The morning started with an editorial meeting in the classroom to decide which stories would be covered and what would be the lead story on the front page.

Pupils looked at all the daily newspapers and once they picked our stories, they decided who would write them before splitting into groups. Then it was off to the ICT suite to get on with some serious writing. Pupils finished the main stories by the lunch time deadline – and even managed to fit in a music lesson.

Towards the end of the day it was all getting a bit tense and they were wondering if they were going to be able to finish it all. With one and a half hours to go, some people were on their second or third task.

Some people, however, were not getting on well.

Just before the last outburst of activity, the entire Year 6 newspaper staffs were treated to a breath of sunshine and a muffin or flapjack. It was a huge help as everyone went straight back to work at their computers.

“It was quite hard but it was quite fun at the Same time,” commented Aaron, age 10. “I would like to do it again.”

Another child said that he found it very stressful but nonetheless, very enjoyable.
Years 6 were very fortunate to be joined by 9 adults from all different walks of life. Some were teachers, others teaching assistants or parents.

This is the second year that pupils at Forest Row Primary School have taken part in the TES Newsday and current Year 6 children hope that younger years will also have this opportunity.

By Lydia Graham, Aaron Wescott and Louie Slocombe

Download the full TES Newsday document in PDF (1.94mb) format here!