CHILDREN at St Osmund’s Middle School got to find out about the work that goes on behind the headlines during a media-themed day.

Year Six pupils at the Dorchester school were given an introduction to the role of local newspapers by county town reporter Harry Hogger and tasked with writing their own news story.

The youngsters produced eye-catching headlines and gripping quotes as they responded with enthusiasm to the challenge.

The pupils’ look at the media was part of a whole school PHSCE (Personal Health Social and Citizenship Education) day and also saw them write their own advert with a team from local radio station Wessex FM as well as having talks on mass media and other aspects of the industry. PHSCE co-ordinator Paul Absolom said: “They look at everything from the internet to newspapers to television and radio and the question of how you can use those to promote things.

“We will be looking further along at how they can pick up some of those skills to promote our forthcoming sports day.”

Mr Absolom said the youngsters had thoroughly enjoyed the day and for some it could even inspire them when they consider future career choices.

He said: “They love it and the fact it’s a different voice, a different face, different skills and just things they wouldn’t get from a normal sort of day in school. For some of them it’s also really important as it starts to give them a bit of a lean towards their possible future career, profession or following.”

Mr Absolom explained that St Osmund’s tried to use a series of ‘impact’ days when the normal timetable was suspended and the children could experience different ways of learning about things covered in PHSCE.

The latest event also saw beach lifeguards, a theatre and education group dealing with drugs, police, self defence instructors and first aid at the school talking to other year groups.

Mr Absolom said: “We are just really appreciative of all the agencies and people that give their time freely.”