27 October 2017

Rangi Ruru Student-Produced Magazine Inspiring Leadership

Sisters are doing for themselves!

Shelter – the aroha edition is out on Tues 31st October

Girls taking control of how they are framed in the media.

That’s one significant outcome around the publication of the second edition of an entirely student-driven and produced magazine at a Christchurch girls’ school.

Shelter – the Aroha edition will be out on Oct 31st and Head of Media Studies at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School says the production of the magazine highlights the ability of teenagers to not only be ethical and responsible consumers of media, but to also be leaders in media production.

“Our students, for the second year running, have learned how to create a media product that appeals to a target audience. They have learned and are applying journalism and media ethics. From concept to completion, it is completely driven by students - the content, design and layout to print ready stage. I continue to be in awe of our students and what they have produced,” she says.

Jude Morgan says despite the sense of moral panic presented by some regarding teens and social media consumption, Shelter is concrete proof that teens do not have to be passive media consumers.

“As part of Rangi’s Global Living Programme, students experience real life learning, applying skills and knowledge in authentic situations. Our girls have again taken on a massive challenge and moulded an outstanding, professional and intelligent magazine for themselves and their peers,” she says. “We can’t and shouldn’t learn in a bubble.”

The editor of 2017’s Shelter is Year 13 student Olivia Mason. She remains true to the magazine brief which is “to provide content that inspires, challenges and empowers our readers”.

2016 student editor, Mollie Carruthers says, “All too often, content aimed at teens and especially girls, I think, is narrowly focused and does not reflect our diversity and thinking about our world.”

It’s a thoroughly professional, flash looking publication that would not look out of place on a city apartment coffee table however Jude Morgan is quick to dispel any assumption that it looks good because there’s money behind it.

“That is not the case. We have no budget for the production of Shelter. Just a whole lot of chutzpah and the belief that by producing a magazine that has high production values and ethical, inspiring, challenging and empowering content, it will sell. And it does; last year we sold out.”

Any student in the school can submit work or be involved in the production of the magazine. There are clearly defined roles and responsibilities which the students are held accountable to.

This year, the editorial team has applied for and received an ISSN number which means the magazine can be catalogued.

“This takes us to a business/professional level and means the students can now take on the business and marketing side of the production too,” says Jude Morgan.

Shelter is on sale from Tuesday 31 October. It is available for purchase HERE. Any inquiries regarding sales can be directed to shelter@rangiruru.school.nz

ENDS

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