Andrew Marr gives sixth-formers the inside story

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Journalist and broadcaster Andrew Marr took a break from interviewing senior politicians when he spoke to the potential agenda setters of tomorrow at the borough's annual sixth-form conference, hosted and supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council and funded by the London West Learning and Skills Council.

The former BBC political editor, who has just moved to the BBC1 Sunday morning discussion slot vacated by Sir David Frost, gave students the inside story on life as a journalist when he appeared as the keynote speaker at the Inspirations for the Future event at Hammersmith Town Hall last Tuesday, 20 September.

Andrew Marr told the gathering of about 200 sixth formers from borough and independent schools that being a journalist was a "fantastic life" but they shouldn't romanticise it too much.
"It has given me a wonderful time but it has its down sides too," he said. "You need to be naturally inquisitive, stroppy and prepared to keep asking questions without taking no for an answer. If you are looking for a career which will last until you are 65 and you will know where your next promotion is going to be stay well clear of journalism. It's a very unpredictable trade, but it is more interesting more of the time than any other job I could think of doing."

Mr Marr advised aspiring hacks to study for a mainstream degree, rather than a media studies degree, work on their university newspaper and then get a place on a one-year post-graduate journalism diploma or a traineeship with a news organisation.

The conference, which also featured interactive workshops, was held as part of a scheme which enables students from state and independent schools to work together.
The participating sixth formers met leading professionals from the worlds of print and broadcast journalism, the film and TV industry, performing arts, law, medicine, biochemistry, nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, sports science, marketing, finance, the public and voluntary sectors.

The independent and state schools partnership includes two of the borough's schools (the William Morris Academy, in Hammersmith, and Lady Margaret School, in Fulham), two independent schools (St Paul's Girls' School and Latymer Upper School, both in Hammersmith) and Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College from the further education sector.
The young people share computer facilities to produce multi-media presentations on current affairs, including global environmental issues as well as business and career-related subjects.

The partnership conference, to which sixth-formers in Hammersmith & Fulham and Ealing are invited, gives young people the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills while working with students from a wide range of social backgrounds.

The independent and state schools partnership, which began in 1999, has gone from strength to strength and is a chance for students to share knowledge, experience and resources and get fired up about their future prospects. Since it began, the partnership has been supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council with funding coming from a mixture of government and charity grants. Further funding of £10,000 for 2006 has come from the London West Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the organisation responsible for improving learning opportunities for everyone.

Liz Walton, principal of the William Morris Academy (WMA), said: "The partnership offers valuable opportunities to high-flying students from the academy. The practical teamwork and confidence-building sessions, the cultural and academic experiences provided make a significant difference to many of them."

Elizabeth Diggory, high mistress of St Paul's Girls' School, said: "At St Paul's Girls' School we value the partnership for the benefit it brings to students in developing skills and even more for the opportunities and friendships which arise from working with our partner schools. It is a very worthwhile commitment for girls in their A-level year."

Elspeth Yates, head of school liaison from the London West LSC, said: "I am delighted that the London West LSC was able to support this exciting event. It is a model of collaboration between the independent and state schools and colleges in Hammersmith & Fulham and Ealing, which enables students to benefit from the advice and experience of professionals from a range of occupations."

September 26, 2005