Pupils to link with older people via radio

Pupils at a Tayside school are reaching out across the airwaves in a new radio project designed to tackle loneliness among the elderly.

Bertha Park School in Perth has joined forces with Generations Working Together as part of a Scottish Government programme to combat social isolation.

The youngsters plan to launch their own radio station and will be playing musical requests and delivering shout-outs, mentions and dedications to listeners.

As well as picking up valuable practical skills, the children will be aiming to help people who live alone and are missing out on access to friends and family to feel more connected to their community and the wider world.

The station will be broadcasting via internet radio which will be accessible through the school’s website.

Pupils and staff will be responsible for programme content, production and performance of the shows.

It’s hoped literacy and numeracy skills will be boosted through the deliver y of the broadcasts.

Pupils’ confidence, resilience and communication abilities will also improve, say teachers, and the scheme will encourage teamwork.

The school produced a 10-minute Christmas show which was sent to care homes across the country.

The show was aimed at older people and featured musical performances, poetry readings, personal greetings from the pupils and staff, and the occasional Christmas-cracker joke.

It was made available to watch on the school’s Youtube channel on 21 December.