A hat-trick of wins in the national Young Audio Awards could be in the air for Newington Community Primary in Ramsgate.
Following its success in the inaugural honours in 2019 and again in 2020, the school has three nominees shortlisted for the top awards in differing categories this year.
In the BBC Sounds ‘Rising Talent’ under 11 category Lila and Maisie (pictured below) are entered as a duo for their performances on the school’s Triple A ‘vadio’ station – a mix of radio and video.
Newington is also in the running for the FunKids Radio ‘Best Primary School Radio Station’ with FunKids Radio, an honour it won in 2020, and for the Talk Sport Radio supported ‘Best In Speech’ section for its podcasts.
The verdict of the judging panel of experts in the radio and audio industries will be streamed live at 4.30pm on July 7 via www. youngaudioawards.co.uk.
This year’s awards are run by the Radio Academy, with George Butler from FunKids Radio / Bauer Media is the chair of the competition. He said: “Over the last five years, despite all the change and challenges young people and schools have faced, we’ve seen an unwavering passion in young people for creating audio.
“Technology has made it easier than ever to create and produce content, so we can’t wait to hear what the next generation of audio talent has been up to.”
The Young Audio Awards are for 8-18 year olds and schools that love creating audio. The aim is to widen the talent pool coming into British radio and provide an opportunity for young people to access the industry. The awards are supported by both the BBC and commercial radio.
Winners are offered a chance to host their own show on a national radio station, plus mentorship and masterclass events.
Music teacher Warwick Eldred who runs the Newington Triple A station with the children said: “These are exciting times. These awards have been described as the ‘Oscars’ of radio for young people and Newington is proud and honoured to have three entries shortlisted in 2023.
“The dedication and enthusiasm of our pupils – news gatherers, presenters, script writers, technicians and behind the scenes team – is fantastic.
“We will be all ears with everything crossed on July 7.”
The Triple A project was among the first school radio projects when it launched in 2017 providing school news and information, learning resources, podcasts, education, song and music, and a platform for aspiring performers and presenters.
Head Teacher Hannah Tudor was the guest in a ‘hot seat’ interview earlier in this school year, and that audio is part of the submission for best primary radio. She said: “The radio encourages our pupils to gain confidence, improve communication and inter-personal skills, work as a team, and develop technical ability. The output is always entertaining, informative and educational.
“To reach the final stages of this competition and be nominated in three categories is a huge achievement for everyone involved.”
In 2020 Newington won the innovation award and the top primary radio title; in 2019 it won for achievement in the community, and best use for education.
Find out more about Triple A Radio via the school’s online platform www.newington-ramsgate.org.uk