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Question Time Challenge Parkstone Grammar School host special event |
No, not David Dimbleby's version, but Parkstone Grammar School competing in the Schools Question Time Challenge to produce a special edition of BBC's Question Time this summer.
The four girls from Parkstone Grammar School masterminding the event could have one fooled into believing it was the real thing. Panellists were shown to the "Green Room" and offered refreshments whilst the audience settled in the "studio", the Allsebrook lecture theatre, and last-minute sound checks took place.
BT, sponsoring the event alongside the Institute for Citizenship and the BBC, was in charge of the sound explained Kimberly Lord, Chief Organiser: "They've been a great support with the production and Bournemouth University has been fantastic helping us hosting the event, providing the lecture theatre for free."
Panellists were well chosen to present a balanced mix. Terry Palmer from the Bournemouth Islamic Centre; Evangelical Pastor, Tim Rockweed; Molly Heinrich, Bournemouth Student Union President; author, A. J Butcher; Conservative MP, Chris Chope; and Liberal Democrat MP, Annette Brooke.
The latter knows The Media School's journalism students well. "They come prepared. I usually ask them who else they are interviewing and find they balance their stories well."
As the lights dimmed and the Question Time music played in, the two BBC producers stood ready to jot down notes as the official jury. A good mix of current event questions, ranging from the education bill, to religion in schools, to the recent medical trial disaster, were fired at the panel and pupil Alice made sure she reined in the panellists, with observations such as, "An interesting answer but you haven't answered the question."
The audience, mostly teachers and parents, laughed and cheered at suggestions of a swift exit for Tony Blair and the scrapping of university fees. Communications Teacher at Milton Abbey, Peter Lord, was happy to be at The Media School's home. "I recommend Bournemouth University to our students. The media courses are very good."
As the show ended Parkstone Grammar School's Head Teacher, Anne Shinwell praised her girls, hoping they will be one of the four winners to be announced in April. She added, "The University has such a positive reputation for its media courses in the industry."
Pupil Zoe Hutton agrees with her: "If I decide to study journalism I will come to Bournemouth because I know it's good." We may well welcome all the girls to The Media School, should they get the chance to taste TV production roles this summer. For now, we wish them the best of luck!
Story by Nicole Walter
MA Multi-Media Journalism
