Celeb scoop for pupils at MediaCityUK summer schools

Nick Freeman

Ninety local school pupils are getting the chance to interview celebrities, and find out more about reporting the news, at journalism summer schools launched at the University of Salford’s MediaCityUK building last week.

The University has teamed up with media educational company the School of News to run five summer schools during June and July where students aged between 11 and 18 will learn about all aspects of journalism, from writing and interviewing, to camera and broadcasting skills.

Pupils from Ashton-on-Mersey School in Sale were first to attend the course, interviewing celebrity solicitor Nick Freeman at the University’s MediaCityUK facility, which houses state-of-the-art facilities including TV and radio studios and a newsroom suite.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Freeman, also known as ‘Mr Loophole’, said: “The pupils were brilliant. They were an impressive group, asking some insightful questions, and they were polite and professional. I was asked to be involved in this project and I was delighted. This was my chance to put a bit back.

“I’ve been dealing with the media for many years now so a press conference with aspiring young journalists of the future was something I was happy to do. Educating our young people in journalism is incredibly valuable. It helps their confidence, their writing skills, not to mention their ability to interview and broadcast. It’s a great initiative.”

Olympic athlete Diane Modahl will also be involved in a press conference with students and journalists from national newspapers, BBC television news and ITV will share their expertise.

Caroline Cheetham, Director of the School of News, said: “The hands-on five-day courses are designed to give pupils an insight into this media world. The pupils are involved in press conferences and they will produce material for a multimedia newsday, as well as presenting their own radio programme and editing a TV bulletin. This is a fast-moving industry and this five-day introduction is designed to mirror what happens in newsrooms up and down the country.”

Caroline, who is also a Visiting Fellow in Journalism at the University and a BBC journalist, added: “We have been delighted by the response from local schools and teachers, who have recognised the value of our course, not only for aspiring journalists, but as a fantastic new experience for any pupil. To have real industry experts sharing their expertise and knowledge is vital.”

“We are also lucky enough to have the support of big personalities like Nick Freeman and Diane Modahl who can help teach pupils so much about how the media works, and really bring the course to life.”

Other schools involved in the initiative include Burnage Media Arts College, William Hulme’s Grammar School and Manchester Grammar School.

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