I have been a Broadcast Journalist for the last 13 years and 2017 will be my fourth year as a BBC School Report Mentor. As part of my day-to-day job at BBC Hereford and Worcester, I read the news, produce programmes and report on the biggest stories in our region.
When I was at school, I knew I wanted to work in radio, but I had absolutely no idea how I would go about achieving that dream. I did various things like record my own radio shows on my cassette player in my bedroom and volunteer for the student newspaper, but I didn't know anyone who worked in radio to find out what working in broadcasting was really like.
This was my main motivation for becoming a BBC School Report mentor. I wanted to inspire the younger generation, and make them realise that a career in journalism is very much achievable, and hopefully giving them some of the skills to set them on their way.
The first school I worked with was Trinity High School in Redditch. They had never done BBC School Report before, and seeing the enthusiasm from both the pupils and the teacher was so exciting.
They were all brimming with ideas and keen to tell stories that reflect their own lives, whether that be bullying or the pressures of exams. I was keen to help them develop these stories and turn them into radio. They continue to be part of BBC School Report.
Whenever I work with a school, I make School Report News Day part of BBC Hereford and Worcester's output. I will take the Radio Car to the school in the morning during the Breakfast Show, and do live reports throughout the day, so listeners can follow their progress.
I will also get some of the young reporters to read news bulletins, do the weather and the sport live on the radio.
It's not only great experience for the school, but it gives us as a station the opportunity to hear from some of the younger voices in our community and find out about the issues that are really important to them. We have also had BBC School Report pupils go on to apply for work experience with us.
I spend about three months working with a school leading up to School Report News Day. I will give informal lessons on how to find news stories, then help reporters develop their stories and secure interviews.
BBC School Report has given me the chance to get out and meet some of the younger people living in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and give them a voice on the BBC. I've enjoyed helping them share their stories and give them the skills and the s they need if they ever choose to pursue a career in broadcasting.
BBC School Report is a partnership between BBC Academy, BBC News, BBC Sport, and BBC Children’s - it gives thousands of 11-16-year-old students in the UK the chance to make their own reports for a real audience, using lesson plans, BBC learning materials, and the help of BBC mentors.
