Towards the end of Years 5 and 6 investigation into how the media alters images and manipulates perspectives, the boys were privileged to spend time with some parents who work within different aspects of the media. Mrs Sally Carr, mother of Jonty in Year 6 and Charlie in Year 4, came and spoke to the boys about how The Australian newspaper decides how they report the news and what they consider to be important for us to know about.

The boys also heard from Mr David Middleton, father of Jack in Year 4, who works at Channel 9, particularly in the field of Sport. He is a regular contributor to The NRL Footy Show and provides information to the commentators during certain weekend games. He took us on a fascinating behind the scenes look at the studios of Channel 9 and shared with his knowledge and expertise of how TV can turn what has happened in life to something we can understand.

Mr Rod Prosser, head of Channel 10 Studios in Brisbane, father of Oliver in Year 6, also gave us an in-depth insight into how Channel 10 reports the news and how it gets from start to finish.

Finally, the producers of the latest Newington Lindfield Cinema Advertisement came and spent and hour with the boys sharing with them the process of advertising and what it means for us at Newington, Lindfield. The boys were fascinated by the processes involved and how much needed to be done to create such a piece of work.

All 5 guest speakers spoke eloquently with the boys about the legal and ethical responsibilities that each organisation has to their readers and viewers. The boys responded with some provoking questions and thoughts about the information presented before them.

Some of the greatest teachers about life are our parents. We are so grateful to all 3 parents for their time and generosity and we hope we can share more of our learning with future parent speakers in the future.

Mr Edwards – 5E Class Teacher

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