Radio Ga Ga

Students in the radio studio

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students at Hopwood Hall College have produced their very own radio show. The radio show was the brainchild of tutor David Perry, who encouraged the students to produce the show to provide them with real life work experience as well as helping to improve their English skills, so that they can find work and contribute to society. It also fits in with a College-wide strategy to ensure Hopwood Hall College is at the leading edge of e-learning and technology.

The radio show was produced in the state-of-the-art studios of the College’s music department; during the show, the students interviewed Hopwood Hall music students about their lives, music, achievements and ambitions; recorded promotional competitions and even produced a language learning themed musical tribute to pop legends Abba!

Coinciding with a National initiative called ‘Enterprise Week’, further features included an interview with a Manchester business consultancy that works to enable members of marginalized communities to begin their own small businesses. A number of students are developing business ideas in partnership with business consultants following the success of the show. Student Magdalena Oliwiak, is already benefitting from the experience, "I've already made a few sales in my new business and hope to become completely self-employed thanks to the radio show."

The students thoroughly enjoyed their experience as media moguls and are already busy planning their next show which will include: interviews with successful former ESOL students, interviews with financial advisors and more music - this time a Hopwood Hall College-themed version of Alicia Key’s Empire State of Mind.

Tutor David Perry is delighted with the results; “The learners showed themselves to be real professionals in the production the programme. It's fantastic to see them develop their talents, confidence and ambitions through technology."

The show is to be aired via podcast on the College’s own Skills for Life social networking website: http://esolhop.ning.com/events/radio-esol