Preliminary Task

Mission Statement
 

‘Student Life’, a completely free school magazine, is aimed at sixth form students studying their A-levels. It will be distributed monthly and be on display in the sixth form common room. The magazine is professional, but not overly formal and has an appropriate mode of address for its teenage audience. The magazine aims to inform, advise and entertain sixth form students and be beneficial to their life as a sixth-former.

‘Student Life’ will give the audience a better structure to their studying schedule to cope with the pressures of A-level work. Also, the magazine will ensure that the reader’s social needs are fulfilled through advice on how to maintain a healthy social life. This includes information on a variety of extra-curricular activities that the readership may enjoy or participate in. In addition to information about current events, the magazine includes articles relating to the future plans of students, such as university reviews and tips on how to write an impressive curriculum vitae. Rather than big blocks of information, there will be bite-size snippets of text and pull quotes to intrigue the reader. To add to reader interaction, it will feature different styles of articles including interviews, quizzes and competitions.

It will primarily fulfil the social and academic needs of the reader, whilst also encouraging an increase in self-esteem and enabling the readership to become the best they can be, so the audience will be able to work confidently to achieve their full potential.

Target Audience Profile

The target audience for my school magazine is male and female students that are studying full time in sixth form, and anticipating part time employment. When they have completed their A-levels, they hope to either continue their education at university or begin full time employment.

The target audience have a good social life outside of school. This includes participating in sport clubs, watching films at the cinema and eating out with friends. Although they are outgoing, they invest in the latest technology such as laptops and mobile phones to communicate with friends, as well as study. The audience doesn’t enjoy using public transport, so therefore hopes to begin driving lessons soon.

They are kind, helpful and generous students who are happy to give up their time for the benefit of others. Therefore they may like to take up volunteering, as it will be a good use of time and may add to their work experience.

The audience take their education seriously and they hope to get good grades so they can continue in the direction of their chosen career. They are proactive in their learning, so they like to get involved in extra-curricular activities such as trips to universities or theatres shows, which may entertain them and benefit their education. Although they are hard-working, sometimes they find studying stressful due to the pressure teachers put on them to complete work on time – therefore they sometimes manage time badly and spend excessive amounts of time studying. This suggests they need guidance on time management and balancing school and social life.

The audience will benefit from the magazine, which offers information and opportunities regarding universities, work experience and volunteering which will assist the reader in making vital decisions for their further education and commence their life in employment. This will reduce any over-whelming worries they have about the future. They will also be informed of new clubs and upcoming school trips which may take their interest. Furthermore, the audience will be advised on how to study and revise effectively, with tips on how to balance work and rest. This knowledge is important to the audience as it will assist them in getting high grades with minimal stress.

Mock Ups

 

Final Front Cover