Boston Head

Sunday 19th January saw many junior and elite rowers visit the historical town of Boston ready to race on Great British waters.

Boston had received entries for 287 boats ready to take on either the 3 kilometre or 5 kilometre course (in very bright and smart racing all in ones). The morning saw some rain and a strong head wind, but the competitors gritted their teeth and pushed on; the hard work paid off when the times were released at the end of the division.

The clubhouse filled quickly as hungry competitors and officials took a break from the icy wind. Times were released soon after and Boston found they had an advantage being on home water and knowing the best ways to take the bends.

I was racing in division 2 so after a quick burger, my crew and I proceeded towards the start line just over 3 kilometres away, with a quick warm up and a jog thrown in. When we got down to the starting line we had to sort ourselves into numerical order.

As soon as we heard the bell, Lucie and I pushed. Within the first kilometre we gained ground and caught up with the double in front. However, we didn't sprint and take over them until the beginning of the last kilometre; our stroke rate was pushed to 25 strokes a minute. 

Coming up to the finish, the crowd and bystanders were cheering as we both gritted our teeth and gave ten solid strokes that pushed us over the line. Our final time for our 3 kilometre sprint was 12:43. In the under 15's category we came 5^th overall.

It was a great day and everyone enjoyed the racing and close competition.

By Kyra Balderstone,

year 9

It’s Question Time at BHS

Thursday 7^th November saw the arrival of BBC Political Debate show Question Time at Boston High School. 

Suggested as a venue to the BBC, they chose our privileged school to host the popular TV show ready to air at 10.30pm the very same night. Arriving at school in the morning, I saw an influx of vans with large aerials attached, obviously there to assist in the production of the filming. As an aspiring Media Production undergraduate this was something that I found extremely exciting and was thrilled when I, along with others, got the chance to take part in the setting up of the show and the rehearsal.

The BBC kindly allowed Boston High School students to engage in various activities throughout the day including getting to experience and see what the mobile studio, in which the floor manager referred to as a scanner, looks like inside. The LYJA team themselves got to interview the renowned Question Time host himself, David Dimbleby, something that was very fascinating for them as they were able to find out the nitty and gritty details of work within the media! You can watch the interview for yourself by clicking on the video at the end of this article.

Haydon Risbridger and I found ourselves extremely fortunate as we were not only part of the LYJA team but also part of the six A Level Media Studies students who were able to sit in during the rehearsal and witness the preparation of the opening and end credits to the show. Whilst I sat in the mock audience blissfully unaware of what to expect next, Haydon had a very lucky opportunity and did an interview on Radio 5 Live about his experience of the day so far… something that he is extremely proud of and excited about.

As a student of Boston High School, I would like to congratulate the school in organising such a wonderful event that inspired many students. I would also like to thank all of the students who took part and allowed the show to be such a success, Mrs Bell and Matt for arranging an interview with David for the LYJA team, Mr Paddison for giving myself and five others the wonderful chance of being on a real life TV studio and of course, the BBC for permitting all of this to happen and giving up their time as professionals to engage with the students at Boston High.

Molly Maddison, Year 13

Question Time at School

Today is probably our biggest scoop since starting YJA this year!

The BBC One show Question Time has descended on our school, Boston High, to record the popular current affairs show with legendary broadcaster David Dimbleby.

The crew and their trucks full of cameras, mics, and set pieces arrived here on Wednesday to begin preparation for the show's broadcast this evening. 

Some of the Young Journalist Academy team were lucky enough to have an experience of a lifetime by going to see the set. Not only this, but we were also given the privilege to sit in Dimbleby’s seat. Dave, one of the shows camera men, let us have a go at using the huge broadcast cameras and talked about how every broadcast is different due to filming and recording sound in such a variety of locations.

Question Time is a debate programme and it is based on politics. The show features politicians from at least three major political parties as well as other public figures who answer pre-selected questions chosen by the audience. David Dimbleby presents the show and has presented it since 1994.

Word has it that we might even get to interview Dimbleby himself so check back here tomorrow to see how we got on.

Anya Stacey and Shannan Smith,

Year 9