanced the notion of becoming a Journalist/ Writer many years ago:-) The work experience offerings of Inner City Comprehensive schools however, were not quite so exciting back in the 1980s! By all accounts, Ian Payne and his colleagues were great with the students and struck a genuine rapport with them. Most importantly though, I must praise Jacqui Strong and Christine Bell for all their effort and hard work in the organisation of this placement and of course yourself, for sanctioning it. This is a wonderful example of how the school enhances the life choices of our children. Many Thanks and kind regards.
Alice Holmes
Student, Heaton Manor School
I've had such good fun this week - I have to say my favourite part was music journalism. It's made me think differently about what I want to do in the media.
Lauren Spragg
Student, Kenton School
Most people spent their work experience stuck in an office. I spent mine going on tours, meeting new people and gaining skills. On our first day we were introduced to one another through fun interaction activities where we learnt facts about each other, making the whole experience less awkward. We also talked to a guy who had already gone to Uni and studied media and gave us helpful, reassuring advice.
Beth Johnstone
Student, Heaton Manor School
I've had such a good week! My highlight was the BBC tour and seeing where they film the news. I've learnt such a lot - especially about the law. I'd definitely do it all again!
Emily Kilner
Student, Royal Grammar School
After an insightful and informative week, it is difficult to decide what my favourite aspect of the workshop was, but for me one of the most interesting talks was 'Law for Journalists' by Nick Turner. I learnt lots about what journalists can and can't say and do, some of which was quite surprising and even if I do not become a journalist the 'Editors Code of Practice' we looked at was still very useful. I would like to thanks everyone for giving me the opportunity to attend this workshop.
When coming into this week I wasn't sure whether or not media was the route I wanted to go - now I have decided it 100% is! And am currently looking at different journalism degrees. Thank you for the opportunity!
Jessica Thompson
Student, Harton Technology College
I have learned so much and gained many skills. I found the Sport Central tour and lecture from Simon Rushworth highly interesting because Sports Journalism or commentating is the route I want to go down. It was really informative and we've had some exclusive looks behind the scenes. I also found it was very well catered to disabled access.
A 4 day work experience at St James' Park with Ian Payne left students feeling enthusiastic and open-minded about their futures. Spending time at Northumbria University showed us the law behind the headlines - a sense of recognition was felt when we realised how easy it was to forget ourselves in the media, particularly for our generation on social networking.
Chelsey Heppell
Student, Heaton Manor School
I've enjoyed it because I have met some new people, learnt new stuff and I haven't lacked in confidence the way I usually do. And thank you James [NUFC Foundation] for looking after us.
Hannah Lambert
Student, Heaton Manor School
We had a tour around the BBC learning how to be a weather presenter and my favourite activity was learning about law and the limitations put on journalists so they don't slander celebrities. We acted out various scenes which courts were faced with and reacted how we would judge them. I thoroughly enjoyed my week and I'm thankful to Ian and guests for entertaining us on all the topics.
Moaaz Siraj
Student, Heaton Manor School
Josie Lamb
Student, Kenton High School
Elspeth Cunningham
Student, Dame Allan's Schools
Finding out about the different roles of people working behind the scenes in films was a massive eye-opener for me; I found it fascinating finding out about the various jobs I had no idea even existed, such as focus-pullers, best boys & runners - jobs that have really motivated me to get further work experience and hopefully start my career in the media industry. Thank you so much!
Everybody we've met this week displays a humble approach to their job, remaining separate yet staying in touch with their stories. Standing in the press section in St James' Pk made me feel immensely small in an extremely large world. This week has allowed me to see and experience ways to make that world somewhat smaller, hopefully helping me to be able to make my way into the world of journalism.
Rosie Bell
Student, Heaton Manor School
Liam McAvoy
Student, Heaton Manor School
I most certainly enjoyed this work experience, especially Tuesday which was fun because we went to the BBC. Special thanks to Euan, James and Kate [Newcastle United Foundation].
Aimee Staines
Student
Northumberland Church of England Academy
I've really enjoyed meeting and working with new people because I have made new friends. It has also helped me with deciding what kind of work I want to get into in the future.
The sessions may not be for everyone because I did find some parts boring, but it is worth it for the parts you enjoy doing.
Work experience is usually a concept associated with making endless cups of tea and sitting around with not much experience really happening. So when given the chance to sign up to the media workshop, obviously I jumped at the chance. The week was filled with information and really broadened my views on the media ... also the amount that Journalists are allowed to do, what they can say and the lines they should and shouldn't cross. This week allowed me to meet an enormous amount of important people and teach me more about the industry.
Tamanna Uddin
Student, Dame Allan's Schools
This week has shown that there is much more work in media than I originally thought. The tour of the BBC Newcastle studio was incredibly interesting. I found it surprising that Sunday Politics has the same set as Look North.
Maddie Smith
Student, Dame Allan's Schools
The BBC Look North studio, its infamous red & white set, dominating the building - impressive is an understatement. As an avid news watcher I keep up with current events religiously, so the fact that Colin Briggs made an appearance was the cherry on the work experience cake!
If I'm honest, I didn't know how this course would play out. I didn't know if the early mornings, bus rides and bad weather would be worth it and let's say I was very surprised by the overall quality and substance. From Ian's introductions, to the BBC Tour, I was intrigued by every second. I'm not going to lie - camera lenses and Rush on Rock wasn't my favourite day, but others thought that was the best and it kept me filled in and informed about all the opportunities. Ian taught me that there's a story in everyone and how to find the profound 'nugget'. All I can say is Thank You!
Angela Fear
Head of Careers
Northumberland Church of England Academy
I have every confidence the workshops will be even more successful than last year and I look forward to hearing all the stories from the girls when they get back! As always I would be really interested in sending some students again next academic year.
Adiba Baksh
Student, Harton Technology College
Rachael Macmillan
Student, Heaton Manor School
Stories. What makes a story? The workshop helped keen students by providing an insight in the world of media from News Presenter to Line Managers. Overall storytelling is significant as it impacts readers' focus.
My favourite part of the week has been learning about the different types of cameras. Also I enjoyed meeting new people from different schools / sixth forms. It has made me more confident around different groups of friends. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the Media Workshop.
Francis Irimiea
Student, Heaton Manor School
Abbey Foster
Student, Kenton School
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting a new teacher / host for each activity, meaning the whole group got a real insight into all aspects of the media from someone who was a real professional.
Megan Roberts
Student
Northumberland Church of England Academy
The best of the best came and spoke to the students, with the likes of Nick Wright, Roger Tames, Christine Llewellyn-Reeve & Simon Rushworth. All of us got involved and made the most of the opportunities ... I found it a real pleasure to work with the professionals. ITV's Ian Payne made the students feel at ease and gave them a chance to voice their opinions and got to know them as individuals. Thank you!
The whole week has been very interesting, especially the more interactive activities and the group were able to talk to each other. I have fully enjoyed it. Thank you (I didn't like the water!)
Meghna Bhattacharya
Student, Dame Allan's Schools
Hilary & Jeremy Hardy
Parents, Heaton Manor School
Letter to the school
We just wanted to say thank you for organising such a valuable week's experience for Will. He thoroughly enjoyed it and gained a great deal of insight into the issues around working in the media. He was very surprised by all the legal constraints that they need to work within. He is now even more determined to trying to take up a career as a journalist and this has given him further incentive to work hard over the next few years. Please pass on our thanks to Ian Payne and to those involved in funding and organising the placement.
Being brought up by two doctors everything bar medicine to me was black and white. Being given knowledge about all different aspects of journalism; sport, music, TV, radio, film - it's incredible how my creative mindset has expanded. Having a private interest in photography and then before my eyes a £47,000 camera being brought out that focussed and zoomed in and out beyond words and my expectation. A huge thanks to Ian.
Lauren Campbell
Student , Harton Technology College
Students studying media up and down the country understand how difficult it can be to gain work experience. This course has given us a great insight into the large variety of jobs available, from journalists and reporters to camera and sound operators.
Maria Strong
Student, Dame Allan's Schools
Erin Boyle
Student, Dame Allan's Schools
To be honest when I thought of my summer I thought of sun, the beach, tans, holidays ... not going to the local football stadium for lectures and seminars. Once we arrived I knew I'd made the right choice. Whether it was laughing at a controversial version of the Archers or trying to fight back against what I felt was an unfair prison sentence, the whole week had a fun and laid back atmosphere. We were given a lot of opportunities and met a lot of successful people - it was really informative and I can't wait to see what the future of Media holds for me after this week. Thanks Ian - I'd take this over a tan any day!
Christine's session was eye opening, as was the rest of the week. Discovering all the different roles has made a career in the media appear much more accessible.
The sessions have all had an amazing atmosphere and the openess has made them easily accessible. The law was an amazing session as it was engaging and funny.
Chloe Armstrong
Student, Harton Technology College
At the BBC we were able to apply our new knowledge to create a radio drama. We got to grips with questions in the press room at St James' Pk and got inside knowledge from Billy Elliott locations finder Christine. It's a wonderful opportunity for schools in the area.
Rachel Wells
Student, Heaton Manor School
Why do we all hate the sound of our own voices? No matter who you are, we all admit to it. Even Nick Wright admitted to it - although I highly doubt he much listens to his own radio shows. On a normal day, in a normal conversation, I would say I'm quite a confident speaker. But there is something about the recording of my voice that makes it squeaky and shaky - or at least to my ears.
However what this experience has taught me is that you can't judge yourself, as what matters is your audience. As the phrase goes:- 'it's not what you know it's who you know' (which I don't believe is completely true as you need to know what you're doing) - but if you know people, and more importantly people know you - that's vital in making your way in the media industry. So first impressions are very important.
Juliette Loraine
Student, Dame Allan's Schools
I loved the tour of the BBC as it showed us behind the scenes. We worked together to produce our own version of Look North. We presented the sport, the news, and I was able to present the weather. This was much harder than I thought but was still incredibly enjoyable. It's been a really worthwhile experience and I'm very glad I took part.
Louis Conroy
Student, Heaton Manor School
The tour of the BBC was the most appealing session of the week. Although I get nervous speaking to large groups I felt practising to present the news helped boost confidence and it was also fun.
When I started the week I had no interest in the Law side of things, but the session in the University courtroom was also a highlight.
Charlotte Caley
Student, St Joseph's Academy
I started this week with no interest in careers in media. However my eyes have really been opened, giving me an insight into what massive opportunities are available.
The workshop has also further developed my 'people' skills, as I started the week with one friend and am now leaving with a much bigger group and will keep in touch with them. I have thoroughly enjoyed the week, and am very grateful for the opportunity!
Caitlyn McAdam
Student, Heaton Manor School
A lot of exciting things have happened over the past four days due to this incredible opportunity with my school. My favourite part was about the blogging side. I've learned so many new skills and met some of the nicest people out there. Thank you!
Penny Mulholland
Student
Northumberland Church of England Academy
The workshop has allowed me to have a deeper understanding of the jobs within the media business - and jobs I did not know existed. I found it enjoyable and interesting and allowed me to see what happens behind the scenes for TV programmes.
Martha Spalding
Student, Dame Allan's Schools
The whole workshop was run by Ian Payne who is an ITV News Presenter. Ian made us welcome and througout the 4 days he has been kind & funny, and has also greatened my knowledge in so many different aspects. I have noticed just how many jobs there are in the media from being a Television presenter to a caterer, and all of these jobs are equally important. Thanks so much for this opportunity. Thanks Ian!