Contents Page Analysis

The background colour of the magazine is very simple, the plain white background is suitable for a school magazine as it is not too much and doesn’t distract away from the actual contents.  The black writing makes it easy to understand and the font isn’t too childish which makes it appeal to the adults as well. Positioned beside the writing contents are the images with the page number on the corner, this makes it easier for the children especially to find that image and more on that story. The pictures also make the contents page bright and especially appealing to the children. They also capture what the magazine is about, and that is school life. It will give parents an indication into what school is like and the pictures prove this. The contents page also mentions “Spring 2014” which proves this magazine is published seasonally. 

 The images also show the different activities that happen in the school. This is good for the teachers as it shows how good the school is and promotes it to parents. The graphics included are positioned formally in a vertical line which appeals to the niche audience. The brightness of the pictures and the young people in the pictures would attract the younger children and also the parents. It shows fun and educational activities which again promotes the school.

The articles mentioned on the contents page all seem to be relevant to students with stories and pictures that would interest and appeal to them, “the cyber-bullying epidemic”, “parents evenings, under the spotlight”. Furthermore the black writing can be easily read against the white background.

However the black, plain writing is not very child friendly to be a school magazine. The layout is too formal which would appeal to teachers and parents, but not so much the children.  The images are not positioned in a fun or friendly way and it looks like very little effort was put into the contents page. The colours don’t strike the niche audience as it isn’t bright enough for the young children. The white background is far to plain and doesn’t reflect a children’s school.

In conclusion, I believe this contents page is adequate in appealing to adults and teachers but for the students it is far to plain and formal. Therefore, it could certainly be improved; perhaps a brighter colour scheme that reflects the school and a better layout that shows the young and funky feel.