Sketch Plan

I have produced a sketch plan of the magazine cover I will be creating. It will include a variety of text and images that present Chislehurst School well.

 

 

 



Research Questionnaire

Before I create my magazine cover. I am going to produce a questionnaire in order to research further, what makes an effective magazine cover.
Below is the questionnaire I produced, and the results I collected.


1. Would you purchase a school magazine?
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Out out the 20 people I questioned, 12 answered yes. (60%)

 

2. Would you be interested in previous results and grades?

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Out of the 20 people I questioned, 100% answered yes.

3. Would you be interested in offers and competitions?

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Out of the 20 people I questioned, 14 answered yes. (70%)

4. Do you find a lot of text off putting?

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Out of the 20 people I questioned, 12 answered yes. (60%)

5. Would you rather a Christmas or New Years theme?

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Out of the 20 people I questioned, 11 answered saying they would prefer a New Years theme. (55%)



Explanation and Plan

 I have completed my analysis of the 2 school magazines. I have developed my understanding of features used in both, the Cover and Contents pages. I now plan on creating my own magazine; 'Chislehurst Times' and must choose a theme; either Christmas or New Years/ new begginings.

If I decide to base my magazine around the theme of Christmas, I will use images highlighting the Winter season including; weather (snow), christmas outfits, decorations and general festive cheer. I would also like to include examples of charity and generosity, of our school supporting the charity- 'Demelza House.' My ideas for a title include 'Festive Chislehurst' and 'Chilehurst at Christmas.'

If I decide to use the theme of New Years/ new beginnings, I will use images of fireworks and celebration. However I will also use images of back to school after the Christmas season, in order to keep the purpose of the magazine professional and highlight the idea of new beginnings and a new start. My ideas for a title include 'Chislehurst girls' and 'Chislehurst in 2015.'



General Conventions of a Magazine

The General conventions of a magazine highlight similarities between both the Cover and Contents pages. Both the Cover and Contents page will usually have a 'Mast-head', 50% text and an array of images also covering 50%. Important images and text are often presented differently and highlighted in order to catch the audiences eye. The mast-head will always be the boldest text and must be easy to identify by the audience.

Contents Page Example No.2

Layout
In this example, the contents page is smart, spacious and well presented. However, there is space for more imagery that may show more of a variety of what the school has to offer.  The text is organised and aligned to left of the images. There is a mast-head above the text, ensuring the audience that they are looking at the contents page. At the bottom of the page is an advertisement for a discount on canteen food. This may intice the audience as it is the last thing they see when examining the page (Z).

Colour Scheme
In this example, the colour scheme of the contents page is mostly white which provides a clear template for the bold blue and black text. This means the text is easy to read, making it easier for the audience to identify information and locate which page number the need to find.  The advertisement uses a grey background making it stand out from the bold white background. This is eyecatching for the audience and highlights the blue and white text advertising discounts.

Mast-head
In this example, the mast-head states- 'Contents' which confirms the audience are looking at the mast-head. The font of the mast-head is quite decorative and artistic, which creates a pleasant effect on the page. This links to the idea of a creative arts school- alike the images used.

Mise en scene
In this example, the images highlight creative arts. There are 3 pictures of different artisitic performing arts. Above is a larger image of a crew, possibly dancers. Dressed in dance wear, suitable for physical activity. Below a two smaller images side by side. To the left is an action shot of a drama performance. A ma and woman are holding arms and appear to be mid passionate conversation, suggesting a hard hitting drama. To the right is a photograph of 4 performers that appear to be recieving applause post- performance.

Images
In this example, alike the Mise en scene, the contents page contains 3 images hihglighting an array of creaive talents. This suggests to the audience that the school may specialise in performing arts.

Contents Page Example No.1

Layout
In this example, the contents page is very basic. The images and text are evenly spaced apart, with equal width between each index and number. There is a mast-head above the text and images.

Colour Scheme
In this example, the colour scheme includes purple and white. There is a highlighted box advertising a competition, therefore making it eyecatching for the audience. The white text box is clear and shows up well against the purple background. The contrast is bright and eye catching. The black font against the white text box is clear and easy to focus on and read.

Mast-head
The mast-head states- 'Contents', this is clear and informs the reader they are on the contents page and will be able to use the index in order to locate their desired information, on a specific page.

Mise en scene
In this example, I can see students studying looking at sheets as if analysing, alike the audience analysing the contents page. The contents page also states the season- 'Summer.' This suggests the magazine is released per season. However above the page numbers the magazine states- 'This week...' which gives the impression there is a new edition of the magazine every week.

Images
In this example, the contents page has two images of different students studying. This suggests the contents of the magazine is relative to studying and school work (being a school magazine), which makes it more applicable for a younger audience currently studying at school, who may be in a similar scenario to the people featured in the images. The images also highlight independent work, as the students are alone. This enforces the sense of self motivation and independence.

Magazine Example No.2

Layout
In this example, the layout is very busy. The images and text are overlapping with a lack of space, however it provides the audience with a lot to look at. This can be eye catching to the audience encouragin them to read through the whole of the cover. The busy appearance may also suggest the magazine has alot to offer, with new employment opportunities.

Colour Scheme
In this example, the colour scheme is made up of yellow, turquoise and white. The colours match the uniform and school tie worn by the boy in the main image. The appearance is very fun, however still professional. The colour yellow symobolises acquired knowledge and mental agility. This reinforces the impression of a good education, with alot to offer. The colour turquoise means friendly and symbolises peace, calm and stability. This suggests the education facility can provide support in order to help and sustain calmness and stability throughout work. White symoblises purity, innocence and wholeness. This relatess to the innocence of a child and their goals to acheive wholeness in education.

Mast-head
In this example, the Mast-head states 'teach Secondary.' This suggests the magazine may not be for a school, but rather an overview of education as a whole. The mast-head is also a command as if an order from a teacher. It gives the impression there is a lack of secondary school teachers, and they are in need of qualified staff in order to retain the high educational standards. 

Mise en scene
In this example, the magazine cover displays an array of images. The main image is of a happy young boy wearing an apron over his uniform; we assume during a lesson. He appears to be very happy and healthy, enjoying his school experience. the young boy is also wearing goggles, which symbolise safety and care within the school. Other images on the magazine cover include a professional looking woman (top right), possibly a teacher and multiple other images of students at the bottom half of the magazine.

Main Image
In this example, the main image is of a young male student; potentially during a class. He appears to be very happy suggesting he is enjoying his education. He is wearing an apron and goggles, which reinforces the safety and protection of the school. This highlight the reponsiblity and high standards within the eduicational facility. The boy looks smartly dressed in a uniform which reinforces the school's high standards.

Target Audience
In this example, the magazine is aimed towards possible trainee teacehers and parents. The quote- 'Could you do Better?' May be either read by a student wanting to improve their education or school experience, or a teacher looking to change roles withing the work place. Parents may be included in the target audience, if they wish to look into different school's progresses and results as well as possible changes within the school's regulations and routine. Another quote offers- 'behaviour tips for challenging classrooms.' Suggesting the magazine may be very useful for trainee teachers that may be struggling withing their class.

Sell Lines
In this example, the sell lines of the magazine include many offers and possible advice for trainee teachers and parents wanting to look into alternative schooling and education. The images are of hard working pupils that still appear to be happy studying with a postive work ethic. This will encourage parents, suggesting the magazine has a lot to offer. The lady in the top right of the magazine appears to be very professional however at the same time friendly- smiling. This wil encourage trainee teachers to possibly look into who she is as she is presnted as a fair friendly role model, possibly a boss or other form of authority.




Magazine Example No.1

Layout
In this example, the layout of the magazine cover is creative and balanced. The image is placed creatively above the text. The writing is spacious and covers the  bottom half of the magazine cover.

Colour Scheme
In this example, the colour scheme is bright and eyecatching. The colours used are quite bright and artistic, portraying a creative nature. Brightly coloured pencils, arranged in a pattern like order, also reinforce the idea of creativity and encouraging the development of creative skills. This creates the appearane of care, support and development. the colour purple is associated with royalty and therefore creates the impression of power and ambition. The colour used also matches the colour of the uniform worn by the featured children.

Mast-head
In this example, the mast-head is simply 'Better.' This is a powerful statement and gives the impression of prestige education, possibly the 'best.' This ensures the school can provide children with a more than adequate education, also linking to the colour- purple, connoting power and ambition to be ' the best. '

Mise en scene
In this example, the main image features two young students working together. they are dresed smartly in matching uniform, focusing on their work. The students are very young, possibly Primary school age. They appear to be using science equiptment, possibly investigating. This may reinforce the idea of ambiton behind the colour- purple.

Main Image
In this example, the mise en scene of the magazine cover features two young children. The children appear to be dressed in an immaculate uniform. The children are focused on the work set infront of them. This is unexpected of young children as they are stereotypically, easily distracted. This enforces the idea of good discipline. The children seem genuinely interested in their work, working together, united. This gives the idea of good team work, encouraging children to share and work well together. Again the idea of sharing the equiptment is unusual for young children, as they tend to be impatient. This reinforces the idea that the school has good ethics and rules. The young girl seems content to watch as her study partner uses the science equiptment. The work seems alost ahead of the pupils capabilities and age. However the children do not seem to be struggling or finding the work difficult which reinforces the power of the mast-head 'Better', as if better than other children and alternative education.

Target Audience
In this example, the target audience would be more so the parents of students. This is due to advertisement encouraging parents to enroll their children into a 'Better' education. However, the magazine is quite creative displaying bright coloured pencils and patterns that may be interesting and memorable to children.

 Sell Lines
In this example, the sell lines of the magazine include the idea that the children seem content and focused on their work. This would atract possible future enrollments with the idea of children woking well together, focused and getting involved eager to learn. Below the mast-head states 'Evidence-based education,' as if evidence can prove it is the best school. Parents will be looking for the best possible education for their child.

Introduction

As part of my Media A level coursework, I am going to be producing a school magazine. I will be designing a cover page with an appropriate masthead as well as a clear contents page. The magazine will be suitable for both students and parents and presented in a way that will portray the school well.

School magazines are designed in order to encourage parents to enroll their child as well as keep them updated on the schools progress and support throughout their child's education. A school magazine may also be improtant to a student as it provides support and advertises upcoming events or possible changes wtihin the school routine.

Therefore it is vital the magazine cover is appealing and still presents information clearly. Certain features may be eyecatching in order to highlight important information. This is why Grammar schools will often employ web and magazine desginers in order to create professional looking school magazines.

Before I begin designing and annotating my own school magazine for 'Chislehurst School for Girls', I am going to research and annotate a couple of other examples of magazines, in order to see what makes a sucessful cover ad contents page. I am going to look into aspects of the magazines including: Colour scheme, Mast-head, Layout, Mise en scene, Target audience, Sell lines and the main featured image. I hope to create a proffessional looking magazine, that will advertise my current school.