Junior Journalists Put Their Interviewing Skills to the Test

This week in Junior Journalists Club, pupils stepped into the role of reporters as they explored the art of conducting successful interviews.

The session focused on developing key interviewing techniques, including how to prepare thoughtful open-ended questions, listen carefully to responses, ask follow-up questions and make interviewees feel comfortable and confident. Pupils also learned the importance of maintaining eye contact, taking accurate notes, and asking questions that encourage detailed and interesting answers.

To put these skills into practice, the Junior Journalists interviewed some of our newer pupils to learn more about their experiences of joining KSA. Questions focused on topics such as the differences between their previous schools and KSA, how they found making new friends, which clubs and activities they enjoy most, and what new clubs they would like to see introduced in the future.

The interviews provided a fascinating insight into life at KSA from the perspective of new pupils and highlighted just how welcoming and supportive our school community is. It was wonderful to see the Junior Journalists growing in confidence as they developed their communication skills and learned how professional journalists gather information and tell engaging stories.

Read on below to discover what our new pupils had to say about their experiences of joining KSA and the things they enjoy most about school life.

 

Today I interviewed a new starter, Hugo who joined in September last year. I asked him a few questions about school life. Hugo said that he really likes the school because of the academic and sport opportunities. He thought that all the teachers were really lovely and everybody is very kind and caring. He also mentioned that the facilities were very good and sport was amazing (especially rugby). 

When I asked him what was different to his old school, he said that here you have more freedom and opportunities. Hugo also said that the lunch was a lot better and you must move around classes. Then I asked him what clubs and opportunities he enjoyed. He said he loves music because he plays the clarinet and he really enjoys rugby and cricket club.  I asked what football team he supports. He supports Aston Villa and some of his friends like that team too.  

These answers are from Oscar.

The first question was what it was like being new he replied: 

“I was nervous when I first joined but I’ve gotten used to it.” 

The second question was is it hard putting up with new friends he replied: 

“No because I am still very close to my old friends.” 

The third question was what clubs would you like the teachers to add he replied: 

“I want a club where we can do creative writing and a club where we can engineer cool creations.” 

Theo’s time at KSA has been great he says that he prefers this school to his old school and loves the sport and the facilities. He has also made lots of new friends like Haadi, Max, Dylan, Jack, Eli, Jack and Max in Year Six. The differences between his previous school and this school is size, KSA is bigger, it has more things to do, Theo loves the pool. Theo’s favourite football and ruby teams are Aston Villa and Wigan Warriors.

These answers are from Jacob in year 6 who joined in January. 

Do you like the school so far?  Yes! 

Why? Because the school has lots of sport opportunities.     

What club would you like to add? The school should definitely add an orienteering club. 

I interviewed a new starter and his named Adam, and these are the questions I asked him.

What do you like about KSA? Sport is great because of rugby.

What football team do you support and why? I support Chelsea and my dad supports them too.

What was the main difference between your old school and here at KSA? It didn’t have any sport only PE.

Who’s your favourite teacher? Mr. Hooman