THE JEP has launched a new journalism project at Haute Vallée School to give young Islanders a voice and help to inspire the next generation of reporters.
As part of the initiative, a team of student writers will be working alongside journalists to create content for publication in the newspaper.
In addition, all 126 pupils in Year 9 have been given free access to the JEP app, an online version of the newspaper which enables them to keep up to date with news, Island information, arts, events, sport and more.
The project has been made possible thanks to the sponsorship of local civil engineering firm Geomarine, which is partnering with Haute Vallée and the JEP to support the school in its ambition to offer students a broad range of opportunities.
JEP editor Andy Sibcy said that there were three key aims for the scheme. ‘We will be working with the young reporters to celebrate success in many areas of school life and to profile the many things that happen at Haute Vallée, its people and facilities,’ he explained. ‘The third aim is to give students a voice to raise and explore issues relevant to them.
‘At our first session, it was great to meet the students and to see how enthusiastic and engaged they were with the project. They came up with lots of story ideas and it gave me a valuable insight into issues which matter to them.’
He added: ‘Thanks to the support of Mr [Stuart] Hughes, the head teacher, and Geomarine, this should be a really rewarding experience for everyone. We hope that access to the newspaper will provide a learning tool for the school to start discussions about a diverse range of issues. We plan to roll the project out to other schools in 2022.’
Year 9 pupils were given their log-ins to the app at an assembly this week and many have already been reading stories that interest them, especially those featuring their Island sporting heroes.
Jack (13) said: ‘I was reading about the French boats and the fishing dispute with France. It was just so easy to access, just a few clicks and I was in it. It is really useful.
‘Usually when I get up, there is news on downstairs but now I can read articles when I am sitting on the bus. I was reading the news on the bus this morning.’
Joana (13) said that she liked doing the puzzles on her phone, especially the Sudoku and the crossword, while Emily (14) said: ‘I have been reading about sport and the Jersey Bulls. I am a big football fan.’
Eva (13), another fan, said: ‘My dad and I go to watch the Jersey Bulls all the time. I like to read the report after the match.’
Geomarine managing director Phil Horsley, who is also a school governor at Haute Vallée, said: ‘One of Geomarine’s core aims is to invest in young local talent. Not only does it make sense but it is the right thing to do. We embrace Trident and take four to six students each year. We offer bursaries for engineering students. We tailor work experience or employment opportunities to the individual.’
He added: ‘I am also passionate about supporting Mr Hughes and the students at Haute Vallée so that they have access to experiences and opportunities that can help shape their futures. You never know what sparks projects like this will ignite and what these young people might go on to do.’
Teacher Jonny Buesnel, who is helping to co-ordinate the project, said: ‘It has been wonderful to see the students engage so readily with local news. Access to the JEP aligns with our aim of inspiring all students to read for enjoyment. I am also delighted to be discussing current affairs with the students and to learn more about what their interests are.’
Mr Hughes added: ‘I would like to pass on our gratitude to Geomarine and the JEP who have enabled this project to get off the ground. Initial indications are that the students are very pleased to have been given access to this app.’
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