What does the programme cover?

The Times and Sunday Times News Literacy programme is a four-lesson course with additional termly topical lessons teaching students to think critically when reading the news.

Students will learn - by following in the footsteps of real journalists and editors - how to source and critique news, verify facts and question everything and stay well-informed in the digital world.

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Watch our introductory video

Programme Content

Each lesson includes a teachers’ pack, students’ pack and a powerpoint presentation.

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Introduction to News Literacy

This lesson will give students an introduction to news literacy. Students will explore where they get their news from, and who/what they can trust. Students will learn how to spot fake news stories and how to think critically about the news they consume.
: Flavio Bolsonaro, son of Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro, speaks with journalists as he arrives to record an electoral program for television in Rio de Janeiro

What is news?

This lesson will use the story of Grenfell Tower to highlight the work of journalists and editors when breaking a news story, investigating, interviewing and reporting.
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News and Opinion

This lesson will focus on teaching students the differences between news and opinion writing. Students will explore what bias is, and how important it is for comment and opinion piece, for sharpening their critical thinking, developing persuasive arguments and engaging with different ideas and opinions.
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Your News

This lesson will examine how much trust students should put in social media as a news source, and what they can do to look critically at the credibility of the news stories.

Topical Lessons

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Covid-19: The role of experts in the news

In this lesson students will spot a series of fake information that went viral at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and explore trusted news and opinion pieces to understand how experts have been used to legitimise and reinforce commentators’ opinions during the coronavirus crisis.
How it works

Got any questions about the News Literacy Programme? Email us at newsacademy@news.co.uk.

'Increasing media literacy is key in the fight against fake news and disinformation. I commend The Times and The Sunday Times on the work they are doing to educate young people on these important issues.' Damian Collins, previously Chair, Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee
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'Before I used to think if someone said it was news, it was real. Now, I question it and ask if it is fake, real or even satire. I use the journalists questions from the programme, like ‘who is making the claim', 'what claims are they making' and 'how can you double check.' Student, Folkestone Academy
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'The Times and Sunday Times News Literacy Programme resources have really helped bring my lessons to life. The diversity of articles provided means there is something of interest to every pupil.’ Jason Smith, Teacher East London Science School
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“The whole of Year 10, about 120 pupils, are participating in the news literacy programme. It's been great doing it as part of the English lessons as all of the articles relate to their English language GCSE papers." Lisa Reynolds, Teacher Marsh Academy
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"The Times and Sunday Times News Literacy Programme is great. The variety of genuine news stories have engaged the students and sparked conversations about how they read, verify and share news." Catherine Davies, Teacher Salford College
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"It’s vital that young people are confident, critical thinkers when navigating the news online. Our programme will teach students to think like a journalist, to ask the right questions and verify the facts." John Witherow, Editor, The Times
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