by holdthefrontpage staff
Brushing up on shorthand speed and avoiding 'inexcusable' mistakes were two of the problems flagged up by examiners in the spring NCE.
Of the 242 hopefuls, 113 passed all four sections – news interview, news report, newspaper practice and logbook – to become senior reporters.
The highest number of trainees in the past two years took the latest National Certificate Examination. Here's our at-a-glance guide to what the examiners thought of the entries for each section.
Click on the live header links to read more detailed information about each section.
NEWS INTERVIEW
200 candidates
132 passed
The test centred around a suspected arson attack which destroyed specialist boating equipment used by disabled and terminally ill children. The aim was for candidates to conduct a face-to-face interview and write a vigorous and well balanced story.
Best stories included key angles in the intro and use of language that drew a vivid picture in the minds of the readers.
Those who failed did not take note of the skills needed by a reporter in a multimedia newsroom. Publishers have a focus on changing technology but core journalistic skills must not be forgotten.
Reporters must take more than a superficial interest in a story – with so many news outlets, it's important to get the best story.
NEWS REPORT
214 candidates
114 passed
Information about an archaeological dig and its findings were given to candidates in a press conference setting.
About a third of the candidates tackled the story well, painting a clear picture of the results of the dig and its findings and presenting the information in a professional newsy way.
Markers were disappointed to encounter 'inexcusable' mistakes in copying information from the briefing notes, e.g. names were changed and mistakes were made adding up dates.
Errors could have been prevented by thorough checking before submission and trainees were advised tp listen to the speech's content while taking down selective notes.
NEWSPAPER PRACTICE
203 candidates
144 passed
The newspaper practice paper asks candidates to answer a law question and write follow-up ideas for two further stories. Follow-ups include all publication platforms i.e. ideas for video, online, photos, galleries.
Candidates who failed did so because of an error which, if repeated in reality, would cost their employer money and/or involve publishing a correction.
Failure to understand what qualified privilege protects and what qualities a report needs to have to enjoy this defence.
Failure to spot the dangers of contempt of court.
LOGBOOK
155 candidates
148 passed
The logbook is the place for candidates to show a range of cuttings and supporting documentation to track the training process from the start of their careers.
Majority of logbooks reached the required standard.
Poor presentation was cited as the main reason for failing.
A number of logbooks had key tasks in the wrong order, some information was missing or were just messy.
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