Stories written by students at Rye College are going to be published in Rye News thanks to a unique partnership launched this week. The first meeting of the Rye News Press Club took place at the college on Tuesday, April 16, starting with 12 pupils sharing ideas about potential stories which will be published this summer.
Plans for a new youth club in Rye and the impact rail delays have on students’ lives were discussed as potential press club articles, along with ideas for news stories on books and food. College pupils also shared their plans for creative writing, cartoons, photography and even puzzles.
Dom Downes, Rye College headteacher, says he is excited to see what his students report on. “It’s all about giving a voice to young people in our community. Writing is such a key life skill and this new club fits in perfectly with what we want our students to achieve. They’ll also develop new research skills and find new ways of expressing themselves.”
The press club is the idea of Susan Benn, one of the volunteers who reports for Rye News. She says it’s been a long-held ambition to make the club work. “The students are so impressive. They’re so keen and full of great stories. We’re not setting the agenda, they are.”
The first article commissioned by Rye News editor James Stewart will look at the potential new youth club in Rye. He was also impressed by the students’ story plans. “Everyone may have a different idea, but they were all keen to work together. The range of stories is brilliant. I’m sure our readers will enjoy what’s written, and getting to know this new generation of Rye News writers.”
Image Credits: James Stewart .