Sixty magazines were entered for PPA Scotland’s Scottish School Magazine Competition last year, but this year the Periodical Publishers Association is hoping for more. From cartoon strips to stunning photographs and word wizardry, pupils showed they had talent in abundance - writing, artwork, design, photography, business, production and teamwork skills that will appeal to tomorrow’s employers.

Determined to Succeed is supporting the awards for at least the next two years, with media sponsor The TESS. Categories cover commercial strategy; design and layout; editorial content and team; feature article; magazine cover; online presence; artworkphotography; outstanding individual; most inspirational teacher (a new category); and overall magazine of the year.

The judges would like to see more online entries. This is an area where newspapers and magazines are branching out, with new opportunities for business enterprise and creativity, and where today’s computer-literate pupils should flourish.

Last year’s Magazine of the Year was Rare Beast, from Coatbridge High, North Lanarkshire. Others came from St Margaret’s High, North Lanarkshire, Boclair Academy and Douglas Academy, East Dunbartonshire, Queensferry Community High, Edinburgh, and Lawside Academy, Dundee. Each winner was given mentoring, skills presentations, work experience or other magazine-related excursions by publishers and industry suppliers. The overall winners see their magazine professionally printed and attend the Scottish Magazine Awards for the industry in November.

www.ppa.co.uk.