Our pupils wanted to start a radio station
Radio Grange brings the school together and it didn’t cost the PTA a penny
Our school has an elected student council, consisting of pupils from Year 4 to Year 6. Headteacher Daniel Kerbel and I lead weekly lunchtime meetings, where council members eat together and talk about topics they feel are important to them. These discussions help us prioritise key issues and plan fundraising and events. One of their ideas was to start a radio project. The children wanted to create a platform for music, announcements and creative expression.
Nearby prep school Orley Farm runs a funding initiative, whereby they select another school project to support. Our student council presented their proposal and managed to secure a grant of £1,000. We used the money to purchase the necessary equipment for setting up a school radio station, including speakers, microphones, DJ equipment and lighting. The grant covered the entire cost, so we didn’t need to spend any PTA money.
We successfully launched Radio Grange last year. To kick things off, the student council created a playlist by asking their classmates to choose their favourite songs. They rehearsed their first show during student council meetings. We then set up the equipment in the dining hall and presented the playlist while the pupils ate. Later, we introduced a lunchtime session in the hall that pupils from different year groups could join for dancing, music and chat sessions. Following this, we officially launched a fundraising disco, with Radio Grange as the DJ.
Radio Grange doesn’t have set broadcasting times but airs once or twice each half-term. Pupils prepare for the shows during student council meetings, where they plan content and rehearse their presentations, often including articles about events that happened during the term. We are thinking about recording and uploading these shows to YouTube, and we tested this idea out when the children interviewed Mr Kerbel about his 500-mile running fundraiser last autumn, which aimed to raise £10,000.
Radio Grange plays an active role in school life, supporting events such as the student council’s Christmas disco and operating during school hours for announcements and special occasions. Running a radio station has led to a variety of positive results. It fosters creativity, expression and practical abilities in the children as they explore music, public speaking and media skills. Participation builds confidence, and helps pupils develop communication and leadership skills. The radio station also plays a key role in school community engagement and school spirit. It brings pupils, staff and the PTA together, enriching the entire school experience.
- Sultana Begum is assistant headteacher at Grange Primary School, Harrow (445 pupils)
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