And more success for Cowley Chronicle team

The February 2014 edition of the Ax News, the newspaper of the Axholme Academy, Crowle, North Lincolnshire, produced in partnership with the Lincoln School of Journalism and printed by Mortons of Horncastle, scooped the secondary school honour and received special praise from judge, author Anthony Horowitz.

First News said “It was a tough decision and they received tonnes of entries for each category (Primary, Secondary & Special School Newspaper) but with help from their editors and Anthony Horowitz, our newspaper was selected.”

They had some great feedback from Anthony and he was so impressed with the content, layout and effort.

Anthony’s feedback was: “This is a bright, confident newspaper from a busy, successful school. I was really struck by its fantastic range of subjects…French spelling, flamenco, fire fighting, cancer support and anti-bullying. Dare I say – axcellent?”

First News Editors commented: “What a wonderful publication! It looks so professional and is very well written. It looks like your school gets up to some very exciting activities, you’re very lucky. What a fantastic experience being able to go and work with the university and to gain experience of what it’s like working in a newspaper office. We can see that the whole community must appreciate your efforts. Keep it up! ”

The Axholme Academy Principal, Joe Sellars, said “To win this national award and receive such amazing feedback from an eminent author like Anthony Horowitz is very special. Over a number of years our student journalists supported by Andrea Cox and Lincoln University have produced excellent school newspapers that reflect the enormous number of opportunities our students are able to take advantage of. These are distributed across our community and via our website. Congratulations to everyone concerned.”

Tim Greenfield, LSJ School Newspaper Project founder, said it was a fantastic achievement to win the award, especially given they were up against competition from across the UK.

“We have worked with the Axholme Academy for many years, helping them to produce school newspapers, so it is really exciting for the School of Journalism at the University of Lincoln to be a part of this award,” he said. “Our students and volunteer journalists have worked with the Axholme students to ensure the three newspapers they make with us each year are top class. The papers are really professional, not least because they are profressionally printed by Mortons of Horncastle.”

“We always strive to produce a professional publication with all of the schools we work with and now this has been confirmed with this award. We are over the moon and I am sure all those who have worked on the newspaper are delighted.”

Thomas Cowley High School in awards success

In more good news, another of the schools the LSJ works with has done well in national media awards.

In the Shine Media Awards, Thomas Cowley High School, Donington were shortlisted in the “Best Community Initiative” for their January 2014 newspaper. They were also ” Highly Commended”  with two other schools.

In addition, one of their students, Daniel Dicker, was also short listed to the last 12 for  ” Most Outstanding Pupil”.

Tim Greenfield said: “I am delighted for the school, it did very well considering they were up against schools from across the UK.”

One of the Shine judges renowned journalist Simon Heffer said: “The Cowley Chronicle was an excellent, well-produced newspaper dealing with a range of sensitive issues.”

Thomas Cowley staff member Fay Houltby added: “I have been bringing my young reporters to Lincoln School of Journalism newspaper days for two years in which time we have produced six issues of our school newspaper, The Cowley Chronicle. The help we receive, along with the facilities, is always first class and everyone is so friendly making us feel at home.

“My students have benefited greatly from their experience, becoming more confident, with several of them keen to study journalism when they leave school. The newspaper days are most definitely great value for money.”