BBC School Report makes the news

Kingussie High School pupils are helping the local community get online

BBC News School Report helps 11 to 14 year olds make the news.

Each school can create their own video, audio and written reports on a story in their area.

All reports are available on the BBC School News Report website and may appear on the local TV and radio news programme for the region.

The next School Report News Day is 24 March 2011. Over 70 schools in Scotland have signed up.

Bridging the generations

Schools are also helping the local community understand the benefits of getting online and using the internet.

Seven schools held intergenerational workshops where pupils and older members of the community worked together to explore ideas for research projects as part of the BBC's First Click campaign.

First Click aimed to help those aged 55 and over get online and use the internet. All workshops were held throughout September and October this year.

S1 pupils at Doon Academy , East Ayrshire, invited members of the local community to take part in First Click workshops on 21 and 27 September.

Miss Joss MBE, a former teacher, and Mr Gilmore, grandfather of a pupil, shared stories of their lives and work. They worked with students to research girl guiding, life in Dalmellington during World War One and World War Two, the Royal Flying Corp which was stationed there, health and safety in coal mines among other topics.

Old and new meet

At Baldragon Academy it was the turn of pupils to tutor former teachers during the First Click workshop held on 28 October.

Education in Dundee and the decline of traditional industries in the city were the chosen subjects.

Kingussie High School organised a workshop on 4 October.

Research into school life and the history of Badenoch and the Spey was shared during a "speed-dating workshop" which allowed people to share their stories in three minutes. S2 children were then paired with an older helper as they researched questions for each interview which was recorded on video.

Converging ideas

Learn new skills and share knowledge through School Report

The merging of Gourock High School with Greenock Academy to form new school Clydeview Academy and local history were examined in the sessions.

As time went on, the more experienced silver surfers helped those who were nervous at using the internet.

Lynn MacMillan, principal teacher of Business Studies at Gourock High School, said: "It became evident really soon that this was an ideal opportunity for our pupils to develop their own confidence in supporting others and explaining the use of technology to the uninitiated."

Ms MacMillan also shared tips learnt from the media literacy workshops. One that small is beautiful, grandchildren are experts at putting their grandparents at ease, face-to-face networking is alive and well despite the advent of computer-based social networking, even adults appreciate recognition of their achievements.

Landmark developments

Greenfaulds High School examined whether a new public art installation in Cumbernauld was worth the money it cost and what impact it is likely to have on the town.

Read the pupils' report on the Arria sculpture and the new look for Cumbernauld .

Taylor High School looked at the rebirth of Ravenscraig when pupils brought family members to school.

Each pair examined a different aspect of the site's regeneration spanning its history, closure, the regeneration of Motherwell College, leisure facilities and housing.

The redevelopment of Ravenscraig was a popular subject in Taylor High School

Mhairi Begley, teacher at Taylor High School, said: "They were asked to research their topic and then write a 30 second script using BBC resources. Pupils were also given the opportunity to conduct interviews with a local councillor and the project manager for the regeneration project.

"The most valuable part of the entire process was the time which the pupils spent working with their family members. The family members were able to reminisce about Ravenscraig and their memories of it, but they also all felt that they had gained new skills and confidence in using both computers and the internet.

"Equally, the pupils gained from the experience. They developed their research and writing skills ready to begin their School Report training. They gained the confidence required to teach others the skills needed for internet use and they learnt about the significance and history of a local area."

Sharing learning

Meldrum Academy, Aberdeenshire, worked with members of the public through the local library.

Two pupils were paired with an older person and each learned from the other through sharing ideas and experience of life in times gone by and using modern technology in the present day.

St. Joseph's Academy, Dumfries, chose their research topics for the workshop . Subjects which were discussed included the Queen's coronation, Ireland, World War Two, the assassination of President Kennedy and the cathedral in Dumfries burning down.

If your school would like to take part in School News Report, find out more about the initiative and register online at BBC News School Report to receive an information and resources pack.