Hundreds of students have already signed up to take part in the Young Reporter Scheme, which is an extra-curricular activity open to years 10 to 13. 

Starting up again for the thirteenth year running, this scheme proves very popular with schools and students as it gives young people a voice and an opportunity to write articles that are important to them.

Every article is uploaded onto our online papers, which gives students a fantastic chance to build up a portfolio of published work available for use with their CVs and UCAS applications.

Due to the current pandemic the scheme has been changed this year, but as a result it has appealed to more schools as so many out of school activities have been cancelled. We have therefore, decided to extend the deadline until Friday 13 November, to give more schools the opportunity to apply.

Tessa Bartholomew, Assistant Head of English at Hampton School, said: “My message to teachers and parents is to encourage your pupils, sons and daughters to join the Young Reporter scheme. The skills and experience your young people will gain are invaluable, regardless of whether they want to pursue a career in journalism.”

This year, unlike previous years, the scheme is now running online mentoring sessions, which gives The Young Reporter Scheme the chance to reach more schools than they have been able to do so before and gives students a chance to ask questions in an open forum.

There is also an online Student Hub, which is new this year and where the current cohort of young people can interact and bounce ideas off each other.

The media has always held an interest for thousands of students, but work experience placements are few and far between for those still at school. It is such a fantastic opportunity for young people to not only write for a real live newspaper but also build their confidence whilst they explore the world of journalism.

Universities are looking for more than just good grades and this scheme shows a huge commitment and dedication from those who complete the programme. Students studying for Duke of Edinburgh can also do this as part of their qualification.

Schools fear there will be a lot of extra work and pressure put on teachers already stretched to the limits. This is not the case as the Young Reporter team work directly with the students. All the schools have to do is put forward the names of enthusiastic pupils who they feel will benefit from this amazing scheme.

For more information, please visit the Young Reporter website www.youngreporter.co.uk or contact djarvis@newsquest.co.uk