September 2020 – Bringing Words To Life

North-South Divide

One of our long-time writers at Beep penned an article this week that has definitely got people talking, something we love to do here at Bringing Words to Life. The story was about being treated like an alien in your own region by people who think us ‘northerners’ talk funny.

Thankfully, Lauren, in true Northern style is able to rise above the derogatory comments that came her way from her fellow Durham uni students, but seriously, what are they teaching our young people down in the southern counties? With attitudes like this, is it any wonder we face the issues we do?

As an exceptionally proud Northerner, I am doubly proud reading this article and the fact that Lauren held these people to account. I hope they are squirming now at just how ignorant they look.

What people say

It is always exciting seeing how our work impacts on the lives of the young people we work with. We thrive on feedback from students and staff alike; as it is that which allows us to make sure our programs are suited to the young people we work with. We have worked with St Thomas More secondary school in Gateshead since 2014 and we are always impressed by the progress the students make. Whether it is their contributions to www.nebeep.com or their submissions to our writing competitions, they always impress. So receiving feedback like this from Mrs Doyle, our point of contact and long time supporter of the work we do at St. Thomas More, really brings home to us, that we do to support literacy and communication for our young people, must continue.

"Bringing Words To Life" has made a valued contribution to our students' forays into journalism for a number of years now. Melanie first visited the school to help a low-ability class set up and undertake a journalism project (culminating in a recorded press conference with our local councillor), and subsequently has supported members of our weekly 'More News' club to explore the profession and develop their writing skills.

One of our key objectives has been to encourage students to use their 'voice': the school online newsletter is a valuable means by which to do this, but is not always an appropriate forum to discuss every political or social issue that might arise. It has therefore been very useful to be able to forward students' writing on more contentious topics to B**P for publication. Having said that, we have been able to share articles on important issues such as life in the pandemic; the provision of school meals; anti-vaccination movements etc. The students do appreciate this 'outlet' for their journalism."

As an exceptionally proud Northerner, I am doubly proud reading this article and the fact that Lauren held these people to account. I hope they are squirming now at just how ignorant they look.

Read the full article here https://www.nebeep.com/things-posh-people-have-said-to-me/

"Bringing Words To Life" has made a valued contribution to our students' forays into journalism for a number of years now. Melanie first visited the school to help a low-ability class set up and undertake a journalism project (culminating in a recorded press conference with our local councillor), and subsequently has supported members of our weekly 'More News' club to explore the profession and develop their writing skills.

One of our key objectives has been to encourage students to use their 'voice': the school online newsletter is a valuable means by which to do this, but is not always an appropriate forum to discuss every political or social issue that might arise. It has therefore been very useful to be able to forward students' writing on more contentious topics to B**P for publication. Having said that, we have been able to share articles on important issues such as life in the pandemic; the provision of school meals; anti-vaccination movements etc. The students do appreciate this 'outlet' for their journalism."

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