Students from the College Link programme at Tor View Valley College had "an absolute blast" when they had a behind the scenes look at community broadcasting during a recent visit to Rossendale Radio.
The visit saw 10 students welcomed into the station, where they took part in live broadcasting, interviews and music selection, gaining first hand insight into how a radio station operates.
The experience forms part of College Link’s wider aim to bridge the gap between specialist education and mainstream opportunities, supporting young adults aged 16 to 19 to develop practical skills, independence and ambition.
College Link was created to help students who may find the transition into mainstream education challenging.
The programme focuses on functional skills including money management, community participation, careers, PSHE, time management, writing, computing and home management.
Students work at different academic levels, achieve recognised qualifications each year and, on leaving, sit exams that allow progression into mainstream college courses, apprenticeships or employment.
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One of the students, Deacon, described the visit as a memorable and uplifting experience.
He said: "I have been a student at Tor View since I joined back in 2018, for my first year in secondary school.
"I am now in my third and final year in Tor View’s Further Education department,
“Tor View is a truly exceptional school, supporting learners with a wide range of special needs and difficulties, while also making sure they reach their full potential, and have the brightest future possible.
“As soon as we arrived, we were thrust into a warm welcoming environment, with friendly staff, who were not only happy to have us, but showed great interest in our experiences."
He explained that staff answered questions, carried out one-to-one interviews and even gave the group their own Happy Hour show.
“We even got our own happy hour, where we could choose our own songs. Things ended with an absolute blast when we all started to sing and dance, even the teacher had a good boogie,” he said.
“I am so grateful to Tor View, and the Further Education department, for giving us these wonderful opportunities, and proving that people with additional needs are more than meets the eye.
" Also, thank you to Rossendale Radio, it was truly an amazing experience, with a happy, welcoming environment, with a truly excellent team.”
Rossendale Radio confirmed that the students recorded their own Happy Hour show, which went out on air on Wednesday, December 10, and can be listened to again via the station’s website.
Tony Nixon, station manager at Rossendale Radio, said the visit was particularly meaningful.
“It was a true honour to see the young people enjoying themselves. We could see how much it meant to them, and that means everything to us,” he said.
“Rossendale Radio is all about community supporting community and that includes our Schools and Colleges.”
He added that Tor View Valley College has been welcomed to the studios for several years and that the team is already looking forward to next year’s visit.
Dorrie Partington from Rossendale Radio said careful preparation helps ensure the experience is positive for every student.
“We have to ensure we plan the activities in advance and ensure the staff at the college can prepare the young people with what to expect in advance so they can prepare if necessary,” she said.
“It is so important to give young learners the opportunity to come in and see how a radio station works, it creates future presenters, producers and technicians.”
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