On Wednesday 4th July a group of Year 9 students paid a visit to Metro Radio’s studios in Newcastle. The twenty students were selected to reward them for an excellent effort in their ‘Sound’ unit of work in ICT.

The visit began in the Conference Room with a video showing how Metro Radio is run. They learned how the station is financed from advertising and how each department contributes to the work whether in Sales and Marketing, Creativity, Charity or Programming.  This was followed by a tour of the offices and studios.

The group was given a demonstration in the Creative Studio on how professionally made adverts were put together with voice, music and sound effects. They were interested to see that the software being used was very similar to the sound editing program that they had used in school.

Then into the News Room. A transcript of the day’s actual news headlines was provided. Working in small groups the students rehearsed the script and recorded the bulletin with the actual introductions and interviews from the news. Although there were some initial nerves and jitters about recording into the large microphone, all the students made a very good effort to speak in the Metro Radio style.

“It was a very good experience showing us what sorts of jobs are available in Media”

“It was a really good afternoon. I enjoyed recording in the studio.”

“It gave me some ideas for jobs where I’ll be able to use computers and technology.”

“I met Alan Robson, the late show presenter, and it showed me that a job in Media could lead to further opportunities to meet celebrities.”