Broomfield SILC Students Take to the Airwaves with Rangoli Radio

Rangoli Radio (RR) recently partnered with Broomfield South SILC School to offer students an invaluable opportunity to create and present their own live radio shows.

Through an intensive six-week training programme, students mastered the fundamentals of radio broadcasting, including show design, script writing, and live presentation techniques. This hands-on experience not only boosted their self-esteem and confidence but also provided them with lasting memories and transferable skills.

The training methodology, refined over two years in partnership with Leeds City College Students, follows a carefully structured approach. Beginning with an introduction to radio fundamentals and broadcasting techniques, the programme guides students through three weeks of content development and sectional practice, culminating in a full dress rehearsal the week before going live.

The students’ broadcasts showcased their diverse interests and creativity, featuring everything from energetic dance music segments to challenging Star Wars and Titanic-themed quizzes, and even an atmospheric Christmas story. Their performances garnered substantial praise through RR’s WhatsApp channel, with one student’s enthusiastic feedback—”That was great fun”—capturing the spirit of the entire experience.

Rangoli Radio, established during the pandemic as a community interest company, operates from its studio in White Rose Park. The station has built an impressive reach, serving over 450,000 listeners in the Leeds area through DAB radio and connecting with more than 8,500 listeners across 169 countries via internet streaming. Through its commitment to inspiring, educational, and entertaining programming, Rangoli Radio continues to highlight and celebrate the often-overlooked positive contributions within local communities.

The success of this initiative demonstrates the power of combining education with real-world broadcasting experience, providing students with a platform to develop their communication skills whilst connecting with their community in meaningful ways.

Evaluation of Six-Week Project with Rangoli Radio

Over the duration of the six-week project with Rangoli Radio, students from Broomfield South SILC demonstrated significant engagement and acquired a profound understanding of the history, purpose, and importance of radio as a medium of communication.

They were particularly inspired by the origins of Rangoli Radio, fostering a sense of connection to local culture and community. Through collaborative efforts, students successfully created their own radio show, allowing them to explore their interests while enhancing their speaking and listening skills; as a result, they exhibited increased confidence, clarity, and active listening abilities.

The project not only enriched their knowledge but also empowered them to appreciate the art of radio broadcasting as a vital platform for expression and information dissemination.

Overall, the initiative effectively merged theoretical learning with practical application, significantly benefiting the students’ personal development and appreciation for media.