New newspaper launches in Shropshire

A new newspaper has been launched in Shropshire.

Students at Thomas Adams School in Wem will be collecting, writing and publishing news from both in the school and the community every term – and the number of editions could double.

An editorial team of six students have helped launch the first edition of The Lowe Down for the school, in Lowe Hill Road, after English teacher Amy Holmes came up with the idea last year.

She said: “We are really excited about the launch of the newspaper.

“The last time the school produced a newspaper or magazine was over 20 years ago so it has taken a lot of work to get it up and running, now we’re there we have a format and we’re looking forward to filling future editions.

“The aim is to produce the newspaper termly at the moment with a view to half termly once we have a bit of experience.

“I introduced the idea as a way of bringing the students and staff together and sharing ideas and news about the school and the local area.

“Also it's useful for students for their school CVs and to challenge and stretch them and improve their literacy skills.”

The newspaper includes stories on school news in sport, art, poetry, charity fundraising and house projects as well as quizzes, interviews with teachers, craft ideas such as baking and paper modelling, an agony aunt column and comment on current affairs such as the Wem ghost and the terror attacks in Paris.

Seven students were interviewed for the role of editor and year nine student Philippa Greenwood landed the job.

Assistant editor is Maya Balachandran, who also came up with the name and logo for the newspaper alongside Saskia Pickard and Caitlin Hall, who are all in year eight.

Caitlin is also the the Distribution and Marketing Manager while other roles include Amber Coxill as News Features Editor, House Groups and School Related News Editor is Jane Towers and Eve Coburn completed the team as Sports and School Events Editor.

Miss Holmes added: “Other students attend our weekly meeting and write reports, competitions, sports updates, house updates, quizzes and more.

“We think the first edition looks great and the team have already been discussing some slight improvements they want to make.

“I would encourage any student who wants to contribute to do so, the newspaper is open for any student to be involved.”

The school newspaper will be distributed to students throughout the school initially, with future editions possibly being made available in the local area.

Head teacher Liz Dakin said she was very pleased with the idea and the finished product.

She said: “The students have done a marvellous job.
“It is a great idea for students to improve their literacy skills and challenge themselves at trying something new.

“The team have worked really hard to get this first edition up and running and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it – as I know a lot of other people have, it’s been the talk of the school for a few weeks.

“I am really proud of the paper and the way the team has worked together.”