This unusual development was stimulated by a government initiative, promoting communication opportunities in primary schools. "The school is run as a democracy in which we try to give our children exciting learning opportunities," explained head teacher Alison Peacock. "When the government sent out their information packs, our deputy head Simon Putnam suggested we promote speaking and listening via a full broadcast facility."
The only problem was funding. But one of the pupils' mothers, Louise Hingston - a piano teacher who also worked in the HR department of Soundcraft - volunteered her company's assistance.
She explained the school's plight and the pro audio manufacturer - based less than a mile away - jumped to their aid, supplying an E8 Series mixing desk and amplification. The school contributed £500 - enabling them to invest in loudspeakers and CD players - and the installation expertise was provided by one of the schools governors. Using Audacity sound editor and recording software downloaded from the web, 'Radio Wroxham' is anchored in the library, and broadcasts in school during Breakfast Club, lunchtimes at the Wroxham Café and after school at Kids' Club. It is also hoping to get some outdoor speakers to enable it to broadcast out to the playground.
Further help from Soundcraft in the form of a BSS Soundweb will enable it to route broadcasts around different areas of the school selectively. In fact Soundcraft will maintain an ongoing relationship with the School, as VP of marketing and communications Keith Watson explained: "As part of the Business in the Community's 'Partners in Leadership' programme we were approached with a view to partnering with Wroxham School. It was pure coincidence that we had already donated the mixing desk - and of course we immediately agreed to meet up. It quickly became obvious that a school of kids can be a glowing example to all of us in industry; with the right support from visionary and enthusiastic staff, the kids have only a 'can do' attitude."
And Alison Peacock agrees. "We have gone from strength to strength, with the result that we have won the Herts ICT Award for radio and have now attracted interest from Capital Radio. We are also working with Simon Balle School in Hertford, making jingles and rap - and we even have our own little rock band. In fact we are a school that is doing everything to engage."
(Lee Baldock)
