The spotlight shone on the broadcast journalism class as they officially launched SAC TODAY to great fanfare in Ketchum Auditorium.
Last Friday, the entire Upper School got together to watch the newly-minted news program that lasted approximately 15 minutes and featured a diversity of stories from the start of the school year through the previous week.
“It has been a whirlwind start to the program,” said Matthew Trevisan, who co-teaches the new grade 11 and 12 course with Matt Wyatt. “Our students essentially took a crash course in cinematography, audio, interviewing, reporting, script writing, voice-over techniques, and video editing.”
The boys had some self-reported bumps along the way, but they successfully got their first show to air on time. “Some of the boys have already found a new voice and a new confidence in themselves,” said Mr. Wyatt after the show. “I am looking forward to building on this momentum.”
Tarun Sethi and Ayo Ogunremi were the first duo to man the anchor desk, while others managed the production aspects and provided individual news segments. Everyone will rotate through the various positions so each student will have an opportunity to try everything at least once. This term’s stories featured student life, athletics, arts, and health. The show was incredibly well-rounded with interviews with students, teachers, Old Boys, and Margaret Kirkby from the Health Centre.
Not every segment will make it into the larger news magazine show, so individual segments will be forthcoming as some content will be breaking news and some will only have a certain shelf life. These individual pieces, if green-lighted by the course instructors, will be available in the online version.
In the end, the boys put together a great first show that displayed the top news stories from around the School. “The students captured the Andrean spirit,” said Michael Paluch, Assistant Headmaster, Academics. “It was really, really impressive.”
The course accentuates the School’s four academic pillars – boy-friendly learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and growth mindset. “We’re really excited to teach a course where boys are solving real-world problems, developing their eloquence and voice, and engaging with their community with curiosity, empathy, and traditional journalism,” said Mr. Trevisan.
As the boys continue to master their craft, the news magazine show will begin to increase in frequency. Be sure to watch the SAC YouTube Channel for all the latest. To watch the first episode, click here.
Story by Nicolette Fleming
