Toynbee Radio Project Launches Star Voices

Seven blind and visually impaired pupils from Toynbee School have pioneered the start up of the school’s new radio station: Toynbeatz Radio.

 

The Year 9 pupils, who are all members of the school’s Visual Impairment unit, took part in a six week Radio after school club, funded by Hampshire County Council’s Short Breaks Team and Toynbee School, and run by Now Heritage Community Interest Company (C.I.C).

Over the six weeks, pupils learned how to make jingles, select and announce music tracks, present links and interview guests. A highlight was a trip to Voice FM, Southampton’s flagship community radio station, where the radio enthusiasts met daytime presenter Lee Hayball and took part in his live show.

"It has been a pleasure to help these talented young people find their voices, and to witness their growth in confidence," said Emma Golby-Kirk, project leader and Creative Director of Now Heritage C.I.C.

"All of the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience," added Gail Taylor, Manager of the Toynbee School Resource for Pupils with a Visual Impairment. “Each and every one of them found something new that they were good at, and this has helped them develop more of a ‘can do’ attitude to school activities."

The school is actively seeking funding to further sound proof its new built studio and purchase extra equipment to enable visually impaired pupils to technically operate their own shows. Now Heritage will continue to support a new cohort of visually impaired pupils in the next academic year.

The project demonstrates the positive power of radio in developing confidence and communication skills. Five of the V.I. Unit team have continued to make radio programmes during lunchtimes, and are now well and truly established as ‘big voices’ around the school.