Holgate CLC

Holgate CLC purchased their Clyde Broadcast ‘SYNERGY Portable’ System in Spring 2007. The CLC is one of two CLCs in Barnsley and together they work with 95 schools including Primary and Secondary. Holgate specializes in Print and Graphics, Audio Recording, Video Production, Web design and a number of outreach projects that involve both the education and business sectors from the region.

Holgate CLC recently introduced a Level 4 qualification in Creative, Digital Media, accredited by the University of Hull. Dean Macfarlane - Manager for Holgate CLC was extremely keen to use SYNERGY to help deliver the course within Module 5 - Broadcasting , Publishing  and Communication. It engages students, gives them a true to life experience and is the ultimate way for schools to produce podcasts.Holgate CLC have used Synergy across there link work with local Secondary Schools and primary schools below is some information on that work.

Shawlands Primary School

The Y6 class have been studying World War 2.  They spent two days at the CLC preparing & recording a half hour radio show on the subject. 

The class were split into 5 groups & each group covered a different topic:  Outbreak of War, The Blitz, Evacuation, Rationing & D-Day – End of the War. 

Each group had to prepare at least 5 minutes worth of material – they were provided with audio clips & music from the era which they had to fit in around their own scripts.

Pupils spent the first day learning how to use the radio station equipment, researching & writing their scripts, choosing music & audio clips.

The second day was spent rehearsing & recording their 5 minute slots.  The result was a 30 minute radio show!

The Dearne High School

We have worked with two year groups who attend the Dearne High in Barnsley.

The Y8/9 G&T group produced 4 radio shows on African American history.  The Y7 group produced radio shows on their Dreams & Aspirations.

Both groups came to the centre for one day.

They were required not only to research, write & record their scripts, but they were also in charge of their timetable for the day meaning that they had to develop skills of time management, organization & communication as well as learning how the radio station equipment worked.

Again, pupils were split into groups to produce at least 5 minutes each. 

Greenacres School

The radio station has been borrowed by the above school in Barnsley – the school is for pupils with SEN.  They invited Ollie Hayes from Hallam FM in for a day & they created a radio show – one of the best I have heard!

We’ve also worked with Holgate School to produce a Xmas show, Kingstone school has used the radio station to produce coursework for their Y10 & Y11 pupils doing GCSE Media Studies.

The above Summary was provided by Claire Duffin - Holgate CLC Curriculum Development Manager

Dean Macfarlane - CLC Manager attended the day and commented; “It was fantastic to see the students working together, using SYNERGY’s touch screen to pick music, play jingles and record interviews and news reports. Its a really easy system to work and its great that everyone could be included to make the final show”"I think SYNERGY makes a phenomenal difference to the schools in Barnsley. Its completely new technology and perfect for education. Students listen to the radio all the time but don’t realize the work that goes behind making a great radio show and the skills that can be learnt from it. SYNERGY is something that students haven’t had access to before and its really exciting, motivating and helps to boost everyones confidence”.
Claire Duffin - Curriculum Development Manager - Holgate City Learning Centre

I fully recommend a SYNERGY radio station - It’s something that every school should have!”
Dean Macfarlane - Holgate City Learning Centre Manager.

HOLGATE CLC WEBSITE