Do you already have a Shine entry?

Hello everyone,

At the Shine School Media Awards we love it when a school starts a new magazine, newspaper or podcast from scratch, or revives one with a new editorial team.

However we’ve also got a lot of love for schools that already produce a Shine-eligible project.

And… you may not even realise you’re doing this!

Why not put your students forward for our competition if your school has produced outstanding writing as part of their school life this Autumn Term?

Here are some great examples to consider:

• ‘Magazines’ can be anything
  We know many schools pin news-related original articles or creative writing their students have completed on a school noticeboard at the end of term, sharing their writing cross-campus. Put together, this collection is the essence of an excellent Shine entry across different topics and disciplines. Already written now; designed or pieced together in January; entered for the competiton in April; award winning in June? It’s far from impossible.
• Student journalism has evolved
  We’re open to ideas both innovative and traditional. Do your students produce thoughtfully prepared ‘to camera’ phone-shot video stories about their lives or subjects important to them? This blogging-journalism hybrid is all the rage, doesn’t cost a penny – and won a Shine prize for the first time this summer. Your students could be next.
• From coursework to national recognition
  There are many situations where schoolwork which has been prepared as part of a student’s qualifications would immediately qualify for the Shine Awards. Examples include GCSE Media Studies coursework (for 15 year olds) to AQA qualifications such as a relevant project within a Level 3 EPQ and AS or A Level Media Studies. Why not submit this work to us, and give coursework an opportunity to be judged by renowned journalists?
• Here’s the news: we love podcasts
  Do you have students creating media projects such as stand-out school radio programmes or podcasts – including work produced by an after-school club? We want to hear one offs or series. This growing category can cover everything from sport, fashion to student humour.
• Printed, digital, scrollable? Every format counts.
  Finally, our magazine category is something that’s been challenged by student entries again and again over the years – and we love new ideas. We accept digital (PDF) editions, and increasingly these are completely tailored for sharing on a phone.

And, as always, just ONE category is your starting point! So, what are you waiting for? Tell us all about it: we’re here to answer your questions at shine@stationers.org

Register with the Shine School Media Awards and we can provide guidance and encouragement from now til our entry deadline next May.

• Register for next year’s awards here

Best wishes,

Richard Chapman
Chair, Shine School Media Awards