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Writing
The majority of my written journalism experience is at student level, at the University of Manchester's student newspaper The Mancunion. I also worked as an intern at the national daily newspaper The Jordan Times, whilst living in Amman. The work below that is labelled under the Personal publication is from my NCTJ diploma e-portfolio and coursework.
You can explore a selection of my written work below.
David vs Goliath. Jenny vs Sabre. The stats are in: who you’d want to compete against in the new series of Gladiators
Gladiators is back for its third series on BBC One, with Bradley and Barney Walsh leading 20 willing ordinary folk to their impending doom - the might of the Gladiators.
A New Bridge for Sunderland
Sunderland’s newest asset, the Keel Crossing, opened to the public on 18 October after an earlier ceremonial opening on 22 August for the Women’s Rugby World Cup match between England and the USA.
Evita at the Palladium: Zegler shines in modern sexy adaptation of Lloyd Webber classic
It’s hard to believe that Rachel Zegler has only been in the public eye for less than five years, but the 24-year-old superstar played the ailing political icon of 1950s Argentina with charm, sassiness, sexiness and absolute stardom. Elaine Paige and Patti LuPone watch out, there’s a brand new Eva Peron in town, and she’s rocking it out in a leather bra and hotpants.
Heathers the musical: Review - The Mancunion
I could tell Heathers is a cult classic from the minute I walked through the doors of the Palace Theatre. Walking down the aisles were girls wearing the iconic primary colours school uniforms, excitedly awaiting the show to begin.
I came with no expectations, if anything I just knew to expect the unexpected, and still that didn’t prepare me – my jaw dropped open on multiple occasions, I laughed a lot, and I’ve had the soundtrack on repeat pretty much constantly since.
I’m glad the soundtrack i
I came with no expectations, if anything I just knew to expect the unexpected, and still that didn’t prepare me – my jaw dropped open on multiple occasions, I laughed a lot, and I’ve had the soundtrack on repeat pretty much constantly since.
I’m glad the soundtrack i
"Rent hike, rent strike": UoM Rent Strike protestors take to Oxford Road - The Mancunion
At 6pm last night (Wednesday 1 March) protestors from the groups University of Manchester Rent Strike and Manchester Leftist Action marched from Owens Park to the Simon Building.
The Simon Building is still currently under occupation by members of the groups.
The march was organised in protest against the University, with the demands of the protestors the same they entered the occupation with; to give in to the UCU demands, give in to the UoM Rent Strike demands, and give every student £1,500
The Simon Building is still currently under occupation by members of the groups.
The march was organised in protest against the University, with the demands of the protestors the same they entered the occupation with; to give in to the UCU demands, give in to the UoM Rent Strike demands, and give every student £1,500
University releases statement on John Owens Occupiers - The Mancunion
The University of Manchester’s Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Hackett has released a statement this Tuesday afternoon stating that students involved in the occupation of University buildings will “face formal University disciplinary action”.
Students from the Manchester Leftist Action and UoM Rent Strike groups occupied the Samuel Alexander and Engineering Buildings to begin with, before moving to the John Owens Building, a building with restricted access for students.
Students from the Manchester Leftist Action and UoM Rent Strike groups occupied the Samuel Alexander and Engineering Buildings to begin with, before moving to the John Owens Building, a building with restricted access for students.
The Rent Strike and Occupation: What happened when? - The Mancunion
January 2, 2023: The Twitter account @rentstrikeUoM announces that they are calling a rent strike of students in University halls, demanding:
• A 30% rent reduction for the year, including a rebate on the previous strikes
• that the University commits to not increasing […] rents for at least 3 years
• that the University makes 40% of halls “affordable according to the NUS definition, within 3 years”
January 19: The deadline for rent in University halls. Rent strike organisers claim that 350 stu
• A 30% rent reduction for the year, including a rebate on the previous strikes
• that the University commits to not increasing […] rents for at least 3 years
• that the University makes 40% of halls “affordable according to the NUS definition, within 3 years”
January 19: The deadline for rent in University halls. Rent strike organisers claim that 350 stu
I tried the TikTok pickle challenge – and here’s how it went - The Mancunion
University can be challenging at times, and I often ponder how to really unwind after a stressful day. I didn’t think that my housemate and I would spend a random Saturday evening eating an extremely large garlicky pickle, and her filming the whole thing for TikTok.
You know the usual debacle, you’re all sat at home on the settee and you want sweets (something in Sunderland that we call ‘ket’, which was confusing when I got to university). Right, let’s grab the car keys and go to the shops. Or
You know the usual debacle, you’re all sat at home on the settee and you want sweets (something in Sunderland that we call ‘ket’, which was confusing when I got to university). Right, let’s grab the car keys and go to the shops. Or
What your Greggs order says about you - The Mancunion
I’m sorry but are you a businessperson?
Unless you’re literally running onto the tram at 07:12 with this in your hand, I refuse to listen to another reason as to why you would voluntarily eat this.
It’s not edgy, but I get it can look more professional than having pastry down your tie.
You’re basic. Do you even know what Greggs stands for?
I guess you’re just getting this because you know it’s a safe bet and everyone will think you’re a Greggs connoisseur. You’re not.
I don’t know where to
Unless you’re literally running onto the tram at 07:12 with this in your hand, I refuse to listen to another reason as to why you would voluntarily eat this.
It’s not edgy, but I get it can look more professional than having pastry down your tie.
You’re basic. Do you even know what Greggs stands for?
I guess you’re just getting this because you know it’s a safe bet and everyone will think you’re a Greggs connoisseur. You’re not.
I don’t know where to
Occupiers leave John Owens Building - The Mancunion
Student protestors from the Manchester Leftist Action and UoM Rent Strike groups have left their occupation of the John Owens Building.
The group left at 10am this morning, before joining the UCU picket line in front of the Whitworth Hall Arch, setting off flares and displaying a banner that said “This is just a warning”.
Twenty minutes prior to their exit from the John Owens Building, occupiers were seen lowering black bin bags out of the windows which were retrieved by students and taken awa
The group left at 10am this morning, before joining the UCU picket line in front of the Whitworth Hall Arch, setting off flares and displaying a banner that said “This is just a warning”.
Twenty minutes prior to their exit from the John Owens Building, occupiers were seen lowering black bin bags out of the windows which were retrieved by students and taken awa
University issues ‘ultimatum' letter to John Owens occupiers - The Mancunion
The University of Manchester issued student protestors occupying the John Owens Building an ‘ultimatum’ letter this morning.
Occupiers from the UoM Rent Strike and Manchester Leftist Action groups tweeted on their accounts that they had received a letter today, February 14, which was posted under a door to the John Owens building at around 8:00am, according to an occupier.
The students have been occupying the John Owens since last Wednesday, and are requesting the University give in to the dem
Occupiers from the UoM Rent Strike and Manchester Leftist Action groups tweeted on their accounts that they had received a letter today, February 14, which was posted under a door to the John Owens building at around 8:00am, according to an occupier.
The students have been occupying the John Owens since last Wednesday, and are requesting the University give in to the dem
Student protestors occupy Simon Building - The Mancunion
Student protestors from the UoM Rent Strike and Manchester Leftist Action groups have occupied the Simon Building on campus.
The protestors entered the building last night, after leaving the Samuel Alexander and Engineering buildings. They had been occupying the buildings since last Wednesday.
The groups are demanding that the University give in to the demands set out by the University Colleges Union, the demands from the UoM Rent Strike and give every student £1,500 to top up their government
The protestors entered the building last night, after leaving the Samuel Alexander and Engineering buildings. They had been occupying the buildings since last Wednesday.
The groups are demanding that the University give in to the demands set out by the University Colleges Union, the demands from the UoM Rent Strike and give every student £1,500 to top up their government
Occupiers leave Sam Alex and Engineering Buildings - The Mancunion
Student occupiers from the UoM Rent Strike and Manchester Leftist Action groups have now left the Samuel Alexander and Engineering Buildings, buildings they had been occupying since last Wednesday, February 8.
It is understood that the John Owens Building remains occupied, with the students posting to the UoM Rent Strike TikTok, Twitter and Instagram accounts a video of them celebrating 100 hours in the building whilst wearing graduation gowns and masks of the Senior Leadership Team.
This come
It is understood that the John Owens Building remains occupied, with the students posting to the UoM Rent Strike TikTok, Twitter and Instagram accounts a video of them celebrating 100 hours in the building whilst wearing graduation gowns and masks of the Senior Leadership Team.
This come
Sashay away to the sofa: The best TV shows to celebrate LGBTQIA+ History month - The Mancunion
As we celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month, The Mancunion has five must-watch shows that represent the community across five different genres. From romance to thrillers, we’ve got you covered for your next binge-worthy series.
Netflix’s coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama Heartstopper hit our screens in April last year, and all I can say is thank God Netflix releases the whole series at once. As soon as you begin this series, you will be hooked.
The series follows Year 10 student Charlie and Year
Netflix’s coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama Heartstopper hit our screens in April last year, and all I can say is thank God Netflix releases the whole series at once. As soon as you begin this series, you will be hooked.
The series follows Year 10 student Charlie and Year
Student protestors occupy three University buildings - The Mancunion
Student protestors from Manchester Leftist Action and UoM Rent Strike occupied three university buildings overnight on Wednesday 8 February.
The students entered the Samuel Alexander Building and the Engineering Building on Wednesday evening, before entering the John Owens Building early on Thursday morning.
The Twitter accounts of both groups confirmed their occupations are for three different demands and have deliberately coincided this occupation with this week’s strikes by the Universities
The students entered the Samuel Alexander Building and the Engineering Building on Wednesday evening, before entering the John Owens Building early on Thursday morning.
The Twitter accounts of both groups confirmed their occupations are for three different demands and have deliberately coincided this occupation with this week’s strikes by the Universities
LeadMCR roles explained - Could this be you? - The Mancunion
The Executive Officers at the Students’ Union (SU) represent students not only at a university, but on a local and national level. The officers support students, listening to their ideas and values to ensure that the student body are heard at the University of Manchester.
Applications for this year’s campaign, entitled LeadMCR, opened on November 28, and close February 13. If you are looking for what the SU have called “the hottest post-scheme you’ve ever heard of”, here is a look at what roles
Applications for this year’s campaign, entitled LeadMCR, opened on November 28, and close February 13. If you are looking for what the SU have called “the hottest post-scheme you’ve ever heard of”, here is a look at what roles
Manchester triumphant with winning swim semester - The Mancunion
The University of Manchester swim team are confident for the semester ahead, after a consistent line of wins last semester, says President Ellie Ritchie
Manchester beat Nottingham Trent 41-37 in their first round of the British University Swimming League (BUSL) on October 20, before winning against Sheffield 44-34 on November 7, and then drawing 39-39 against Sheffield Hallam on December 7.
Their first BUSL round was away at Nottingham Trent, but they also managed a victory on home soil as the
Manchester beat Nottingham Trent 41-37 in their first round of the British University Swimming League (BUSL) on October 20, before winning against Sheffield 44-34 on November 7, and then drawing 39-39 against Sheffield Hallam on December 7.
Their first BUSL round was away at Nottingham Trent, but they also managed a victory on home soil as the
Happy 100th Birthday BBC! - The Mancunion
The day October 18 1922 is probably the most important one in the history of British media: the British Broadcasting Company Limited was established. Following the closure of amateur radio stations broadcasting across the country, the company began its first daily service in London.
What was to come was a century of informing, educating and entertaining through an expansion to 13 national and 49 local and regional radio stations, as well as 11 national television stations. Broadcasting in 28 la
What was to come was a century of informing, educating and entertaining through an expansion to 13 national and 49 local and regional radio stations, as well as 11 national television stations. Broadcasting in 28 la
Cost Over Speed: The Packed Reality of Germany’s 9 Euro Summer Travels
Getting from A to B for just 9 Euro created a summer of cross country travelling for many, as packed regional trains chugged through Germany. Luckily, it was for the whole summer, as some passengers may have taken longer trips than usual just to get there for so cheap, as Tom Grant explains.
Berlin, August 30th, 2022. Update: August 31st, 2022, 5:45 a.m. CEDT (The Berlin Spectator) — Deutsche Bahn’s 9 Euro Ticket has been hailed a success by people across Germany, Europe, and the world round fo
Berlin, August 30th, 2022. Update: August 31st, 2022, 5:45 a.m. CEDT (The Berlin Spectator) — Deutsche Bahn’s 9 Euro Ticket has been hailed a success by people across Germany, Europe, and the world round fo
Makani centres help students not fall behind in school
AMMAN — Two years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, children from across the country are catching up on their studies with the UNICEF-led “Makani Learning Support Service” centres across the Kingdom.
Since 2015, “Makani”, meaning “My Space” in Arabic, has provided 120,000 children with accelerated learning programmes, such as a reading recovery programme focussing on English, Arabic and mathematics.
Makani focuses on children in grades one through nine who are not able to enrol and lea
Since 2015, “Makani”, meaning “My Space” in Arabic, has provided 120,000 children with accelerated learning programmes, such as a reading recovery programme focussing on English, Arabic and mathematics.
Makani focuses on children in grades one through nine who are not able to enrol and lea
10 things to know before you take a year abroad
If you’re considering a year abroad as part of your degree or are going to be jetting off later this year, here are my top ten tips!
RFC, UNESCO host World Press Freedom Day film screenings at Rainbow Theatre
By Tom Grant - May 14,2022 - Last updated at May 14,2022
Speakers during a panel session after a film screening in celebration of World Press Freedom Day at the Rainbow Theatre in Jabal Amman on Tuesday (Photo by Tom Grant)
AMMAN — In celebration of World Press Freedom Day, the Royal Film Commission Jordan (RFC) in partnership with UNESCO hosted film screenings over three consecutive evenings at the Rainbow Theatre in Jabal Amman last week.
Under the banner “Journalism Under Siege”, the RFC c
Speakers during a panel session after a film screening in celebration of World Press Freedom Day at the Rainbow Theatre in Jabal Amman on Tuesday (Photo by Tom Grant)
AMMAN — In celebration of World Press Freedom Day, the Royal Film Commission Jordan (RFC) in partnership with UNESCO hosted film screenings over three consecutive evenings at the Rainbow Theatre in Jabal Amman last week.
Under the banner “Journalism Under Siege”, the RFC c
Public broadcasting is being taken away
The government announced the news that many in the media industry had been dreading: the plan to privatise Channel 4 before the next planned election in 2024.
Now, there’s one thing you need to understand about Channel 4 before knowing what is to come next, and that is its current structure. Many of the conversations I’ve had with people over the last couple of days have consisted of things like “but Channel 4 has adverts” and “we don’t pay for Channel 4”.
Yes, that’s true. But that’s what mak
Now, there’s one thing you need to understand about Channel 4 before knowing what is to come next, and that is its current structure. Many of the conversations I’ve had with people over the last couple of days have consisted of things like “but Channel 4 has adverts” and “we don’t pay for Channel 4”.
Yes, that’s true. But that’s what mak
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