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ASHINGTON YOUNGSTERS GO GAGA OVER SCHOOL RADIO STATION                            

More than 70 pupils in Ashington are getting ready to go on the airwaves after receiving a master class from Metro Radio on how to run their own station.

When Ashington Central First School decided to launch their own radio 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 with a station, which is exciting and groundbreaking for the school.”

WEEN is developing enterprising skills in children and young people throughout Wansbeck and equipping them with the tools they need to become confident adults. It is supported by funding from Go Wansbeck, which is boosting enterprise in the area by providing coaching and funding for businesses.

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, the key to this project is sustainability. 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.

“The children have found out about everything that goes on at a radio station and will be able to use everything they’ve learned when their own station is up and running. That is really what WEEN is about – giving youngsters skills that they will be able to use in the long term.”

For more information about WEEN visit www.gowansbeck.co.uk or call 01670 842888.

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