Testimonials

Rachel’s workshops prove popular – and revealing – for both teachers and pupils.

Under the auspices of the Moss Side Stories project, Rachel has made a fantastic contribution to Manchester Metropolitan University’s work with Manchester Academy students. Everybody participating hugely enjoyed her workshops and her down to earth approach and highly accessible style has led many pupils (often from economically deprived ethnic minority backgrounds) to aspire to a career in journalism. She’s a terrific facilitator and a real inspiration.
Dr Linnie Blake, Public Engagement Fellow, Manchester Metropolitan University

The delivery of the workshop was excellent and all students were highly motivated and engaged in the learning experience provided on the day. The success of the day was highlighted through the interactive presentation to the year 7 students.  A group of students were given the opportunity to share their learning with others which demonstrated that literacy can be fun. Furthermore, the day was enhanced by the session which encouraged students to ask questions and find out more about Rachel and the world of creative writing /journalism. We thank you for your energy and inspiration. Sharon Smith-Brown, co-ordinator of Enrichment Activities, Stretford High School

Thanks so much for the workshops.  Feedback on them both has been excellent and it seems all of the participants really enjoyed taking part – so thank you on behalf of MIF. Jen Cleary, Manchester International Festival

I’ve worked with Rachel since 2006, and can’t praise her journalism workshops highly enough: they’re always well-prepared and versatile in content, hit the right balance between fun and learning, and the participants invariably come away having challenged themselves and armed with sound practical advice for a future media career.  Francisca Kern, Creative Agent for Creative Partnerships

The results were excellent and each of the workshops was highly praised. Many of them found the event thoroughly inspiring. It gave them positive intentions for their own writing and ideas for their future careers. Tameside has a very low participation rate in higher education, with very few families having their own experience of it. Some of the success of the day can be measured in terms of how many of the participants are now considering higher education for themselves. Andrea Waldron, Tameside Aimhigher co-ordinator

Just wanted to thank you again. It was both enjoyable and really useful for students. Feedback today has been really positive. Blue Coat School, Oldham

What the pupils say:

“I enjoyed learning how to write in journalism.”

“I enjoyed producing my own newspaper report.”

“I want to be a journalist.”

“I like journalism more than I used to.”

“I’m looking forward to reading more newspapers from now on.”

“I will pay more attention because I want to become a journalist.”

“I will listen more and have a better approach to journalism.”

“I enjoyed the practical work in journalism.”

“One of the things I would like to do again is collect important facts.”

“We learned many things and that you can use humour in your newspaper.”

“It was funny making up the stories in journalism.”

“I enjoyed learning how to write in journalism.”

“I enjoyed producing my own newspaper report.”

“I want to be a journalist.”

“It’s good to work with a journalist because you can learn more because they have the actual experience.”

“We learned how to ask powerful questions and so that the answer would not be yes or no.”

“I was worried interviewing people I didn’t know but it was good and easier because I was being a journalist.”

“I might want to be a journalist when I’m older so it was a good experience.”

“I have learned how to write good questions so they can’t say yes or no.”

“I have learned how to ask good and interesting questions which get good answers back.”

“I learned it was very easy to interview people and you don’t have to be an adult to interview people.”

“I also learned being a journalist can be hard because you have to make so many questions and meet new people.”