The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Voices centre at The Forum in Norwich is giving every primary school in Norfolk the chance to make their own radio programme free of charge. Each Thursday, schools can send up to 10 children to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Voices where they will learn all the skills of recording, interviewing and editing a programme. No equipment or experience is necessary – in fact ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Voices will even give schools free editing software to use back in the classroom. Finding new skills "Whether schools have budding presenters and journalists they want to encourage – or just want the chance to be creative and extend the range of technology skills on offer to children, this project is a real winner," said ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Voices producer Gary Standley. Session times can be flexible – any time between 9am and 5pm to suit the individual school. ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Voices staff will work with the school in advance to agree what they would like in their programme and to ensure they get the best out of the day. Hand-on events "This is very much a hands-on day, but we realise that schools need to draw up a plan in advance," said Gary. "Although up to 10 children can come on the day, pre-planning can involve many more in the school – and, of course, with the skills they learn, the children can go back and continue interviewing and presenting." The radio programmes could be used on school websites, for broadcast in assemblies, or even put onto a CD for children to take home. The Making Radio session will also include a tour of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Norfolk studios and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ East television. "It is always exciting for children to know that they will get to see the place where the professionals broadcast," said Gary. "They may get to meet presenters they have heard on the radio or seen on TV," he added. If you would like to know more about the Making Radio sessions or want to book a session, contact ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Voices on 07834 846 081 or e-mail gary.standley@bbc.co.uk | 
