Ashington pupils prepare to launch radio station

Posted by The Journal on Oct 6, 09 09:23 AM in School news

Ashington Central First School pupils Tyler Hammond and Aphrodite Mullin, both eight, enjoying the Metro Radio equipment Ashington schoolchildren are about to launch their own radio station after getting help from the experts.

More than 70 pupils in Ashington Central First School will go on the airwaves after receiving a master class from Metro Radio on how to run their own station.

After deciding to launch their own station they contacted the Wansbeck Education Enterprise Network (WEEN) for help - who suggested a partnership with the Newcastle-based broadcaster.

Metro Radio worked with the school to deliver training sessions about running and presenting a radio station - with the aim of the school having their own station up and running before Christmas.

David Godfrey, head teacher at Ashington Central First School, said: "When I went to WEEN with the idea of setting a radio station up, their attitude was brilliant. They saw the enterprise opportunities and pointed us in the direction of Metro Radio. Six months later we're about to go live, which is exciting and groundbreaking for the school."

WEEN is developing enterprising skills in children and young people throughout Wansbeck and also providing them with the skills they need for later life. It is funded by Go Wansbeck.

Andy Gaskell from WEEN said: "The children and teachers are gaining knowledge that will help them run their own radio station long after the programme with Metro has finished. What has been so good about this programme is the range of people who have taken classes with the children, from designers and programmers to managers and presenters.

"That is really what WEEN is about - giving youngsters skills that they will be able to use in the long term."

Pictured: Ashington Central First School pupils Tyler Hammond and Aphrodite Mullin, both eight, enjoying the Metro Radio equipment

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