Lunchtime at one secondary school is no longer just a time to eat and chat - it's become a hub of creativity and learning, thanks to the Young Journalists club founded by English teacher Mr Nathan Gravenell. A simple lunchtime club that unintentionally evolved into one that assisted students in learning more and understanding their goals, the Young Journalists club allows pupils to start blogs or websites about their hobbies and has become a hub of creativity and learning for students of all ages.
From planes and aviation to cars and mechanics, the students in the club are passionate about a wide range of topics, and they're using their blogs and websites to explore their interests and develop valuable skills. After serving as the student editor for a year, Ezekiel Bertrand realised how this club and the journalism course were educating them about the careers they hoped to pursue. Last year, 12-year-old Kevin Cann began creating a website and blog about planes and aviation. He acknowledges that, as he intends to be in the future, "Journalism is helping [him] in learning about becoming a pilot." His friend Emman O’Ennis, who shares Kevin’s goal, joins him in the team effort. Similar to this, Fred Rande has continued his car-related project from the previous year, which he completed all by himself. Fred wants to work as a mechanic someday, and he thinks spending his Wednesday lunches at this club will help him learn more about it.
But it's not just about career goals - the Young Journalists club is also helping students to develop important skills like writing, public speaking, and social skills. Ayaan Khali, for example, has found that being a part of the club is helping him with the skills he needs to become a lawyer, while Lake Young sees himself as both a Young Journalist and a Creative Mind and is participating in the Young Writers' Competition "Integer" to hone his skills.
What's most inspiring about this lunchtime club is the sheer passion and dedication of the students involved. From staying late after school to produce a report on the school's Spelling Bee final, to participating in non-paid assignments like the Young Writers' Competition, these students are hungry for knowledge and eager to pursue their dreams. It's clear that the Young Journalists club is providing them with valuable skills and knowledge that will help them succeed in whatever they choose to pursue.
Hopefully, these young students will succeed in their aspirations and will, in an aspect, believe that this simple lunchtime club played a factor in all the potential they have. The Young Journalists club is a shining example of how a simple idea can evolve into something truly remarkable. Providing students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop important skills, and pursue their dreams, it's shaping the future of these students in exciting and meaningful ways.
Ezekiel Bertrand, Glyn School
