Hobart High students launch new magazine in Loddon

A group of Loddon students has been busy in the newsroom creating a school arts magazine.

The teenagers from Hobart High School on Kittens Lane have written, designed and produced 'hobART's', a collection of creative writing and art work by students at the school.

Overseeing the project was English teacher Lucy Sacre, who said it was 'really positive' for the pupils involved.

The magazine also feeds into media studies students' coursework and offers an extra curriculum activity for the gifted and talent students and any student who wants to join. Abbie Mulcairn, 15, is part of the year-11 publicity team and said: 'We thought it was a cool thing to do and I just think it's an amazing thing to be part of.

'It's good having achieved something and the magazine looks really professional. It's strange to think I've helped make it what it is.'

Editor Alex Newman, 14, added: 'This is by kids, for kids.'

Members of the team hope to raise enough money to make the magazine a termly publication and to have a yearly anthology of the 'best bits'.

They also plan to link up with the school website to display hobART's' content.

Year-eight pupil Peter Wrighting, 12, had a piece about deforestation published and said: 'It feels really good to be published and I'm quite happy. Family and friends can see my work and that is inspiring.'

Head of English Amy Webb said that the group had 'risen to the challenge'.

She added: 'This has been a success mainly just in terms of young people and getting them to talk and respond.

'They are mixed-ability levels and it has increased the students' confidence.

'It just goes to show what young people can do if they are given half a chance.'

The magazine is available to pre-order at a cost of �1. For more information contact the school reception on 01508 520359 and ask for Miss Sacre.