Welcome to Tower Radio!
The idea of Tower Radio was first brought about in 2022 with myself and my colleagues, discussing how we could use student radio to bring together the school community and embrace all aspects of school life.
I am very proud of each and every student who have been involved and, to be honest, this has mainly come from them. Their ideas on the artwork, the launch campaign, what we aimed to achieve, the radio room itself, broadcasting, and open evenings have all been down to the remarkable students of Spalding Grammar School.
I hope you engage with us, whether that's by listening to our live radio, our podcasts, or being a part of this yourself. Most of all, enjoy what our students have made for everyone's enjoyment.
I would like to give a special mention to Tom Stafford for being the first student to lead on this, along with Jaiden Wilkins and Jess Atkinson for their remarkable artwork by designing our mascot, Mikey. And to Harry Walker, Connor Clarke, Charlie Booth, and Damian Robinson for currently being the lead students on this. All of their work both in and out of school has been invaluable.
Mrs Chiappino
How to listen
At Home
We broadcast exclusively via our website. To listen to us, simply click on the play icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen!
You can listen to our pre-recorded podcasts at anytime here.
In School
You can listen to us on-site in the Atrium during Friday lunchtimes, or listen to us around the school during the open evenings.
Alexa Smart Speaker
We are now available on Alexa! Simply add "Tower Radio" via the Skills section of the Alexa app, and then ask your smart speaker to "play Tower Radio Live".
Featured in
Grammar students made of write stuff
Source: Spalding Voice
School's radio stars make waves
Source: Spalding Voice
Spalding Grammar School students make a plea for help to get Tower Radio back on air
Source: Lincolnshire Free Press
Featured on BBC Look North for assistance after flooding
Source: BBC Look North
Students delighted by radio equipment loan from NetSupport
Source: NetSupport
Supported by
Spalding Grammar School PFA
NetSupport Radio
Lincs Hospital Radio
107 Endeavour FM
Leeds Student Radio
Student Radio Association
Uptown Vinyl Records
Timeline
-
A lightbulb moment
The idea of starting our own Student Radio was brought to light by Mrs. Chiappino, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Wise. This made it to the Spalding Voice newspaper: Mrs Chiappino told the paper, "It's exciting times for the students, who are working towards launching their own radio station and podcast for the school.".
-
Testing, testing, 1, 2, 1, 2
We received the Rodecaster Pro II Mixer, and the Shure MV7X Microphone from the Spalding Grammar School PFA.
-
We need YOU for Tower Radio!
Our art students, Jaiden and Jess, designed posters to go around the school, and they also designed Mikey! The @TowerRadioUK Twitter account was also created.
-
Sixth Form Open Evening
The Sixth Form Open Evening was on the 14th of November - this was a big turning point for Tower Radio, as we were actually broadcasting to various classrooms around the school. We had 30-minute presenter slots with different Sixth-Form students presenting their favourite genre of music. The renovations also started for the Clocktower at this point.
-
The New Home for Tower Radio
The Clocktower was now ours! We had the keys, and we began moving our equipment from our little locker to the room itself. We also did our first broadcast during Lunchtime, on the last week of term before the Christmas break! Furthermore, we also received a donation from the Spalding Grammar School PFA for 3 new microphones, making our total now 4, and also 4 new pairs of headphones. We also recorded our first podcast in the Clocktower, "Interview with Mr. Mardle". Later on, in December, we also recorded "Interview with Mr. Harris". We also featured on the last page of the school newsletter at the end of the month.
-
Ready, Set, Go!
After nearly 2 years of preparation, we were finally live on-air! Not much was playing, but we were live. We purchased our first set of Jingles, which are used on-air. We also began configuring Mikey to play specific songs during lesson time. Mikey got a redraw thanks to Mr. Spier. We had the Y4/5 Open Evening, which was a massive success - we had the equipment setup in the Atrium, and we played music around the school, similar to the previous Open Evening in November. This time, we had our microphones setup for the people looking around the school to use and experience, and we even gave out stickers of Mikey!
-
Farewell, Headmaster
As the headmaster was leaving soon, we decided to start a new podcast, of which Mr Wilkinson would be the first interviewee. We decided this would be based on a Desert Island Discs type format, and from this idea “Castaway Karaoke” was born. Our first edition of this is now live on our website, and on Spotify. On Tuesday 16th of July, we had a visit from the Spalding Voice. We had a discussion about our current progress along our journey, and about how we got here, too. We then went up to the Clocktower, where Mr. Wilkinson cut the ribbon across the door, and officially opened the station. That was it, we were now official. We had some basic equipment, the branding, and now the publicity. It was time to get the station off the ground!
-
As One Door Closes, Another One Opens...
After a six-week break, we were back in action. After the departure of Mr. Wilkinson at the end of last term, it was time to welcome our new headmistress, Mrs. Anderson. This fresh start was an attitude we all came back with, and we have set ourselves some goals to achieve by the end of this academic year. We also had our own article in the Spalding Voice over the summer holidays, which has been framed and now has pride of place in our studio. We'll have to see what this term brings!
-
Well, that was unexpected.
The month got off to a good start. We had recorded and released the second episode of "Legends Of Spaldingshire", and we even decorated the studio to get into the Halloween spirit! We all left for half term, excited for a weeks rest. Upon our return, it was discovered that a water tank located above our studio had burst, completely soaking all of our equipment. Due to publicity on BBC Look North and the Lincolnshire Free Press, several companies kindly donated equipment for us to get back up and running with.
-
Take 2: Action!
After all of the extremly kind donations from various companies, the team were able to set up for broadcasting one again. We had the donated equipment set up in the atrium in time for the Sixth Form Open Evening, and we were able to broadcast to the classrooms once again. Our greatest thanks go to supporting staff, students and those externally who helped to get us back up and running - Thankyou!
-
Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...
We were finally back up and running! We had our first live broadcast in a long time, and it felt great to be back. We began setting everything up again, and things were really picking up for us. Hopefully the next term will be even better!
-
New Year, New Studio
We came back at the start of the new year, prepared for the challenges ahead of us. We sat down and drew up our plans for the year, including podcast ideas, whole school events and everything in between. New year also means recruiting season! We are looking for new members to join our team, and take on the roles of student radio. But the question is, can you?
-
Your Package Has Arrived!
We had a delivery of new equipment, including a new mixer, microphones and headphones. However we had to take some time off to turn focus to the SGS Production of "West Side Story", which the cast had worked extremly hard on, as did the backstage crew!
-
Away we go!
We were finally back up and running! We had our first live broadcast in a long time, and it felt great to be back. We began setting everything up again, and things were really picking up for us. Hopefully the next term will be even better!