William Ford Pupils Experience Life On The Airwaves

The start of the new school year is always an exciting time at William Ford C. of E. Junior school in Dagenham, but this year was extra special as pupils returned to hear their brand-new school radio station broadcasting across the site.

Already, pupils are working with school radio expert, Russell Prue from Anderton Tiger Radio, to speak confidently, interview effectively and to operate the controls in order that they can broadcast across the school, especially at the start of the school day and during breaks and lunchtimes.

Headteacher, David Huntingford, shared he had been keen for an exciting opportunity such as this since observing the impact this had made at another school.

William Ford’s pupils broadcasted their first live session on their first day back at school, just in time for the parents to arrive and hear. In the future, the school plans to broadcast across the internet so parents and the local community can enjoy the pupils’ interviews, song choices news bulletins and weather forecasts.

“Not only does our school radio station provide another potential career avenue for the future, it also provides excellent opportunities for all pupils, especially those who need to develop their speech and language skills to work alongside those who are more confident in a purposeful environment. We are also looking forward to weaving radio skills throughout our curriculum, from history and science to music and literacy.”

William Ford radio is currently broadcasting weekdays across the school site and the school are looking forward to extending this across the local area along with providing local businesses the opportunity to advertise their products and services.