Freman College students put their regular timetable to one side on Friday to embark on a day of special activities – including going on work experience at the Crow.

Royston Crow: (L-R) Bobby Fisher, 14, and Jack George, 15, at the Crow office. Picture: Tyler Bilton(L-R) Bobby Fisher, 14, and Jack George, 15, at the Crow office. Picture: Tyler Bilton (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

All of the Year 10 had a day’s work experience, with Jack George and Bobby Fisher from the Buntingford school heading to the Crow’s office for crash course in reporting on local news.

Bobby, who is 14 and lives in Royston, said: “I learnt a lot about journalism, and I now have the ability to write an article better.

“I learnt about where you would find different stories, for example on social media or in a press release, and about what is important in making an article.

“I also learnt about the different stages that a newspaper goes through before it is finally published.

“I even wrote stories, and know that you should not waste any words when you are writing an article.

“Overall I had a quite enjoyable day and it has kept my interest in the subject.”

And 15-year-old Jack from Buntingford said: “We had the opportunity to take a glimpse at what an average day at work is like.

“I chose to go to the offices of the Royston Crow as I am very interested in a career in journalism and writing in general.

“Bobby and I worked with reporter Bianca and we were taught many things about how news stories are written, and we even wrote one ourselves!

“Editor Nick showed us how the news is published, and the importance of posting it on social media.

“Overall, I had a great time and am now even more interested in a career in this field.”

Tyler Bilton from Therfield also tried out another branch of the journalistic profession, with Crow photographer Danny.

As well as work experience, other years took on a host of important activities.

Year 11 spent the day preparing for their next steps with information on finance, university, college and CV writing, while Year 9s concentrated on health-based topics.

The included first aid from St John Ambulance, healthy eating, relationships, sexual health and cancer.

Year 12 looked at revision skills and mental health as well as having an informative and hard-hitting session with Herts Young Homeless.

And Year 13 had a life-skills day, preparing them for life beyond school with cookery, button sewing, changing a car-tyre and dancing lessons on the agenda.

Rebecca Roberts, who co-ordinated the day, said “Such days offer students valuable opportunities to consider their personal well-being and life beyond school and we are always delighted with how our students respond.”