Today saw the beginning of a new era as the first step was taken to create the Academy’s very own online radio station in partnership with Manchester’s original music radio station, Key 103.

The day started with four workshops which covered the main areas involved in setting up a successful radio station; presenting, news reporting, marketing and creative writing. The workshop sessions invited small groups of Year 9 and 10 students who were interested in the project onto the Key 103 Media Bus which visited the Academy. The bus is equipped with state-of-the-art media production equipment and is staffed by professional teachers and journalists whom deliver media training on radio production.

After an informative day on the bus students that excelled in the workshop were chosen to go to the next step which involves two days of hands-on training at the Key 103 studios in Castlefield, Manchester. Training will take place on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th April 2010. The following students were selected to undergo more in depth training with Key 103:

Presenters: Chloe Bebbington, Kayla Bell, Jessica Brito and Victoria Hind

News Reporters: Michelle Saidi, Emma Bowker, Anma Macmood-Khan and Tahla Ahmed

Marketing Team: Sophie Harrison, Katrina Sundar, Molly Walker and Rebecca Joyce

Creative Writers: Taylor Fisher, Stephanie Costa, Shannon Comer and Charlotte McFalone.

A special thanks goes to all students whom attended the workshop sessions on the Media Bus as they all left Ms Williams and the Key 103 team with a tough decision as to whom would go on to receive extra training at Key 103. All is not lost for the unlucky students as their skills will be required to help with content once the Academy’s online radio station goes live!

RADIO PLAY: Students take their first step in help create the Academy's online radio station.

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