Newsknight of The Knights Templar School won the Best Online award at the National Shine School Media Awards on Tuesday 21st. NewsKnight beat off stiff opposition from hundreds of schools including St Joseph’s College, Manchester Grammar, City of London School and Kingsbridge Community College to clinch the top award.
NewsKnight picture editor Sasha Mills received a highly commended certificate for her beautiful photo of Burnmoor Tarn in the Lake District as well. The judges said that Sasha’s entry for Best Original Picture “would be welcomed by any picture editor or art director.”
Mr McDermott also received a highly commended certificate for Most Inspirational Teacher for the second time at the ceremony at Stationers’ Hall, London. Judges commentated on his: “knowledge and support, particularly with editing and writing.”
Aside from the awards, the KTS team enjoyed an inspirational morning of workshops and talks. Ben Bowkett and Bill Buky took part in a masterclass in article writing from City University. Meanwhile Sasha Mills and Louie Trezise were inspired by media guru James Matthew-Paul as he provided incredible insight into digital media. The whole team learnt how to raise funds and advertise by Hearst publishers – an invaluable skill. The team gained valuable knowledge from these events on how to improve their own media work at KTS. Louis said that all of the workshops were: “Equally great and very interesting. We can all take so much from this.”
Following the workshops, the founder of Scoota, Torie Chilcott, gave a presentation on the advance of technology in media as well as the “importance of teamwork and having fun”. NewKnight spoke to Torie after the event and it is hoped that we may be able to collaborate later.
Looking back on an incredible day, Mr McDermott remarked: “I’m immensely proud of the team. Winning such a prestigious national award is a fantastic achievement. We have great writers, including Sasha Mills, Ben Buky and Ben Summer. Sasha is also an accomplished photographer and her award was richly deserved. Bill Bowkett has been are dynamo powering NewsKnight with his design and writing. The team has exciting plans for next year.”