BBC Opens Door to Rochdale Youngsters

Children in the North West Today Studio with Gordon Burns (centre)

Gifted and Talented pupils from Rochdale schools have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to delve behind the scenes at the BBC TV studios in Manchester. Entitled ‘The Media Challenge!’, groups of pupils from year 8 through to 11 participated in the project that aimed to develop their enterprise skills whilst demonstrating careers in the media. The day was run in conjunction with 'John East Media Projects'.

Pupils split into teams to form their own news team. Assigning roles from floor manager to news presenter, they conducted research and put together a local, national and international news story together with an interview and weather bulletin. The teams filmed their broadcasts in an exciting culmination to the day.

Pupils rose to the challenge working to tight deadlines with enthusiasm and excellent team working ability. The BBC, receptive to the students exceptional behaviour and interest, gave pupils the chance to tour the BBC studios including BBC GMR and BBC 'North West Tonight'. Pupils were given the opportunity to sit in on a live broadcast of 'North West Today' with Gordon Burns.

Comments from the students after the event demonstrated the value of the project both in enjoyment and educational terms, "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I didn’t realise how much work goes into a news broadcast!" was the comment from one young person.

One of the teachers present was just as positive: "I was impressed that the pupils were trusted with the experience, they learnt some valuable skills that they’ll definitely use again."

Rochdale Education Business Links strives to work closely with both local and regional employers to give students and teachers alike the opportunity to experience the world of work through a variety of angles. Work related Learning becomes a statutory part of the curriculum in September this year and therefore the relevance of new and exciting business links is even more important to the development of young people.

Employers can play a crucial role by working in partnership with schools, to better prepare pupils for their future after education, in supporting work related activities. If you are an employer in Rochdale and would like to know more about the ways in which you can become involved then please contact Jennifer Sutton on 01706 644 664 or email j.sutton@nmchamber.co.uk