THE PENNY ARGUS : REVIVING THE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER
The Penny Argus revived
An old classic brought back to life and up to date for the 2020s
1967 Issue 1 , price 1d
It started at the end of Year 11 last year : during Enrichment Week we created a magazine showcasing the best work of our year , and the idea latched on . Coming back to school in September , we realised how the absence of a school newspaper was leaving a gaping hole in the heart of Sevenoaks . And we decided to come in to fill it ! Upon learning about an old newspaper – the Penny Argus – that ran from the 1960s to the 80s ( in true Sevenoaks fashion , it was banned for getting too explicit and offensive ), we decided to revive this publication in its full glory .
Whilst getting it up and running was definitely not easy , and we had to get to grips with collecting articles , editing it together and dealing with censorship , the process has been one that has taught us a lot – be that about perseverance , teamwork , or responsibility . We ’ ll stop now before it sounds all too much like a CAS reflection , but genuinely this experience has been a great one .
Although faced with hurdles , and sometimes a messy process , we worked together to create each publication ; something we could be both satisfied with and proud of ! There truly is nothing more rewarding than seeing everyone read it around school – from prioritising it over breakfast , to reading it cover-to-cover in the Common Room , to having it confiscated during English lessons ( is it not literature though ?) – the day it is released . The Penny Argus day really has become a staple in the school calendar .
Credit where credit is due : as a school newspaper , we rely on our student and staff submissions , and it ’ s safe to say they have not disappointed ! Controversial op-eds , witty cartoons , unparalleled love advice ( and an embarrassing overheard quote or two ) – you really are a talented lot . Furthermore , you really band together when it comes to it – for our special edition raising funds for Ukraine , your spare change alone raised over £ 400 in one day .
Thanks for reading and we can ’ t wait to see where the Penny Argus goes in the new school year . Have a good day , have a good read …
Luana van Oranje , Emily Williams and Elizabeth Zorina , Lower Sixth
P . S If you ’ ve missed our past editions , find them under ‘ Clubs and Societies ’ on Firefly . Many thanks to Dr McKeating , Sally , Repro , Mrs Walmsley , the Moderators , the grammar girlies , our team , and all contributors for their help ! Remember … submissions can be given to us via the Penny Argus box in the STC , or sent to our email thepennyargus @ sevenoaksschool . org ; )
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2021-2022 115