Staff and students at the University of Sheffield hosted an exciting ‘Journalism Taster Day’ for the Y12 John Schofield Trust mentees. The seven sixth form students visited the Department of Journalism Studies for a full day of workshops, an appropriate climax to their e-mentoring scheme.

The mentoring partnership between Brightside and the John Schofield Trust provides around 30 students from deprived backgrounds across the country with opportunities to be mentored by high profile journalists in the industry. The first scheme began in September 2018.

The students from All Saints School, King Edward VII sixth form and Barnsley College, took part in workshops ranging from interviewing, to blogging and TV news. They worked with lecturers, current students and other sixth formers from across the city.  The afternoon culminated in a mini news bulletin presented by the visitors.

Third year Journalism student, Adriana Abidin helped the mentees to film and present ‘Pieces to Camera’. She said,

“I found the students to be very engaging and passionate about journalism. I think they will have a good future in journalism should they continue to be as passionate as they are now.The taster day is a great exposure to future journalists to experience doing journalism at the number 1  department in the UK”

University Teacher, Matt Robson gave the students an opportunity to edit and record voice overs using industry standard equipment. He was impressed by the students

“I really enjoyed meeting all of the students on the John Schofield Trust taster day, they were so enthusiastic and got involved in every aspect of preparing the TV news bulletin. It’s a pleasure to pass on my knowledge and experience to these young people who are delighted to learn more. I’m sure I’ve met some journalists of the future”

Journalism Studies BA course leader Katie Stewart coordinated the Taster Day. She said

“The John Schofield Trust mentees were a delight to work with. This scheme is proving a great success for all involved. We are very keen to support the work being done by the Trust and Brightside to encourage young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into Journalism. Our industry is underrepresented in these areas and we must do what we can to try and change this”