Our GCSE English learners got “behind the headlines” by taking part in a masterclass run by the Guardian. Travelling to the Guardian Headquarters in King’s Cross, our learners were tasked to work in pairs to plan, write and edit a front page in real-time, using the news as it breaks. 

Leading our learners through this award-winning Behind the Headlines programme was Mena Sultan, an education officer for the Guardian Foundation's Education Centre.   

This masterclass supported our learners with transactional writing on the AQA GCSE English language paper two. The transactional writing questions asks students to write different types of text – for example article writing, letter writing or persuasive writing. This will test students’ ability to write for different audiences and in different registers, as well as testing their ability to write to meet a purpose. 

As importantly as supporting our learners with their English Language paper, this workshop empowers young people to understand, critically analyse, engage with and participate in the media. 

During the masterclass, learners worked in pairs to take on the role of reporter and editor. They researched and wrote news stories, as well as subedit stories, headlines, and chose photographs to produce their front page to a tight deadline. To complete their front page, learners delved into the intricacies of how stories are structured, how editorial decisions are reached and how the news is made. 

“This session came at the perfect time as learners will be doing their English Language mocks in six weeks! Thanks to Mena’s expert perspective, learners have further developed the ability to write effective transitional responses and understand the craft involved in journalistic writing,” Kate, Teacher of English, ECT mentor and Lead Practitioner. 

After all their hard work as editors and reporters, learners were able to print and take home a copy of their newspaper front page. Thanks to Mena and the Guardian for facilitating such a fascinating workshop.  

"What I loved about the group was their maturity and focus. They started the day making impressive and thoughtful choices about what news they wanted to cover, and everyone finished with a completed, excellent-quality front page, a testament to their hard work and dedication." Mena Sultan, Programme Manager.