Lesson 15

After looking at the language conventions of headlines, such as subject-verb-object, alliteration, puns and powerful verbs, pupils practise using the language of headlines by completing headlines and writing their own using the Creating headlines resource.

Pupils add page furniture to the final draft of their news reports, including headlines, pictures, captions and bylines. Ensure that each of these adds more information, draws attention to the article, or helps the reader to understand more about the story. The NewsWise newspaper template includes sections for a masthead, headline, byline, picture, caption and date.

Challenge: pupils add a standfirst (a very concise summary underneath the headline, pulling out key points not included in the headline).

Pupils swap reports with a partner and provide feedback on each other’s use of page furniture. Is the headline catchy? Are there any redundant words in the headline? Is the headline truthful, fair and balanced? Do the picture captions add extra, interesting information about the story?

Pupils present their finished reports, perhaps as a class walkaround. What are you most proud of? How did you ensure that your story was truthful, fair, balanced and interesting? How do you think your readers will react to your stories? What would you do differently if you were to do this again?

Pupils share and discuss their reflections about the NewsWise project. What do you now know about the news that you didn’t know before? What new skills have you learned? What do you feel more confident about now? What do you feel you need more practice at doing? What have you enjoyed the most?

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