What are radio stations?
Many schools are using technology to create their own radio stations. Some have small studios in school and broadcast live during lunchtimes. Others broadcast pre-recorded podcasts. Some even link in with their local community.
Children use computers, sound decks and microphones to play and record their own material, including news, music and jingles.
How radio technology is used in school
Radio stations are a very creative way to involve children. As well as keeping everyone up to date with current news and events, radio broadcasts can support the curriculum.
In history, for example, a broadcast can help recreate what it was like to live in Britain during World War II. Children can:
• play songs from the 1940s
• give housewives tips on cooking with rationed food
• role play and talk about life as an evacuee.
“Before, we had to go to assembly to get all the information. Now, we can send it round the whole school on the radio.” Pupil from Wyndcliffe Primary School
Benefits of radio
One of the big benefits is to give children the chance to express themselves verbally. This helps children who may find writing difficult.
Radio brings many other benefits, too, including:
• boosting confidence
• developing and practising interviewing skills
• involving members of the local community.
Radio in practice
Lickhill Primary School broadcasts live to the school and also to the local community. They have a daily lunchtime show that broadcasts around the school and in the playground. They also hold a Lickhill Radio Live Week, with an Ofcom licence to broadcast to the local community. Parents can tune in at home, at work or in the car.
As part of Live Week, they broadcast 24 hours a day, using a mix of recorded and live shows. The school teamed up with local radio: Radio Hereford and Worcester. The children attended summer holiday workshops to learn, practise and get ready for Live Week. They also invited local groups, such as Sea Cadets, to take part. They advertised family businesses and played requests from listeners.
Video courtesy of Teachers TV.