There’s a new sound on the airwaves in and around Newington community primary school – it has launched its own radio station.
AAA Radio (Triple A Radio) features a series of specially recorded interview programmes made by pupils in their own mini studio in the music department.
With music programmes next on their project list, the regular interviews, updates and stories about school life and achievements can be heard via the Newington website, and the content is also played out in form time by teachers for classmates to hear and enjoy.
The launch
AAA Radio was launched in October and its name was chosen following a vote among pupils – AAA encompasses the Newington ethos of Ambition, Achievement, and Aspiration. It has already won praise from pupils, families, staff and governors. It features contributions from staff.
On the airwaves
Year 5 pupils Emily and Alan are part of the broadcast team. They said: “It is a great fun getting interviews, recording our stories and ideas, and helping edit them into a news and information programme. We are learning lots about what it takes to make a radio station work, and the station lets us tell the rest of the school what is going on.”
Music teacher Warwick Eldred added: “It is really popular. Radio opens up so many avenues to enhance the children’s learning experiences, from the news gathering and production side, through to making programmes.
“They are having fun exploring many different aspects of our radio station and our next task is to use our music database to put together some music programmes so we can learn these specific presentation skills.”
Head teacher Cliff Stokes said: “The radio project is great for encouraging teamwork, self-confidence, communication and literacy skills. It is listened to in school and via our website, and it is also a great link to our world at Newington for families and friends.”