A group of our students were invited to take part in live BBC news coverage exploring the ban on social media for under-16s. Broadcast across BBC television, BBC iPlayer and YouTube, the experience gave our students an exciting opportunity to share their views on a national platform.
The BBC team spent a full day in school, working closely with Year 8 and Year 9 students to gather live reactions to the government’s restrictions. Throughout the day, pupils were interviewed for a range of programmes, including Newsround, BBC Radio 5 Live, Radio 4 and BBC News.
The highlight of the coverage was a headline feature on the BBC’s 6 o’clock news, where our students featured prominently. Newsround journalist Nina Blissett led the interviews, and all four members of the BBC production team were highly complimentary about our pupils’ ability to articulate their thoughts with confidence and maturity.
Each student who took part was selected for their insight, confidence and willingness to speak openly about their experiences with social media. During the interviews, they explored a range of important topics, including the impact of addictive scrolling, the positive communities and connections social media can foster, and the risks of exposure to harmful or inappropriate content.
Our students spoke thoughtfully and passionately, offering balanced and informed perspectives on an issue that affects young people every day. We are incredibly proud of the maturity, honesty and confidence they demonstrated throughout the experience.
BBC Newsround journalist, Nina Blissett, commented: “I would like to say a massive thank you to Mr Stanley and all the pupils who took part in filming with Newsround. The team and I had a wonderful day filming with everyone. All the students were so articulate, they gave such well thought out and considered answers, it was a pleasure to interview them all. Also they dealt with the fast and ever-changing pace of live TV and radio, they were all happy to quickly speak on camera with little notice for a TV programme with millions of listeners.
I wish all the students all the best in the future, not that they need it, they were all stars ready to take over my job one day. A special shout out to Mr Stanley too, who not only organised everything for us last minute but was willing to speak with me for Radio 4 with short notice. It was my first time visiting St Paul’s, and I’ve come away thinking what a fantastic, welcoming, warm school with respectful and smart children. I’m sure I’ll visit again soon.”
Olivia, School Oracy Champion, age 13, said: “I really enjoyed my time when the BBC came into school. It was fascinating to see what their jobs involve and how quickly they film, edit and respond to breaking news. It really made me think more critically and encouraged me to question things and ask why.
The experience has definitely made me consider a future in media or journalism, I’d love to follow in Nina’s footsteps one day.
If I could give any advice to a new Year 7 student, it would be to get involved in as many activities as you can. Choose something you’re interested in, whether it’s oracy, drama or something else. You never know where it might lead – I certainly never imagined I’d end up on BBC TV!”