A newsroom is a place where stories are born, headlines are crafted, and the world’s events are disseminated to the public. Global Academy’s Year 12 Journalism students had the incredible opportunity to step into this fast-paced world during their recent trip to The Guardian to experience it for themselves.

For two immersive hours, our budding journalists were given the chance to dive headfirst into news reporting, editing, and production. Working in pairs, they had the unique task of selecting and editing stories, crafting engaging headlines, and learning the intricate techniques of newspaper production, all under the pressure of a real-time, tight deadline.

This extraordinary experience was not just a “school trip”; it was a masterclass in the real world of journalism. The students, guided by seasoned professionals from The Guardian team, were granted an exclusive look behind the scenes of a national news powerhouse.

One Year 12 student, expressed her enthusiasm about the trip:

“It was amazing to learn directly from the industry professionals at The Guardian. We got to see the inner workings of a newsroom, the fast-paced decision-making, and the art of crafting compelling headlines. This trip was an eye-opener for us, and it made me more excited than ever to pursue a career in journalism.”

The journey began with a briefing on the fundamentals of journalism – the importance of accuracy, the significance of newsworthiness, and the power of storytelling. This initial knowledge provided the foundation for the students’ tasks ahead.

The next step was to choose and edit news stories. Working collaboratively, the students examined a variety of news sources, critically assessing the stories’ merits and relevance. This process, often involving heated debates and passionate discussions, showcased the students’ determination to deliver accurate and impactful news to the public.

With the stories and headlines in place, the students delved into the intricate world of newspaper production. They learned how to lay out the articles, select accompanying images, and organize the content to create an engaging newspaper front page. The pressure of a looming deadline added an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the experience.

The trip to The Guardian was not only an educational experience but a moment of inspiration for our Year 12 Journalism students. They got a glimpse of the vibrant, fast-paced world of journalism where every moment counts and accuracy is paramount. As they left The Guardian, our students had a newfound respect for the industry and a deeper understanding of the hard work that goes into every newspaper, article, and headline. The trip not only enriched their knowledge but also fueled their passion for journalism, motivating them to strive for excellence in their future endeavors.