Last term marked the launch of The Purple Press, a new student magazine created by Lower Sixth Media Studies students at Harrodian. Produced by a team of seven, Coco, Rosie, Holly, Tommy, Willow, Amber and Matilda, the publication was driven by a shared ambition to give students a stronger voice within the school community.
At a time when so much content exists online, the team were keen to create something physical. A printed magazine offered not only visibility, but also a sense of ownership and pride, as Holly explains: “Publications are mainly digital now and have gone online, so we wanted to introduce something tangible that we could see being shared and read that would create a buzz at school.”
Publications are mainly digital now and have gone online, so we wanted to introduce something tangible that we could see being shared and read that would create a buzz at school.
Holly (L6) Media Studies student and member of the The Purple Press editing team
The project was inspired by Head of Media Studies, Mr Cullis, who introduced the group to past student publications such as The Hourglass and The Harrodian Eye. Having already developed design and production skills during their GCSE Media Studies course, he felt this group of Lower Sixth students were well prepared to take on the challenge.
“Working collaboratively beyond the classroom, our students showed real commitment as they developed new skills in writing, design, and teamwork, creating a newspaper they can be genuinely proud of. The aim is for a termly publication, passed on to future Sixth Form media students to continue and develop,” he says.
Working collaboratively beyond the classroom, our students showed real commitment as they developed new skills in writing, design, and teamwork, creating a newspaper they can be genuinely proud of.
Head of Media Studies Mr Sam Cullis
The team approached the process by playing to their individual strengths. Students chose to write about topics they were genuinely interested in or took on roles where they could contribute most effectively. Articles ranged from sport to student life and culture, with Matilda covering the Harrodian film festival and Rosie writing about hockey. Willow took on the role of editor, while layout and design were a collaborative effort between Willow, Amber, Coco and Holly.
Upper Sixth student Ioanna, who has received an offer to read English Literature at Oxford University, also played an important role. As well as carefully proofreading the entire publication, she contributed a thoughtful review comparing Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights adaptation with Emily Brontë’s original novel.
The magazine also reflects wider aspects of school life. A popular feature is 'Woody’s Words', a regular part of senior school assemblies where Mr Andy Woodward, Head of Senior School, shares thoughtful and relatable advice with students. Its inclusion in The Purple Press brings that familiar voice into print. Head of PSHE, Mr Guy Holder, has also contributed to the first edition with a Q&A-style article, offering four counter-arguments to common views he encounters opposing smartphone regulation.
Harrodian students really value having a voice and being able to use it, so The Purple Press really tapped into that.
Willow (L6th) Media Studies student and member of The Purple Press editing team
The response from the school community was immediate and encouraging. Copies of the magazine quickly circulated, and a QR code survey included in the publication generated strong engagement across year groups, as Willow shares:“It was good to see people around school holding hard copies of it. We got loads of feedback across all the age groups and the QR code survey generated lots of interaction too.”
One of the most striking outcomes for the team was how willing students were to get involved. Contributions came together more easily than expected, reflecting a wider enthusiasm within the school. Willow reflects on why that might be, adding, “Harrodian students really value having a voice and being able to use it, so The Purple Press really tapped into that.”
Looking ahead, the team is already preparing the next edition. As well as more games, practical Harrodian tips and lighter, gossip-style columns, there are plans to include articles on wider topics, including the launch of Artemis II and a student review of the Met Gala. Our student editors are also keen to open the magazine up further, encouraging more contributions from across the school. There are also early ideas for an outgoing message from Upper Sixth students as well as the possibility of more staff-written pieces.
The next issue is set to be released this term. In the meantime, the first edition of The Purple Press is available via the noticeboard on Edulink, please click HERE for access to the desktop website version or access it via the app.