My magazine uses images that are particularly flattering of the school, its pupils and the headmaster. The pictures appear formal and clean – imposing a ‘classy’ impression on the school. I used ‘French script’ as my main font for the text on the front cover because I thought it gave the effect of class and formality. A yellowy-gold was used to colour all text on the front cover because as I said above, this also connotes wealth and class. I used a picture taken of a grand house that located in the village that I live in for the image of the school, this also helps to connote the fact the school may be private or even a boarding school, the grounds look very neat and tidy and the picture also connotes a countryside environment perhaps leading to the assumption of a boarding school. The house colours, which I used to apply to the house system I deemed the school to have, are a deep and warm plum and teal, again I felt this also connoted the above.
Instead of using the house colours for my contents page (see front cover) I used a modern black and white theme. I did this because I felt that I could not only show the school’s history, reputation and wealth but it also indicates that the school isn’t stuck in its old ways (strict, if you prefer), that it focuses on a more modern and sensible up-bringing for its pupils. I also felt that it challenges the idea that wealthy, white people of great ‘importance’ should only attend a British public school, and allows for the idea that we are all equal and the school considers that something to encourage. I then used a picture I took from my old school of all the pupils gathered together on the last day. I used this because I felt that it gave the school a sense of community and friendship. A shot of a ‘mature’ man dressed in smart attire indicates a headmaster, his stance and general appearance shows his hierarchy as well as his pride.
I feel that the font of the text connotes the wealth and class of the school. It relates to the target audience of the school magazine as it will possibly be familiar to the pupils and the parents – it implies that the school is important and due to the fact I used a similar font for all text it seems that everything relates of the same importance.
None of the images I used were positioned centrally. Which may or may not (but does in my opinion) connote that the pupils are as equally important as the school’s name and reputation. Not all of the pictures I used are of people; I used one of a large manor which I felt contributed to the vibe I was enforcing upon the school.
The mode of address used in each cover is indirect; none of the shots are angled directly at readers. This perhaps produces the idea of mystery – the school as a whole produces a sense of unity and safety, that’s what I aimed for.
The colours I have chosen are a deep/royal purple and teal. This not only connotes wealth but is also very welcoming and warm.
No specific techniques have been used to encourage readers to the magazine as it only really applies to pupils, parents or people interested in the school, therefore only a certain group of people will read it, hence why there is specific puff or buzz words that appeal except ones that demonstrate the school’s success i.e. ‘academic’ and ‘success’.
