OSCAR Radio
When the School Foundation was set up, it was decided that it would fund a modest project as well as the Patrick Centre, and it was subsequently agreed that the Foundation would provide £70,000 to set up a school radio station and recording studio. Funds came from the generosity of OOs, and in particular support and help were received from Sir Howard Stringer (OO) and Mr Carl Heinlein (OO).
In 1998 a team was established, and a pupil came up with the name OSCAR. With help from ASC Systems, three studios were built in the Gascoigne Building, which consisted of professional equipment used by commercial small-scale radio stations. In September 1998, the master in charge of OSCAR, Mr. David Fuller, together with staff and pupils, began to work on material in preparation for the first 28-day broadcast that took place in November.
Following increasing pupil involvement at all levels in previous years, in 2001 the School gave more control of OSCAR to the pupil team. The board of directors was reduced to the current number of eight members, and the numbers of pupils involved increased from about 80 to 200 per broadcast. The main benefit of this change was that the shows began to have more appeal to the audience, both within the School and in the local community.
OSCAR Radio continues to go from strength to strength, and now broadcasts from newly converted studios in Old Dryden which are advanced by any school and university standards. The radio station is an established part of School life, and during the broadcast period the atmosphere in the community changes. A great number of pupils get involved, and are asked to deal with technical and managerial problems that occur when such a large operation takes place.
Now established as the leading school radio station in the country, OSCAR Radio’s aims include providing support to other school radio stations, and exchanging ideas and good practice. Over 800 pupils have taken part in OSCAR broadcasts since 1998, and the opportunity it represents for pupils to get an introduction into the world of media, and face the responsibilities that come with this field of work, is invaluable.
Website: www.oscar-radio.com
David Fuller