Hello, I hope you had a lovely summer - and welcome back to School Report 2014/2015. We’re looking forward to another great year - News Day is going to be on March 19 2015 and we are already thinking about how we can make it better than ever. We’ve got lots of special things planned, including a special School Report Computing challenge! Below you’ll find some useful information about the project, key dates for your diary and details about our exciting new teaching resources! 1) ESSENTIAL PAPERWORK Every school taking part in the project must complete and return the School Report paperwork every year - that’s the Agreement (Form 1) and Consent (Form 2). You can scan or photograph them and e- mail them to [email protected], or post them to: BBC News School Report Zone C, 2nd Floor BBC Broadcasting House London W1A 1AA Please send back the forms ASAP, so you can make the most of the project. You can download the forms here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport/18722237. 2) SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM On September 18, people living in Scotland will vote to decide if Scotland should be an independent country. Are your School Reporters interested in the story? We are keen to hear what young people around the UK think. If you’re interested in contributing to our referendum coverage, please e-mail [email protected]. 3) NEW LESSON PLANS We’ve given our lesson plans a makeover, adding some new activities and video masterclasses - you can check out what’s new here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport/teacher_resources/. Some of the highlights: - Newsbeat reporter Natalie Jamieson and Radio Breakfast show presenter Nick Grimshaw offer some top tips on how to do a great interview - http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport/28293067 - Go behind the scenes at BBC News with presenter Ellie Crisell http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport/28309704 4) TEACHER BRIEFINGS We are running a number of workshops around the UK for teachers taking part in the project. They are a chance to find out how the project works and to meet members of the School Report team - and other teachers taking part! The workshops are free and for teachers only (no students, sorry!). We are unable to cover travel or supply costs Details of the briefings are as follows: September 26 - 1300-1600 - BBC Broadcasting House, London October 13 - 1300-1600 - BBC MediaCityUK, Salford October 17 - 1330 -1700 - BBC Belfast October 20 - 1300-1600 - BBC Norwich October 21 - 1330 - 1630 - Plymouth Central Library November 3 - 1300-1600 - BBC Pacific Quay, Glasgow November 5 -1300-1600 - BBC Bristol November 6 - 1230-1600 - BBC Roath Lock, Cardiff November 11 - 1300-1600 - BBC Sheffield November 11 - 1300-1600 - Carlisle - Tuille House November 12 - 1300-1600 - BBC Newcastle November 13 - 1300-1600 - BBC Middlesbrough November 19 - 1300-1600 BBC Birmingham Mailbox If you would like to book a place please email [email protected] – with your name, school name and which briefing you would like to come to asap. Places are highly sought after and will be filled on a first come, first served basis! 5) WHAT ARE THE KEY DATES? a) News Day – March 19 2015 b) Practice News Days (a chance to rehearse): Friday 14 November Thursday 11 December Wednesday 21 January Tuesday 10 February Remember, if you have any questions about the project, please do get in touch. You can reach me at this address or via [email protected]. The School Report team is very excited for another great year - we can’t wait to see what you and your School Reporters produce this year! Best wishes, Laura PS Just starting out with School Report or want a refresher of how it all works? Visit our guide to getting the most out of the project! http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport/16220554 Laura MacDonald Schools Producer BBC News School Report 2nd floor, Zone C, BBC Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, W1A 1AA bbc.co.uk/schoolreport .