Verbal/Communication Development:

For most people, public speaking will probably be the most frightening experience they will ever encounter during adult life. Wedding speeches, job interviews, corporate proposals, etc…

College Radio not only prepares students for public speaking engagements, but can help develop vocabulary & confidence whilst giving the subject a sense of responsibility and pride.

Overcoming nerves is just the beginning. The secret to public speaking is developing a bond with the audience.  Assuming an authoritative position, whilst maintaining a warm atmosphere is key to keeping the audience’s attention.

Problem Solving:

Working within College Radio can also help students think on their feet. Besides the usual on-air hiccups that can occur during a live broadcast (mic not turned on, wrong music track selected, fluffing lines, etc...), live interviews/debates can bring out the best in students within a pressurised environment, whilst having fun.

Sense of Community

At a first glance, one could be lead to believe that only the broadcast team themselves, benefit from College Radio… Not exactly true! 

College Radio is as it says on the tin.., the College Radio station. The Voice of the School/College.  A Radio station for students, run by students. The day to day mechanics and achievements of the school are what keep College Radio alive.  From local stories, sports results from a team game, guest speakers of interest, drama performances, requested songs, etc…, to contributed jokes & stories, and even airing the College bands demo.,   your College Radio station can strengthen the back bone of your school, creating a real sense of community.

Responsibility

Working for the College Radio Station requires positivity and responsibility. From the moment you accept a role within the broadcast team, you have basically agreed to deliver whatever tasks are assigned to you on a weekly basis, on time and without fail.  Although School of Jock suggest alternating broadcast teams (as to relieve pressure on students), it is still important to maintain team spirit and avoid complacency.  

Close Curricular Links
We have worked closely with teachers to ensure that our programme complements the skills and competencies explored in the Junior Cycle, TY Programme and Leaving Certificate programmes. This includes the Key Skills as outlined in the Framework for Junior Cycle 2015 ( https://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/Framework-for-Junior-Cycle-2015.pdf).

Students will benefit by improving their communication, organisational, creative and oral skills by working as part of the College Radio team.

Parents and teachers can read more about this here http://www.schoolofjock.com/curriculum-links

Roles

You have decided to create a College Radio station.  The students have chosen a station name, the art class have designed the station logo, and there is a buzz throughout the College.  Now it’s time to pick the broadcast team.

While it’s important to note that the stations future on-air talent may not always be the obvious choices. There are however, essential qualities required to make the cut.

One must be punctual, articulate, responsible, and show dedication. After that, it’s anyone’s guess.  There is always a diamond in the rough just waiting to be found.  Now, to match the right student with the appropriate role.  Below is a list of roles available within a College Radio Station.

Producer

• Plan the weeks programming
• Book guests
• Coordinate contributed material
• Maintains equipment before/after broadcast

Main Presenters

• Find Stories
• Assist Programme Coordinator with planning
• Research to ensure validity of all topics
• Liaise with DJ to find appropriate music for the programme
• Work together to deliver a tight flaw free programme
• Engage with the audience

DJ/Researcher

• Chooses the appropriate themed music to suit relevant topics
• Coordinates student requests
• Chooses each days music programme
• Operates the mixing console (mics/music) for Main presenters