Sky Tower the focus for School children this week

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 May 2005
Sky Tower the focus for School children this week

Thousands of children have been focusing on Auckland's Sky Tower this week as part of the 'Make a Newspaper' education programme.

Now in its fifth year, the New Zealand Herald's highly popular educational programme provides all North Island primary and intermediate schools with the opportunity to produce their own 12-page newspaper during term two.

This week, all those participating in the programme were given the choice of 10 tasks to complete on the Sky Tower, covering various curriculum areas. The activities included creating a fact sheet about the Sky Tower and two other members of the World Federation of Great Towers, writing an article about construction facts on the tower, designing a three-day sightseeing tour of Auckland and writing a letter to the editor nominating a colour to light the Sky Tower - and explaining why.

SKYCITY Auckland Attractions Manager Allison Lawton said, "SKYCITY is delighted to be involved in this initiative which will help build literacy, reading, writing and researching skills in our youth in a way that is fun and appealing for them. The Sky Tower is a leading family entertainment attraction and an Auckland icon, which is why we wanted to be involved in this education programme."

Ms Lawton said the programme complements the popular landmark's specially-developed education programme. "The 'Make a Newspaper' programme is just one of the education initiatives run through Sky Tower. Now in its eighth year, Sky Tower has developed its own education programme for primary and intermediate children that covers a variety of curriculum areas, and includes resource kits developed in conjunction with the Auckland College of Education."

The 'Make a Newspaper' programme is designed by teachers for teachers and is a novel and effective way for students to work on curriculum subjects while learning about current affairs and working as a team.

Each week for 12 weeks, students get to work on a different page of their newspaper. The winners of the programme are announced in September and are featured in the NZ Herald together with all entrants.

Sky Tower is one of nine sponsors of the 'Make a Newspaper' programme.

Readers can check out details and see winners of last year's programme on the Herald website at www.nzherald.co.nz/schools.

ENDS

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