Using the above worksheet students match each top tip with Huw's advice.
Teachers tip: This worksheet could also be used as a plenary activity.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
2. Headline analysis
Ask students for examples of current news headlines and compile a list. Students may wish to scan the front page of the
BBC News
or
CBBC Newsround
websites or newspapers for inspiration.
Teachers tip: Free newspapers are a great resource for this activity, and throughout the six lessons.
For each story, ask students: Why is it in the news?
Compile their answers. Here are some examples:
What is in the news?
Why is it news? Because?
Whale spotted in London river
It's unusual
Bird flu arrives in the UK
People need to know about it
Rap artist fined for foul language
People want to know about it
Italy win the World Cup
It's of interest to lots of people
Junk food ban in schools
It's important
Summarise: News is something people WANT to know (interest) or NEED to know (public service).
3. News sources, truth and accuracy
Ask students to recall the news sources mentioned by Huw Edwards in the video. They are:
Other journalists
Press releases
Experts
Witnesses
Explain: This activity uses journalists as the main source.
RESEARCH TIPS
Use a news search engine, rather than a general one
Use "" e.g. "David Cameron" rather than David Cameron
Use an advanced search tool
Check the search term is spelt correctly
Save your source, so you can return to it later
In pairs, students find one story which their audience will enjoy on a news website or in a newspaper (low-tech alternative)
They find the same story in another source (website or paper).
They examine the information carefully and note any differences, focusing on factual differences. Ask students:
What differences did you notice?
Why do you think there are differences?
How can you find the most accurate information?
Discuss their answers with reference to the point below:
The greater the number of authors, the greater the likelihood the reported event is true, say historians. Journalists follow the same principle. BBC journalists check at least two sources while compiling a report. "Truth and accuracy" is one of the BBC's news values.
BBC NEWS VALUES
Truth and accuracy
Impartiality and diversity of opinion
Editorial integrity and independence
Serving the public interest
Fairness
Balancing the right to report with respect for privacy
Balancing the right to report with protection of the vulnerable
Safeguarding children
Being accountable to the audience
4. Guess the audience
Explain: In media terms, the AUDIENCE refers to listeners of a radio programme, viewers of television programme or website users.
Display the front pages of the
BBC News
and
CBBC Newsround
, hiding the banner at the top of each page. The front pages can be printed out and distributed as a low tech alternative.
Students guess the age of the audience for each, commenting on the choice of news topics, formality of language, layout etc.
Ask students:
Who will be your audience on School Report News Day?
Given your audience, are there any stories you would avoid reporting?
Discuss their answers with reference to the points below:
Ongoing court cases: These are extremely tricky and court reporters undergo legal training. The BBC advises School Reporters to avoid such stories.
More information on the law of contempt.
Name one story or news topic that will interest your News Day audience.
Name two reliable sources where you might find information about it.
Which media (video, audio, text-based news) will best suit your audience?
Teachers tip: On School Report News Day, students' reports will be published on the school website so it's a good idea to start thinking - now - about how it might look.
Will it include video news, audio news, text-based news, or a combination? Have a look at the school websites linked from the
School Report 'zoom and click' map
for inspiration.
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Video with subtitles
