Last Friday, our school’s journalism students swapped their pens for pizzas and notebooks for nibbles in an exhilarating live ‘breaking news’ simulation event. The event, organised by The School of Journalism’s lecturer, Ms. Dyer, offered students a chance to step into the fast-paced world of real-time news reporting.
The evening kicked off with a casual social hour, where students mingled, shared stories, and devoured an impressive spread of Domino’s pizza and an array of snacks that would make any news anchor jealous. The air was filled with laughter, chatter, and the unmistakable aroma of Garlic and Herb dip.
But the real fun began when Ms. Dyer called everyone to attention. She laid out the evening’s challenge: a live breaking news simulation where students would have to report on a rapidly developing story. Phones at the ready, notebooks open, and minds sharp, the students prepared to dive into the fray.
The simulation was intense from the start. Students were fed bits of information in real-time, mirroring the unpredictable nature of breaking news. They had to prioritise sources, verify facts, and stay ahead of the story as new developments unfolded. It was a crash course in everything a modern journalist needs to know—and they loved every minute of it.
As the simulation progressed, students also grappled with ethical dilemmas. Should they report unverified claims if it meant getting the scoop first? How do they balance the public’s right to know with the potential harm a story might cause? And, crucially, how do they avoid getting sued? Ms. Dyer guided them through these tricky waters, offering insights and advice that only a seasoned journalist could provide.
By the end of the evening, the students were exhausted but exhilarated. They had honed their craft, learned invaluable lessons about the ethics and responsibilities of journalism, and experienced the thrill of reporting in real-time.
“I never realized how challenging and exciting breaking news could be,” said Tilly Watkinson. “It was like being in a newsroom, but with more pizza.”
Isabelle Worth added, “This was such an eye-opener. It made me appreciate the hard work journalists do every day. Plus, it was so much fun!”
As the event wrapped up, students left with full stomachs, fuller notebooks, and a renewed passion for journalism. Many lingered, continuing to discuss the night’s events and share their stories, proving once again that the best learning experiences are those that bring people together.
The future of news is in great hands—just as long as there’s plenty of pizza to go around!
By Mrs Martin