London Met recognised at National Aimhigher Partnership Awards
26th October 2008
London Metropolitan University’s ‘Radio One Week’ was given a Special Mention and runner-up award at the National Aimhigher Partnership Awards on 2 October 2008.
The award is recognition of London Met's innovation and commitment to finding new ways of helping to increase the number of disadvantaged youngsters progressing to higher education.
At a ceremony held at London’s Guoman Tower Hotel, London Met were presented with the award by the Rt. Hon. John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and by Hollyoaks actress and Aimhigher Ambassador Claire Cooper (aka Jacqui McQueen).
‘Radio 1 Week’ is jointly funded by the London East Thames Gateway and Central London Aimhigher Partnerships. It offers an intensive introduction to the range and type of jobs available in broadcast media and provides hands-on experience as well as advice and guidance on what kind of experience, qualifications and training are needed in that industry.
Speaking about Radio One week, Coordinator Sophie Cloutterbuck said: ‘This is the fourth year we have been running the programme. We focus on and encourage the musical and associated ambitions of 40-targeted students from the two regional Aimhigher partnerships, delivering interactive inputs and workshops led by London Met and BBC Radio One staff. It’s different every time and participants get really involved, their confidence is boosted and they are motivated by the week. We’ve seen some fantastic changes in the young people take place, even in just a week!’
Students are given the opportunity to record and produce a CD and visit live recording studios, meet real producers and talk to urban music DJs such as Ras Kwame and Hugh Stephens. Some participants have shadowed and recorded live broadcasts at Maida Vale Studios, while others have had their tracks played on Radio One. With a 100% retention rate the impact is evident. Twelve out of sixteen of the 2005/06 cohort questioned are now at University, some of these now acting as Aimhigher Ambassadors themselves and the rest are working in the music industry.
Selected from 130 entries from across the country a panel of representatives from HEFCE, DIUS and Action on Access picked out Radio One Week as an exemplar of successful partnership working that demonstrates real impact.
Harinder Lawley, Head of Access Development said: ‘London Metropolitan University is delighted to receive the award on behalf of all the partners and we are proud of our achievement in supporting the aspirations and progression of so many participants into higher education. Our congratulations and best wishes to all of them.’