Since its inception in 2022 as a Xaverian Xtra enrichment activity ‘Xavazine’ has offered students the opportunity to flex their journalistic muscles and immerse themselves in the writing and production of a real online magazine. Students can choose to write about any subject they want, whether this is their passions, interests or opinions and, each year, the magazine comprises a mixture of current affairs, reviews on music concerts and albums, youth culture, food, local and global issues and sport.
The Xavazine team meets once a week to discuss which stories to follow-up, assign individuals to conduct interviews and write up final releases, and arrange the design and publishing of the finished magazine. Abdul Khan, from Burnage Academy for Boys and studying A Levels in Business, Economics and Mathematics, joined Xavazine at the beginning of Year 12 because of his passion for writing and desire to use it as a platform to inform and educate others on current issues. Abdul commented: “I’ve written four articles across this academic year, each of which was about issues I believe to be relevant for our students. My time on Xavazine has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. At first, it was difficult as it took place on a busy day for me, however I soon began to enjoy being around people who loved writing as much as I do.”
Local online newspaper, The Mill, got involved with the College and Xavazine to give talks to the students on effective journalism and, towards the end of the year, chose three articles which they believed stood out most over the year. The three winners, Caitlin Embury, Abdul Khan and Tasnim Yusuf were all presented with ‘The Mill Best Article Award for 2026’. Here are their articles:
• Caitlin: Los Angeles to Brixton: A Big Thief Concert
• Abdul: The AI Boom – and the damage it leaves behind
• Tasnim: Has the U.S. got a bit of a Somali problem?
Commenting on being one of the award winners, Abdul said: “I feel incredibly grateful for the recognition my article has received, particularly since it was the first article I wrote about a topic that is dear to me, on the artificial intelligence boom. I’ve gained some really valuable skills on the programme that I hope will make my personal statement stand out when I apply to university next year.
“After Xaverian, I hope to attend a top UK university as a student of finance or economics. Otherwise, I’m open to starting an apprenticeship in finance and joining the world of work. I hope eventually to gain a senior position working in finance at a leading company.”
The students are supported by Media Studies Curriculum Leader, Jacqui Shirley, who teaches the students basic journalism and research skills, how to interview, and how to write headlines and structure a news article. Jacqui said, “I’ve been hugely impressed by the enthusiasm the students have shown towards the project and the time and effort they have put into gathering content. They have all played a part in writing and producing articles to such high professional journalistic standards. Some of the students want to become Journalists in the future and being a part of Xavazine is the perfect way to gain real experience of the skills needed to be successful in the industry.”