News Blog

On Tuesday the 10th of January, a group of Year 10 amateur radio enthusiasts from Whitcliffe were invited by DJ Al Kelly to visit the Real Radio studios in Leeds. After hovering in the doorway in an attempt to find out if their favourite Pop Star was hidden away in the building, students were given a full tour of the studios. Students got to meet the man who creates the jingles (and got to hear some exclusive advertising jingles), then received information about how to create a variety of different sound effects used in the adverts. They were also able to meet a number of Real Radio DJs who were busy preparing for their next radio shows.

The highlight of the visit had to be the time in the radio studio where students were provided with expert guidance provided by DJ Al. It was quickly evident how much planning and skill goes into presenting a radio show as students struggled with impromptu presenting tasks; they explored the pitfalls of reading from a script and the issues with not knowing what to talk about before starting to speak.

Everyone really enjoyed the visit: Emily Hall said, “It was really good; we learned a lot. I want to look into doing work experience in a radio station now.” Abbie Webb was equally enthusiastic, “It was great. I got to sit in the DJ’s chair with earphones on and listen to myself as if I was on the radio.”

With students now preparing for a new school radio station, Whitcliffe Audio, I am sure that we will hear all the skills that students learnt from the experts as they present their very own radio shows. Good Luck to all the Whitcliffe radio presenters!