Budding DJs are taking to the airwaves at a Newton Aycliffe School thanks to Area Action Partnership funding to set up their own radio station.
Greenfield School and Community Arts College is setting up and running Synergy Radio to help pupils learn more about developing and designing radio shows with daily themes and focuses.
GAMP (Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership) is one of 14 set up by Durham County Council in 2009 and has dedicated £15,460 from its area budget to the project.
It’s hoped that different subject areas can be taught using the equipment and this will in turn promote the use of media technology and other technological advances such as broadcasting equipment.
The radio equipment will also be available outside of normal school hours for those who have a general interest in broadcasting or want to take radio presenting to the next level as a career. Local youth groups with an interest in broadcasting will also be able to use the equipment.
Brian Riley, GAMP coordinator, said: “The radio equipment can be potentially used across a number of schools in Aycliffe allowing the young people of the town to gain hands on experience of the broadcasting industry.
“The equipment will also be a valuable tool for use within all curriculum areas as well as for out of school activities.”
David Priestley, headteacher, said: “The opportunity for the young people of Greenfield Community College and from all other schools across Newton Aycliffe to have access to this state-of-the-art equipment is unique and a powerful learning tool.
“The equipment funded by GAMP gives young people the ability to learn about language, sound, production and media across the curriculum and within the out of school hours programmes.
“This digital radio station is a real asset to every subject area. Synergy radio allows schools to broadcast messages to the whole school population and ultimately across the town.
“The possibilities are endless and we look forward to a new way of learning, an exciting, motivational tool to promote outstanding teaching and learning across Newton Aycliffe.”
For more information on GAMP or to attend the next board meeting contact Brian Riley.
Tel: 01325 327 441
Email: [email protected]
■ Sam Dobson from year nine is pictured testing out the equipment.