Southfields Academy Student Reporting

A lucky group of year 8 students from Southfields Academy had a hands-on experience of a career in journalism and broadcasting, with a trip to CNN’s UK headquarters and European hub.

On Tuesday, 8th July, the students and their teachers set out on an exciting trip to Central London. The journey began with a train ride and a short walk to the CNN studio, where the group was greeted with visitor lanyards before embarking on their tour. The students were guided by Rebecca, a CNN tour guide, who explained the various roles involved in the world of broadcasting, including those of anchors, floor managers, and camera operators.

Upon entering the main studio, students were given the thrilling opportunity to sit in the news anchor's chair and read from an autocue, simulating the live broadcast experience. This was one of the highlights of the trip, as students felt the rush of being in front of the camera, just like the professionals they had been learning about.

Next, the group was shown the evolution of cameras used in broadcasting. From bulky, expensive cameras of the past to today's lightweight and portable models, the students were fascinated by how far technology has advanced. Some even had the chance to hold and compare different types of cameras, gaining hands-on experience with the tools that make live broadcasts possible.

The tour took a more serious turn when Rebecca explained the dangers faced by CNN reporters and cameramen. Many are sent to conflict zones around the world, where their safety is at risk. To protect themselves, they wear bulletproof vests and helmets, which the students were allowed to try on. They learned that one of the most common causes of death for cameramen in warzones is car accidents, a sobering reality of the risks involved in the job.

As the tour concluded, the students were given a souvenir—Superman t-shirts—which some, like Shayanah, wore proudly all the way back to school, calling herself "Super-Shay."

The trip was not only a chance to see the inner workings of a global news network but also an opportunity to learn about the various career paths in journalism, such as video production, script management, and more. Thanks to the trip organisers - the Welcome to Wandsworth Journalism Project - many students walked away with a new perspective on the world of media and a greater appreciation for the hard work and risks involved in bringing the news to the world.

Reflecting on the experience, the students agreed that it was an exciting and educational trip, one that sparked their interest in journalism and broadcasting. The CNN team made them feel welcomed and ensured the trip was one they will remember for years to come.

Written by class 8S-EN1 

Young people from Southfields Academy and children from Riversdale Primary have been celebrating their involvement in a project to bring back to life a historic fountain in their local park, Coronation Gardens. 

A new statue of pioneering landscape designer Fanny Wilkinson has also been installed on the restored 1904 water fountain in the gardens. Fanny Wilkinson was the UK’s first professional female landscape gardener, but not just that, she was the first woman to be paid to carry out the job. In the early 1880s Fanny Wilkinson became the first female student of the newly formed Crystal Palace School of Landscape Gardening and Practical Horticulture.

Nana and Nathan from Southfields Academy sixth form completed a work experience placement on the Coronation Gardens project to celebrate the history of this pioneering woman gardener. When the new statue of Fanny Wilkinson was unveiled, on July 3, the Southfields Academy sixth formers spoke to the crowd gathered in Coronation Gardens about their contributions to the project. During their work placement they researched the history of the fountain and also wrote a funding speech to help raise money for the restoration - with a focus on the environmental impact of the drinking fountain.

Nathan spoke about how working at the Heritage of London Trust helped him to instil a sense of local pride, bring communities together and connect local residents to the heritage of their local area. 

Teachers at Riversdale Primary worked with children at the school, which is next door to the park, organising workshops and engaging them with the Proud Places initiative so they learned about Fanny Wilkinson. Olivia, a student from Riversdale Primary school, spoke to the crowd to tell them more about Fanny Wilkinson’s life and contributions. In a 20-year period, Fanny Wilkinson was able to work on 75 public gardens in London, including Coronation Gardens. Later, at the age of 95 in 1951, she passed away, leaving an inspiring legacy. 

Now, in 2025, the Heritage of London Trust have decided to restore this fountain in her legacy. Not only have they been contributing towards their communities, but they have taken up the role in the challenge to be future guardians of looking after this site. 

The drinking water fountain was originally installed in 1904 and has now come back into public use, thanks to partial funding from Wandsworth Council. The mayor of Wandsworth unveiled the statue, with some pupils supporting. Many children and adults gathered for a photo at the end, celebrating the new statue by filling up their water bottles!