Workington Academy has good news to broadcast as the school radio station has been shortlisted for national radio awards.

The school’s Workington Academy Radio has been nominated for The Young ARIAS awards for best in sport; best in comedy/drama and secondary school station of the year.

There are two separate radio station teams, a small Year 13 team and a younger Year 7 team.

An awards ceremony will be held tomorrow at BBC Broadcasting House, London, which the Year 7 team will attend. Mr Williamson, teacher of IT and digital media and Mrs Williamson, teacher of English, help the teams run the radio station and are very proud.

Mr Williamson said: “The team are extremely excited to attend the event. Just getting nominated by industry experts is an amazing reward for everyone’s hard work and dedication. It’s even more special that we can take all of the Year 7 students involved to Broadcasting House in London for the final. For some of them this is their first visit to the capital.

“We have been told to expect to see some of the UK’s biggest radio stars and maybe even a special guest.”

The Year 13 team broadcast their football podcast around the world on the Workington Academy website and on podcast apps.

Mr Williamson said: “Their interest for podcasting has seen two of the team applying for media/radio based University courses and apprenticeships. They missed out on an award last year so they are hoping it’s second time lucky.”

The younger team have learned new skills and had to overcome the fear of speaking live to an audience. They meet one lunchtime a week for a discussion and planning session then meet again the next day after school to put their plans into action.

“The Year 7 students are so enthusiastic and already this year have tried broadcasting live, recorded podcasts and a radio pantomime,” he added.

They have also taken part in BBC Young Reporter and have plans to take their work “on the road” to interview people, record soundbites and raise the popularity of their radio station.

“Never have we seen a group of Year 7s with such passion and gusto for all things radio! The pride that they take in their work is immeasurable and commendable”, he added.

The team will now try and raise money to help replace some of their older equipment. They would also like to broadcast live throughout the community, which will require additional licenses.