by Hanna Singh
A.E. Phillips Laboratory School students are getting firsthand experience in journalism and broadcasting.
Through the “Bullpup Broadcast” course, students learn to write, direct and produce their own media publication for school credit.
The course serves as partial early high school credit, giving seventh and eighth graders an outlet for creativity and confidence while preparing them for future coursework. Assistant Director of Middle School Lori Kelly explained how the class provides lasting benefits.
“Bullpup Broadcast helps our 8th grade students earn a high school credit,” Kelly said. “This is one of three ½ high school credits that A.E. Phillips is now offering our 8th grade students.”
The class is being taught by Nicole Postel, who has emphasized the importance of letting the students take the reins on parts of the broadcast. She described how the class benefits the students in multiple areas.
“I want them to have fun, but I also want them to see how to come up with ideas, write a script, and bring it all together as a team,” Postel said. “They’re learning how to work together and how to create something.”
The Bullpup Broadcast class runs for nine weeks, three times a year. It airs four times per term, for a total of 12 broadcasts annually. Students create segments that highlight school and world events, announcements and creative features.
One of the segments for this nine weeks is PSA’s, in order to share announcements and upcoming events, informing students on tips such as how to properly walk to the car line in the afternoon. Another segment called “How well do you know your teacher?” features students getting the opportunity to guess what they think their teacher will answer for a question, and then having the answer revealed.
“In the News” covers world events, while “A.E.P. News” features updates on school activities. One student even suggested “Little Big Me,” a segment where middle schoolers interview kindergarteners about their favorite things, giving the youngest students a chance to share their voices.
Encouraging the students to express their creativity, Postel strives to provide students with the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone. She highlighted the importance of getting students involved in elective classes and shared how some had come out of their shells in the process.
“Not everybody has to work in front of the camera, there is a job for everyone,” Postel said.
“But at the beginning of the year, the ones who say they don’t want to be on camera, end up wanting to try too. I just want them to gain confidence in themselves.”
Other than getting to create broadcasts, the students have also had the opportunity to hear from professional journalist guest speakers such as LA Tech Campus Videographer, Harleigh Price.
The class offers an up close look as the different areas of broadcast and how students can put their passions into action. Seventh grade student, Nealy Clark, shared how the class has improved her skills and afforded her with opportunities for her future.
“Bullpup Broadcast has taught me so much about speaking confidently and connecting with my fellow students,” Clark said. “Mrs. Postel makes learning so fun and lets us add our own creativity to make content for our fellow Bullpups. I’m thankful that A.E. Phillips offers this opportunity. This experience has given me real-world skills that I know will help me in the future.”
Through teamwork, creativity and confidence building, the Bullpup Broadcast is preparing A.E. Phillips students not only for high school, but also for potential future careers. Ruston may soon see a new generation of talented journalists on the rise.
