BBC’s Huw Edwards visits Walworth Academy

Huw addressed a group of 70 students from years 10, 11 and 12 at the Shorncliffe Road school and explained how television news works and why particular stories are chosen for broadcast.

As well as quizzing the students about their knowledge of current affairs and what areas of news they are interested in, he fielded a range of questions himself – on how he had got into news presenting in the first place, what it is like reporting from war zones and what key strengths are needed for a career in journalism.

Year 11 student Abdalla Ali said that he had learnt a lot from the talk: "It was a fascinating experience which highlighted the role of a TV news presenter."

Hannah Munnelly, also in year 11, said: "Huw Edwards was a really enthusiastic speaker – he helped me understand more about how television news works and the importance of following the news."

The visit was organised by teacher Nat Ogborn who said: "Huw's talk was engaging and inspiring and he helped show the students how important it is to take a close interest in current affairs."

Walworth Academy principal Devon Hanson commented: "We were delighted to welcome Huw Edwards to Walworth. We want to prepare our students for successful careers and hosting distinguished professionals helps provide them with valuable insight into the skills they need in order to achieve highly in later life."

The BBC News at 10 presenter's visit to Southwark was part of Speakers for Schools, an initiative founded by the BBC's business editor Robert Peston.