Turn the page to a new experience

TASMANIAN schools have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of media practice by producing their own page in the Mercury through the School Page section of the state’s only Newspapers in Education (NIE) program.

Through this initiative, schools have been publishing their own pages in Tasmania’s metropolitan daily newspaper for nearly 25 years.

The concept involves students from upper primary to senior secondary levels writing news stories, taking photographs, selling advertising space and marketing the project within their communities.

The Mercury co-ordinates a program of classroom workshops from early first term, with the pages progressively produced and published during the year.

There is no cost to participating schools other than a commitment to sell 10 small advertisements as part of the project.

Awards for the best page published in the Mercury are made to primary, secondary and senior secondary schools at year’s end.

Channel Christian School, New Town High School and Elizabeth College were the winners of last year’s awards.

After 22 years, this program remains unique among Australia’s major newspapers.

The important role of teachers is acknowledged by the Mercury’s education services manager Damian Bester.

“While there is an expectation that students will do the majority of the work on each School Page, it is the teacher’s input that guarantees the success of each project,’’ Damian said.

He said the students and teachers involved in the School Page program gained first-hand real-world print media experience.

“They are part of the process of preparing the content for the page, negotiating commercial commitments and developing teamwork skills,’’ Damian said.

The Newspapers in Education team would like to hear from any teachers interested in developing a School Page this year. A handbook is available on request.

Interested teachers can contact Damian by phoning him on 6230 0736 or by emailing damian.bester @news.com.au

More information about the program and a gallery of past pages and award winners can be found online at mercurynie.com.au