The Griffin aims to shine a light on important student issues, start conversations on difficult topics, and provide opportunities for aspiring student writers and journalists. The recent edition covers articles such as Life as a Student Leader, Exploring the Unifying Power of Football, ACL Injuries in Women’s Football, Banksy and Graffiti as Protest Art, the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, sustainable fashion, sport news and more.

We heard from Emma, Editor in Chief and Ruby, Assistant Editor, who told us more about the magazine and how it fits into their important roles on the Student Leadership Team. ‘The Student Leadership Programme is an application process where students are given a job interview, sharing their ideas on how they can contribute to school improvement.’

Each successful leader is allocated an area of responsibility, Emma’s being Leader of the Creative Arts which led to her role as Editor in Chief for The Griffin. ‘The Student Leadership Team meets once a fortnight and each leader also writes for The Griffin, using their area of responsibility as inspiration. The recent issue had so much content that we’ve kept some for the next one!’

‘One key priority is making sure we have an even spread of content that appeals to everyone. Our magazine is being read by students during tutor time across all year groups, so this is important to us. We’ve also included some games to add fun elements in addition to the articles.’

The team is currently brainstorming theme ideas for the next issue with ‘Dream Big’ (one of the visions for Gordano School) and the history of Gordano School on the shortlist.

Speaking of the other opportunities created by their involvement in The Griffin and the Student Leadership Team: ‘We have given a presentation to all staff on the magazine, are attending and presenting at a Student Leadership Conference for Lighthouse Schools Partnership secondary schools and we have both had success in further education interviews too.’

To further their experience in journalism both Emma and Ruby are also going to be working with a Bristol magazine as student correspondents, an opportunity created through an ongoing relationship with Gordano School which has led to links with the Careers Department and a forthcoming talk to students on what it’s like to be an Editor.

‘We love the interaction we’re having with staff, students and local businesses in pulling The Griffin together. It’s given us such valuable experience and lessons beyond the classroom, and we know these skills will help us in the future. We would really recommend applying to join the Student Leadership Team!’