To accompany the play, an exciting and interactive online game has been developed through collaboration with Radiowaves, the safe social learning environment for schools, and Coney, an agency of play who specialise in interactive learning.

The play will run through October and November 2010 at the Polka Theatre in London and Northampton Royal and Derngate Theatre, with five schools in each region taking part in the online learning adventure in the months leading up to the show. The adventure will invite pupils to engage with the plot and characters of the play by taking part in a series of learning challenges, tasking the pupils with scientific experiments and fact finding in order to help the astronauts win their place on the Mission to Mars. These challenges and their responses, which will combine drama and media skills with science, will be hosted online on the Mission to Mars platform on Radiowaves.

Tickets for Mission to Mars are now on sale. Visit www.polkatheatre.com for the London shows and www.royalandderngate.co.uk/en/Home/WhatsOn/MissionToMars for the Northampton dates.

It’s been a very busy few months for the Supporter To Reporter Team as the award winning programme is rolled out nationwide. Nine S2R hubs have been set up  across the country where staff and young people will receive expert training, reporting opportunities and access to Radiowaves, the safe social network, to publish their work. So far 8 new hubs have been trained with over 500 young people joining the programme as a result. As part of the expansion pupils who have already been on the S2R training are delivering workshops themselves and mentoring the newbies – a fantastic way to build the long term sustainability of the project.

Below is a blog post by one of the reporters about how they felt training the next generation:

Seeing new S2R recruits makes me feel old!

By Rayster786 from S2RLeyton
It’s been a year and 3 months since I joined S2R. I’ve met a lot of people along the way. However today was scary. Seeing new people learning the same things I did. going the same places I did, has really opened my eyes into reality that I have come along way from being a shy little year nine boy to becoming a young responsible budding journalist, who has been to Canada and the Olympic Park. Seeing the new S2R reporters today made me realise that I will need to up my game even more if I want to get to go places and meet more new people, because these reporters are pretty good for first timers. So it is a nice surprise to see the upcoming talent that our local area has, however this means, more competition and now i feel, that to win the various competitions that Radiowaves creates everyone will have to work a little bit harder. But overall the future looks bright for S2R Leyton!!!!

Video: An insight into the S2R process

Basketball to Brrrrr….

In addition to all the training its been a busy summer of sport with the young reporters capturing the action at a whole range of events nationwide. Highlights included: LloydsTSB National School Sport Week , wheelchair basketball, 2012 2 year countdown, open swimming championships, cycling tours and Manchester United Premier Cup.

Video: Brrrrr…its cold in here…Rotherham Open Water Swim

For all the latest news, events and reports visit www.radiowaves.co.uk/s2r and have your say.

How do school pupils use computers and the web in their music making? A recent survey conducting by NUMU, the online music community for schools, reveals some interesting facts and views.

Pupils were asked to complete a simple online questionnaire about their musical tastes, how they use computers and what their school is like for music lessons.

Some highlights of the results:

Most pupils who responded were Year 9 UK pupils and members of NUMU
70% said their music lessons were either “Really Good” or “OMG! Amazing”
0% said their music lessons were “hideously boring”
41 % said their teacher was “genius level” at using computers for making music
50% said “Good Teachers” were the most important thing for a music lesson – 37% thought “The Latest Technology” was more important
85% of school musicians have used computers to make or record their music.
80% share music they make with others – Web, CD and Mobile were most popular ways – NUMU was cited as most popular for sharing ahead of Facebook, You tube and Myspace.
Only 3% share music through their school VLE
39% would like to sell their music but only 24 % say their school helps them do this
52% visit NUMU every day or two
46% access NUMU more from home than school
84% spend time on NUMU listening to other pupils music

The survey also asked what music young people liked best and what software they used:

What makes a Great music lesson?

“When everyone joins in and gets really involved in what you are doing.”

“practical and time to record, also some of the history and theory as this information can make your playing better”

“being able to be let free and make my own piece of music with what ever musical technology we have, then at the end have a big show and tell with everyone in the class to show the music they made”

“Being allowed time to create music with others and by yourself that isn’t laid down by rules regarding what genre it MUST be and what notes you HAVE to use”

“fun and loads of time making music”

“Amps with blasting volumes, and Jamming with the band.”

Summary

Whilst the survey is only a small snapshot the results suggest that technology and community are very important to young peoples music making. This comment by one pupil about NUMU sums it up quite well:

“You can share music and you can listen to other peoples talents and you can make friends through music.”

To set up your own school record label and let your pupils share their music safely jon NUMU for FREE at www.numu.org.uk

‘Safe‘ – a new, national programme to help primary pupils learn the skills to enjoy social networking whilst staying safe online launches in October, 2010.

Created by social enterprise DigitalME, Safe brings together the UK’s leading safety organisations and education social network to create a unique programme designed for primary schools.

Radiowaves, the award winning social network for schools is providing a free online platform for schools to use; Childnet International is delivering its expert advice and resources on internet safety and ‘The i in Online’ is offering information and workshops on privacy and legal issues.

The programme has been developed with teachers for use in the classroom and provides step by step instructions, links to the curriculum, whole class and carousel activities. A simple self-assessment system allows teachers to reward pupils for completing the programme, with certificates and badges plus gaining accreditation for their school.

Lucinda Fell Childnet International Policy and Communications Manager says:

“Safe embraces the positive opportunities afforded by the internet, encouraging young people to ask Who? What? Where? When sharing on the web. This is important for primary pupils to consider, empowering them to think about how they share their content and preparing them for interacting on social networking sites.”

Safe is provided free to schools with optional, paid for training, certificates, badges and other resources being introduced to support the programme further.

The full programme will launch in October – Anyone interested in taking part or supporting Safe can register now at www.digitalme.co.uk/safe

Mark Riches, director of Radiowaves says:

“Social networking and sharing online provides many opportunities for young people to develop creative and communication skills in fun ways both in school and at home. However, technology is a tool and as with all tools we need to help children understand how they can be used and what the potential risks are. With children growing up in an increasingly digital world, our focus is on helping them to independently make informed and positive choices. We might not know what challenges they will face in the future but we can make sure every young person has the skills and support to be a safe and engaged digital citizen.”

Robert Bond of ‘The i in online’ adds

“We are delighted to support Safe. The need to educate children about responsible use of social media is as important as teaching them road safety.”

Kate Valentine, Buckinghamshire primary school teacher and Safe advisor comments:

“Safe provides the tools for teachers and parents to help children make better choices online. The Cycling Proficiency Test helps pupils use bikes safely and confidently on the roads, the Safe programme helps children learn positive habits and become confident digital citizens”

To find out more and to register please visit: www.digitalme.co.uk/safe

Supporting Partners
Safe is developed by DigitalMe with support from partners: Childnet International, The I in Online and Radiowaves.
DigitalME is a social enterprise that aims to use new technology to provide innovative learning opportunities for all young people with a particular focus on engaging those disconnected from mainstream provision and opportunities. www.digitalme.co.uk

Radiowaves Launched in 2003, Radiowaves is the leading safe, social networking site for young people, used in over 1,400 schools in the UK and internationally, with 25,000 young reporters uploading their profiles, blogs, media and comments to moderated media stations. We work with many companies, industry organisations and government departments on projects which give young people a voice in a safe environment. Our partners include The Football Foundation, the Imperial War Museum, Childnet International, The Arts Award, The Ministry of Justice, The British Council, Drinkaware and the SSAT.
www.radiowaves.co.uk

Childnet International is a registered charity set up in 1995 with the mission to work in partnership with others around the world to “help make the Internet a great and safe place for children.” The vision of the organisation is to ensure that all those involved in developing, producing, controlling, using and regulating international telecommunications (current and future), recognise and implement policies and programmes which prioritise the rights of children so that their interests are both promoted and protected.
www.childnet.com

‘The i in online’ aims to educate primary and secondary school children, as well as their parents and teachers about using and providing their personal information online and the potential pitfalls of not managing privacy settings effectively. Legal experts highlight the regulatory and legal aspects of this topic, whilst also demonstrating technical issues and illustrating mechanisms to help protect personal data whilst using the internet. www.speechlys.com/the_i_in_online

To underline these points we were treated to a fantastic performance by some talented young musicians from Oxford. A great reminder about why music matters and the impact we can all have through music education and working in harmony.

Video: Shepherds Pi play some jazz at Music Education Council AGM

As part of the focus on working together better Teaching Music project leader David Ashworth presented a new opportunity for organsiations to be part of the community through their own channels on the site. More on this and a selection of case studies exploring who uses Teaching Music and why will be published later this year. In the mean time if you are involved in any aspect of music education then join in and have your say and together we can create more great musical opportunities and successes like Shepherds Pi.

Find out more about Teaching Music and register for FREE at www.teachingmusic.org.uk

Video: Day Three National School Sport Week

See all the reports and have your say at www.radiowaves.co.uk/sportweek

Share your stories and Win!

Lloyds TSB and the Youth Sport Trust are inviting schools in England and Wales to share their Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week videos, blogs and podcasts via Supporter to Reporter (S2R). Reports can be submitted online to the Sport Week channel on Radiowaves, www.radiowaves.co.uk/sportweek. The reports should show how your event reflects the Olympic and Paralympic values of Friendship, Respect, Excellence, Determination, Courage, Equality and Inspiration. The most viewed report will win an inspirational visit from an Olympian and the experts’ choice will win a Panasonic Camera for their school!

Share your story and see more at  www.radiowaves.co.uk/sportweek

The reports from Radiowaves can also be viewed on the Sport Week website at www.schoolsportweek.org/

Lloyds TSB and the Youth Sport Trust are inviting schools in England and Wales to share their Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week videos, blogs and podcasts via Supporter to Reporter (S2R). Reports can be submitted online to the Sport Week channel on Radiowaves, the safe social media network for schools www.radiowaves.co.uk/sportweek. The reports should show how your event reflects the Olympic and Paralympic values of Friendship, Respect, Excellence, Determination, Courage, Equality and Inspiration. The most viewed report will win an inspirational visit from an Olympian and the experts’ choice will win a Panasonic Camera for their school!

Mark Riches from S2R and Radiowaves comments: “Sport is a fantastic way to celebrate Olympic and Paralympic values and bring people together. Linking this with the social power of the web, it is a great way to showcase all the sport and media talent in schools and hopefully inspire others to take part. We are really excited to be working with Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week on this innovative competition and look forward to a great summer of sport!”

Dan, an S2R student says: “Reporting on sports events is really challenging but so much fun. Working with S2R I have learnt so much about sport, journalism and the Olympics – everyone should join in – there is something for everyone!”

Chief executive of the Youth Sport Trust, Steve Grainger, states: “Working with schools throughout the country, we know there is a growing sense of excitement and enthusiasm among teachers and young people that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are getting closer. Sport can bring out the best in every young person and help them get more from life. Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week provides a brilliant opportunity for us to inspire a generation and promote lifelong participation in sport.”

Register for Lloyds TSB NSSW before 28th June and submit your report by 16th July. For further information on how to enter please visit: www.radiowaves.co.uk/sportweek.

The annual Radiowaves Awards help celebrate this work and showcase some of the bright young talent out there. The winners are chosen from hundreds of nominations and reward some of the best work and most active members of the Radiowaves community.

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This years winners are:

Best Primary Station – WhitchurchFM

Best Secondary Station – Catmose College

Best Reporter – The Beast

Best Story – The Vancouver Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony by Lewis Philips from Inverkeithing High School

Best Audio/Video – Those Ugly Days by DJHellier from BSN Radio

Best use of Special Effects – Stand up for Shakespeare by Year 5 at JazzyFM

Best Animation – Bulmershe Animation Club

Best Customised Station – Inverkeithing High School

Best Online Community – Fife

Best Radiowaves Project – Lights…Camera…Parliament!

Best Newcomer – RockFM

Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone on Radiowaves who have all contributed their stories and comments to make such a great community.

Hear what young people are saying and have your say at www.radiowaves.co.uk

Michael uses his media skills to campaign for better  support and understanding for AAC users. He is an MP on the North East Learning Disability Parliament, a reporter on the Diana Award Channel at Radiowaves, and an AAC Role Model for 1 Voice.

A recent project run by Radiowaves with animator Vivien Peach, has allowed Michael and three friends to create a new animation in their series about AAC. The animation is a follow up to “The Language Stealers” which expressed the challenges Michael and other AAC users face in their school lives – although they have access to talkers and other technology to aid their communication at home, they are not used in school.

The new animation, “The Language Givers” gives an insight into the lives of Michael, Gemma, Andrew and Robert, including their favourite hobbies, their hopes and dreams, and the people and technology that help them to communicate. The animation aims to promote the use of the new technologies, raise awareness of the issues faced by AAC users and promote role models within schools.

Michael’s animations and presentations are posted on his blog and the Diana Award channel on Radiowaves. The new animation will be premiered at a celebration event at Bishop Auckland College on Tuesday 22^nd June.

To find out more about Micheal’s story and have your say visit www.radiowaves.co.uk/dianaaward

Video: The Language Stealers

Video: Radiowaves teachers feature on Fox News

Congratulations to the Bilton staff for being Gleeful stars and for giving their students something to really remember from their final year!

Watch the whole video and find out more at http://www.radiowaves.co.uk/story/137472/title/Biltonstaffsmusicalsendoff