Welcome to Wandsworth Journalism Project
Develop key skills in journalism and celebrate youth voice, storytelling and creative careers through this fully funded opportunity for KS3 students.
The Welcome to Wandsworth journalism project is offered to all non-fee-paying secondary schools in the borough, including PRUs and SEND schools. This project will ensure youth voice is front and centre throughout the year of celebrations, and will enable young people to tell their stories, report on London Borough of Culture, and share their perspectives on art and culture in the borough.
Working with partners such as the BBC and Sky, the journalism project will also offer skills development opportunities and engaging experiences with professional creatives for young people, enriching children’s education and inspiring the next generation of cultural leaders.
On Air Student Broadcast
What is the WTW Journalism Project?
Resources for Schools
View more - Resources for Schools
Podcasts
Year 8 students from across Wandsworth have been interviewing some incredible people across the industry!
Harris Academy Battersea's Media Club met with TV presenter and radio host at Hits FM Mary Mandefield, Graveney School spoke to Sky TV presenter Leah Boleto, and Burntwood school met with award winning documentary filmmaker Anushree Shukla.
Listen to the podcasts:
School Media Clubs
Curious to see what the journalism project could look like in your school? Take a look at the fantastic work by participating schools so far.
Sarah Burbedge
With over 20 years working as a journalist, producer, content and changemaker, Sarah is passionate about people and storytelling. Beginning as a radio newsreader-turned TV reporter and live events producer (BBC News School Report, Children in Need, Comic Relief, London 2012 etc) Sarah has interviewed prime ministers, pop stars and hundreds of unsuspecting people by vox-pop!
Working at the BBC, for the EBU, GWR, IBC in broadcasting and for a broad range of corporate and commercial clients, Sarah is a creative producer, presenter and panellist. And with the last 7-8 years of her career being devoted to the shaping of the digital newsroom and the future of work, now consults in culture and change, using storytelling-and films and podcasts -to cut through the noise.
As Mummy to Oliver (10) and Gracie (8) and as chair of trustees for the charity Soulscape -who support young people’s wellbeing and offer them a chance to explore life- Sarah strongly believes wellbeing and joy stand firmly at the heart of great work.
Josie Verghese
Josie has over 20 years’ experience as a journalist and multimedia producer. She led the BBC's award-winning media literacy and youth voice initiative for 11–18-year-olds, BBC Young Reporter, and was an Assistant Editor for BBC News having begun her journalism career with Newsround. She has also worked for BBC London, Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport.
Throughout her career she has been involved in sharing broadcasting skills, working with young people to tell their own original stories and talking about media careers. Josie originally joined the BBC as a PA, putting all her planning and problem-solving skills to use and getting paid too!
Josie is a champion of diversity in the media, supporting young people to think big and ask questions. She is a secondary school governor in her local south London community, mentors for the John Schofield Trust and Centrepoint, and has been a member of Ofcom’s Making Sense of Media Advisory Panel.
Natasha Shah
Natasha is a master of organisation, a PR powerhouse, and the go-to person for making chaos look effortless! With experience at Netflix UK and the BBC, Natasha has planned star-studded events, juggled tight schedules, and kept teams running like a well-oiled machine. Whether it's managing global talent logistics or coordinating high-stakes projects, Natasha brings energy, creativity, and a knack for getting things done—always with a smile! Beyond her professional work, Natasha is committed to sharing her expertise, and empowering young talent to thrive in the fast-paced world of entertainment.
Carrie Wootten
Carrie is a global leader for diversity, equality and inclusion across the media technology industry with over 20 years’ experience. She is the CEO and Co-founder of the Global Media and Entertainment Talent Manifesto, which focuses on skills, education and diversity, delivering a wide range of programmes and initiatives, working collaboratively with companies across the globe. Carrie was previously the MD and Co-Founder of Rise, a membership organisation working to address gender diversity across the industry and was also the Head of Industry Partnerships at Ravensbourne University. She was nominated for the RTS Technology Centre Leader of the Year Award 2024.