ANALYSING EXAMPLES OF SCHOOL MAGAZINES 

This is a task which was based on analysing examples of school magazines. I  found this task quite useful as it allowed me to explore different magazines techniques found especially in school magazines. This particularly included content which I had limited knowledge of. I also looked at different layouts, use of colour, images and context. This allowed me to identify which techniques are more useful than others and why. I am planning to consider gained observations while planning my own school/college magazine.

PHOENIX MAGAZINE 

FRONT COVER: made out of old school magazine's covers of this particular school. The focus is based on the past, present, future and school's achievements. This is effective as it gives direct link to the introduction page where the editors comment is especially directed to these features. However, the lack of cover stories or headlines leaves a sense of mystery. This might be less effective as the front cover is not eye catching enough to brings the readers attention. It doesn't give clear clues of what the magazine is actually about. 

CONTENT:  History of School, Changes to School ( included images before & after, demonstrating improvement of facilities), New Clubs, Trips & Activities, Olympic Park Trip, Interviews with new teachers, School Productions (dance performance), School Tours, Art Gallery (display of students work), Students Interviews (including short quotations).

LAYOUT/ TYPOGRAPHY: the overall layout of the magazine is quite interesting. There are varieties of different, colourful backgrounds with bold, bright fonts whereas the actual context is kept quite simple and original. For example; the use of 'Arial' font within magazine articles. The text is usually layout with related photographs next to it. I think this is affective as it allows the readers to visualise what they are reading about (allowing their imaginary to rise).  

   PHOENIX MAGAZINE 2011

• FRONT COVER: made out of student's signatures with a vertical title 'Phoenix 2011'. This makes the cover look like a school notebook. This is affective as it makes it more personal for the students. However, the only negative about this front cover is the lack of cover stories or headlines. This makes the front cover less eye catching as it doesn't sell the themes which can be found within the magazine. Furthermore, the back cover of the magazine is also covered with signatures, however the colours are reversed (white background with black signatures). In addition, a yellow faded phoenix is placed on the middle of the back cover. This is successful as it demonstrates a clear link with the school and the name of the magazine. 

• CONTENT PAGE:  Editors Comment, Fashion (uniform), Africa Trip, School Promotion (musical - layout related to the original movie to make it more eye catching), Teachers Interviews, Dance Promotion, Community Service, Charity Involvement (Comic Relief), Sport Achievement. 

• LAYOUT/TYPOGRAPHY: specific layout is kept consistently throughout the magazine. This is including a notebook style which is kept in each page through signature framing. I think this is effective as it shows a clear link between the cover and other pages of the magazine. In addition, this notebook style could be symbolising this product as it's clearly seen throughout the magazine.This means that the audience is more likely to recognize this particular magazine. Furthermore, the magazine uses bright, eye catching, colourful headlines which catch readers attention. The context is also supported by the multimedia which is usually placed next to the text. As I mentioned in the previous magazine analysis, this allows the reader to visualise the theme they're particularly reading. This can be seen as a positive.