National Council for the Training of Journalists

Diploma in Journalism

Reporting Workshop

the aims

to explain the programme of study and the addition of ethics

explain the changes to the format of the exam

explain the addition of the new ethics question

what markers are looking for

reporting exam

fourth year of assessment

pass rates:2010-11 52 per cent A-C

2011-12 49 per cent A-C2012-13 52 per cent A-C(including re-sits)

key skills still remain

clear, vigorous and well-balanced

accurate

good use of English

the programme of study

news gathering interviewing writing and creating news stories reporting scenarios and writing different types of

story how news is consumed using interactivity: and how it can be used to

generate additional news stories and material social media: twitter, Facebook etc. production journalism non-examined topics: health and safety, business of

news and essential photography for reporters

reporting review

review group led by industry reps and including tutors, examiners and trainers

re-drafting of some elements of the exam

addition of an ethics question

testing the new format exam

fine-tuning the exam and marking guide

Question one

remains a test of:

writing a news item writing a suitable headline being able to use Twitter to break the story and writing a longer story in which:• the angle has changed• a need to take initial information plus

added information to write a new story

Question two

remains a test of: a candidate’s ability to follow-up a story a test of their ideasbut now includes: an ethical dilemma asks for 3 key sources and 4 questions for each explain ethical considerations give 1 visual idea to enhance story on website give 1 idea to develop dialogue with readers over

next 24 hoursand does not include 40-50 word nib

Question three

a straightforward task of writing a 40-50 word NIB

Using a low-key story maximum of 200 words

changes to the exam marks

Question 1: (135 marks) no change

Question 2: (50 marks) (a) 12 three key sources (b) 18 four questions each (c) 10 ethical considerations (d) 5 one appropriate visual idea (e) 5 one way to develop a dialogue

Question 3: ( 15 marks) 40-50 word nib

feedback forms

review of feedback given – demonstrated inconsistencies and insufficient detail on some forms

considered giving breakdown of marks

more detail will be given in explanations

including an example. i.e. ‘insufficient detail given’ plus what was missing

all will refer candidates to ‘top tips’

exam administration

exams calendar 2013-14

all reporting exams start at 10am

online exam applications

downloading of exam papers

the marking

marked and moderated by NCTJ examiners feedback forms

resources one sample exam available online for students ten sample exams plus marking guides

available for tutors in tutor resources updated ‘top tips’ will add sample A/B/C grade scripts by

Christmas

sample marking exercise

led by

Joyce Bishop, NCTJ reporting chief examiner

National Council for the Training of Journalists

Open forum