Student shines as Sports Reporter
CNS sixth form student Connor undertook a successful five day work experience placement with BBC Look East, resulting in his Sports Report being shown on BBC Look East on Thursday.
School Report is a BBC journalism project for 11-18 year olds which works with schools, youth groups and alternative provision across the UK. As part of the programme, the BBC School Report Sports Reporters scheme provide talented young people such as Connor, with the opportunity to report on their own sports story at the BBC.
To achieve his place on the prestigious work experience placement scheme, Connor pitched a story about his friend Will who suffered life changing injuries following an incident in a game of rugby. His application was successful and he was subsequently chosen as the Sports Reporter for the East. The programme is very competitive and Connor was amongst only 20 young people to achieve a place on the scheme, among hundreds of applications nationally.
Connor was given the unique opportunity to make his story a broadcasting reality at the nearby BBC Station, with the help of mentor, Tom Williams, a BBC Look East Sports presenter who helped him develop the skills required to tell his story. “CNS should be really proud of Connor and the work he’s doing. He’s a great ambassador for the school” said Tom.
Connor’s report was aired on BBC Look East on Thursday 15th March and Connor and his friend Will were interviewed on the programme. His report also featured on the BBC national news and Connor has now been invited to a Showcase on 23rd March at MediaCityUK in Salford, the home of BBC Sport.
Speaking about his experience on the programme, Connor said: “The opportunity to work with the BBC was incredible and the school report scheme has helped me develop skills in a field I wish to venture into at the end of my education.”
“To produce a film which reached not only the local news, but also the national news, was bizarre beyond belief and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.
“I have to thank Tom Williams, my mentor on the project who guided and worked with me to produce the film. Also to Will, Ann and David, who were really helpful and allowed me to tell Will’s story. I hope I did them justice.
I’m disappointed the project has ended but really proud of what was produced. I look forward to celebrating with the other members of the scheme on Friday at MediaCity in Manchester.”
Jo Philpott, Headteacher at City of Norwich School, said:
“We are delighted that Connor was successful on the programme and has had a fantastic experience in this role – developing new skills and gaining hugely insightful experience which will prepare him for his future career and ambitions. Connor is a fantastic ambassador for the academy and worked incredibly hard for what he has achieved.”
Image courtesy of the BBC: Connor and his friend Will being interviewed on BBC Look East
Image courtesy of the BBC: Connor filming his report
Image courtesy of the BBC: Connor interviewing Andrew Wilesmith, England Rugby Schools