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Two secondary school students in a classroom setting, looking up attentively and smiling. Both students are holding red pencils. A world map and educational posters are visible in the background.

Behind the Headlines

Opinion writing: onsite workshop for secondary students
Opinion writing (whole day)
Ages: 15-18 (Years 11- 13)
Minimum students: 14
Maximum students: 16
Delivery method: Onsite at The Guardian, Kings Cross, London
Timing: 4 hours (arrive 15 minutes before)
Normally 10am – 2.30pm (includes a 30-minute lunch break

This is a journalism workshop for secondary schools, focusing on the style and structure of opinion writing. Students explore how professional journalists use language to influence and inform. They then pitch their ideas and defend their arguments in a collaborative environment.

Students will research and write an original comment piece inspired by real news stories. Each participant receives a professional print-out of their work to take home.

Delivered by qualified teachers, this session bridges the gap between the classroom and the newsroom, fostering critical thinking and civic engagement.

Bookings are currently closed. Please subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when bookings open each term.

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Further information for schools visiting

  • Groups should arrive 15 minutes prior to their start time to check into the Guardian building.

  • A lunch space is provided for 4 hour workshops.

  • Please ensure you have read our visitor guide, including the risk assessment and related documents.

  • Our workshops are planned and delivered by qualified secondary school teachers.

  • Workshops are differentiated, where necessary and possible, to cater for students from Key Stages 3 - 5 and students with SEND.

  • There should be a minimum of 3 adults regardless of group size.

  • Priority is given to state schools with above average free school meal rates as well as sixth form colleges and Special Educational Needs schools.

    • Visitor guide
    It was a brilliant experience for the students to be in the actual Guardian building, to look at the Guardian newspaper and to use the equipment and have a really engaging lesson. I thought the whole day was excellent, really well organised, engaging and at the right speed for the students to be kept on task and keep up with the expectations.
    Teacher
    Holmewood Upper School
    I enjoyed producing my own piece of opinion writing about a topic close to my heart in a realistic format which looks professional and felt professional to produce.
    Year 12 Student
    Little Heath School
    We study The Guardian as a set text so it was especially relevant. The students gained a lot from this experience which dovetailed with our in class teaching and the Guardian staff were fantastic.
    Teacher
    Wheatley Park School

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