OUR Young Reporter Scheme has opened its portal for registrations for the seventeenth year running.

The scheme, which starts up again on September 2, has grown exponentially over the years and tens of thousands of students have taken advantage of this unique and exciting opportunity.

This is a stimulating programme, which helps students to experience what it is like to work in the world of media, writing monthly articles which are published on Newsquest’s huge range of national online newspapers.

Students write one article per month over a period of eight months, which helps them to understand the stresses of deadlines and prepares them for university and life outside of school.

Sarah Leahy, who ran the scheme last year at Christ the King College, said: “I highly recommend Newsquest’s Young Reporter Scheme! It is so rare to be able to offer students ‘real-world’ work experience, particularly in the media industry.

“It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow, not only in their writing and editing skills, but also in their ability to approach people about a story and in interviewing people. It has also helped to solidify the importance of meeting deadlines! I am already excited to take part in this next academic year!”

Even if journalism is not the end plan, the scheme will help to broaden students’ horizons, take them out of their comfort zones and hone their writing skills.

All students from school years 10, 11, 12 and 13, irrespective of their academic abilities or future career plans, are welcome to join the numbers of students who take advantage of this exceptional extra-curricular activity.

If this sounds like it might be of interest to your school or someone you know, spread the word or get in touch by email at info@youngreporter.co.uk, by phone on 0208 722 6378 or visit the website: www.youngreporter.co.uk