Local pupils have been learning the tricks of the magazine design trade from art editors at the Croydon offices of IPC Media, one of the country's leading consumer magazine publishers.
The pupils from Harris Academy Purley performed so well during their placements that their work is set to be published in VolksWorld, Hi-Fi News, VW Camper & Bus, Guitar & Bass, SuperBike and Prediction magazines.
In addition to their work placements at IPC, the six Year 11 pupils attended a specially-created design masterclass at Croydon College. The ten-session course prepared the pupils for their placements and a week's work simulation at the college where they designed their own magazine.
Nisha, one of the students on the programme, worked on IPC's Guitar & Bass magazine. She says: “I really enjoyed working with my host and the team. I enjoyed directing the photo shoot as I got to tell everyone what angles to shoot from.”
Catia, who worked on VW Camper & Bus magazine, adds: “I learnt a lot about how magazines are designed, the teams that produce the magazine and the different careers on offer in this industry.”
Commenting on the programme, Jane Boswell, IPC Media's corporate responsibility manager, says: “IPC is very keen to open up the world of magazine design to young people in the local area, and our Schools' Design Programme is a great way to do this. The course at Croydon College gave the students a fantastic grounding in design and the students really made the most of the opportunity to work alongside some of IPC's best designers.”
IPC's Schools' Design Programme, delivered in partnership with A New Direction, is now in its fourth year. The programme was first launched for the Southwark area, home to IPC's head office, and for the first year has extended to schools in Croydon, where IPC's Leon House office is situated.
Harris Academy Purley was brought on board to the programme with the support of Croydon Education Business Partnership.
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For further information contact Victoria Higham, IPC Media senior press officer
Tel: 020 3148 5401 or email victoria¬_higham@ipcmedia.com
For information about A New Direction please contact its London East & South office on 020 8536 5380 or email info@anewdirection.org.uk